Kia, Hyundai, other automakers announce vehicle recalls in September

September vehicle recalls overview: 

• Who: Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Hyundai initiated vehicle recalls in August and September.
• Why: The automakers initiated the recalls over a valve plunger defect, a trailer hitch defect, an ignition switch failure and unintended acceleration. 
• Where: The recalls affect vehicle owners nationwide. 

Automakers Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Hyundai initiated vehicle recalls in August and September due to a valve plunger defect, a trailer hitch defect, ignition switch failure and unintended acceleration. 

An automaker may choose to initiate a recall if it determines a vehicle has a defect that could cause it to not work properly and/or present a safety risk for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and others. 

Kia recalls 18,000+ model year 2018-201 Kia Stinger vehicles over valve plunger defect 

Kia recalled more than 18,000 of its model year 2018-2021 Kia Stinger vehicles last month over concerns they contain a defective valve plunger that causes it to stick and overpressurize, which can lead to a loss of drive power. 

The automaker is concerned the potential defect could pose a crash risk, according to a recall acknowledgment letter the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted last month. 

Kia says it will remedy the issue by having its dealers update the engine control unit software and inspect and replace the fuel pump if necessary at no cost. 

The automaker will notify owners of the recalled Kia Stinger vehicles by mail by Nov. 10, according to the recall acknowledgement letter. 

Individuals with more questions about the recall can contact Kia by phone at (800) 333-4542 or the NHTSA by phone at (888) 327-4236 or on its website. 

Mercedes-Benz recalls Mercedes-Benz GLC300 vehicles over trailer hitch defect 

Mercedes-Benz recalled 11,853 of its model year 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 vehicles last month over concerns they contain a trailer hitch defect that could cause them to detach from a tow truck in the event of a tow. 

“A detached tow eye can separate the vehicle from the tow truck, increasing the risk of a crash or injury,” Mercedes-Benz states in a recall acknowledgement letter the NHTSA published last month. 

The defect originates with the front tow eye, according to the automaker, which says the part may not have been adequately threaded to the vehicle’s crossmember. 

Mercedes-Benz says it will remedy the issue by having its dealers inspect and replace the front crossmember on the recalled Mercedes-Benz GLC300 vehicles, as necessary, free of charge.

The automaker will notify owners of the recalled Mercedes-Benz GLC300 vehicles by letter by Nov. 10, according to the recall acknowledgement letter. 

Individuals with more questions about the recall can contact Mercedes-Benz at (800) 367-6372 or the NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 or on its website. 

Volkswagen recalls Jettas over potential ignition switch failure

Volkswagen recalled 47,651 model year 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles over concerns they may have been equipped with an ignition switch that can fail, especially during periods of  high temperature. 

The recall involves certain Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that were equipped with a conventional ignition switch, according to a recall acknowledgment letter the NHTSA posted last month. 

Volkswagen says it will remedy the issue by having its dealers replace the ignition switch on the recalled Volkswagen Jetta vehicles free of charge. 

It plans to mail out notification letters to owners by Oct. 27. 

Individuals with more questions about the recall can contact Volkswagen at (800) 893-5298 or the NHTSA by phone at (888) 327-4236 or on its website. 

Hyundai recalls Elantra HEVs over concerns defect could cause unintended acceleration 

Hyundai recalled almost 38,000 model year 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) in August over concerns they contain a software defect that could potentially cause a slow and unintended acceleration after the driver releases the brake pedal. 

The automaker says the software defect could increase the risk of a crash “at certain vehicle speeds,” according to a recall notice the NHTSA published Aug. 18. 

Hyundai says it will remedy the issue by updating the logic in the recalled vehicles’ Motor Control Units and reassures owners the vehicles are equipped with a brake override system “as a standard feature.” 

“Owners can continue driving these vehicles as the vehicle’s brake systems are fully operational and effective in slowing the vehicle,” the Hyundai Elantra recall states. 

Hyundai says it will notify affected vehicle owners by first class mail by Oct. 17 with instructions on how to bring their vehicles in so a dealer can perform the update. 

Have you recently been affected by a vehicle recall? Let us know in the comments! 

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