Recall Check: Ram Recall for Shrapnel in Side Airbags, 600K Faulty Hyundai, Kia Trunk Latches

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Ram Recall, Hyundai, Kia Trunk Latch Overview:

• Who: Automakers recalled hundreds of thousands of Ram trucks and Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  
• Why: A Ram recall for a dangerous side airbag problem includes 266,000 trucks, while Hyundai and Kia recalled 600,000 vehicles equipped with defective trunk latches that could leave someone trapped.
• Where: The recalls were issued nationwide this week.

Defective trunk latches and airbag inflators led to a massive Hyundai and Kia recall this week, along with a Ram recall covering heavy-duty pickup trucks.

Ram Recall for Exploding Side Airbags 

Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler, issued a recall on Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks Friday. 

The problem is an airbag inflator that can explode unexpectedly, causing parts to shoot into the cabin. 

The automaker said in its Ram recall notice that moisture got into the parts during the manufacturing process. The result is a metal canister that can rupture unexpectedly and has in one instance, reports Transport Topics.  

The following vehicles are included in the Ram recall: 

• 2015-2020 Ram 3500 and 2500 pickup trucks 
• 2015-2020 Classic Ram 1500 pickup trucks 

The Ram recall is the second concerning exploding side airbags issued by automakers this summer. In July, GM recalled more than 400,000 vehicles equipped with defective side airbag inflators, including 2015 and 2016 GMC Sierra trucks, and Chevrolet 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks. 

Owners of vehicles affected by the Ram recall will be notified when they can schedule a free repair of the problem, says the recall notice.  

Defective Trunk Latch Recall 

More than 600,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been recalled due to a defective trunk latch that may leave a person trapped, according to a pair of NHTSA notices issued this week.  

The defective trunk latches may become damaged and unable to be opened from the inside — potentially trapping someone in the trunk, according to the agency.  

The recall affects the following vehicles: 

• 2016-2018 Kia Forte 
• 2016-2018 Kia Forte Koup 
• 2018-2019 Kia Rio 
• 2017-2018 Hyundai Sonata 
• 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 
• 2018-2020 Hyundai Accent 
• 2016-2017 Hyundai Azera 

Owners will be notified starting Oct 1 and can bring their recalled vehicles to a dealer for a free replacement of the latch assembly.  

Top Class Actions will continue to monitor this and other auto recalls to help keep consumers informed.      

Consumers can check to see if their vehicles are a part of the GM SUV recall or another safety defect recall by visiting the NHTSA website and entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number. 

Is your vehicle a part of the defective trunk latch or Ram recall? We want to hear about it! Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!

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