Kia, Toyota, Subaru, other vehicles recalled in November

November vehicle recalls overview: 

• Who: Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Honda, Kia and Chrysler initiated vehicle recalls during the months of October and/or November. 
• Why: The automakers initiated the recalls over potential defects involving inhibitor switches, brake inspection gauges, batteries, steering racks, bumper covers, headliner plates and third-row seat belts. 
• Where: The recalls impact vehicle owners nationwide. 

Automakers, including Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Honda, Kia and Chrysler, announced vehicle recalls during November and/or October.

The companies initiated the recalls over potential defects involving inhibitor switches, brake inspection gauges, batteries, steering racks, bumper covers, headliner plates and third-row seat belts. 

An automaker may choose to recall a vehicle if it determines it contains a defect that makes its operation unsafe for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other vehicles on the roadway. 

Subaru recalls 95,000+ vehicles over improperly welded inhibitor switch concerns

Subaru recalled more than 95,000 vehicles over concerns they were equipped with an inhibitor switch that was improperly welded, causing the switch to possibly stop working due to water leaking into it.  

The recall involves certain of Subaru’s model year 2022 Forester, 2021 Crosstrek, 2021-2022 Legacy and 2021-2023 Outback vehicles. 

A defective inhibitor switch could prevent the rearview cameras from displaying properly in the recalled Subaru vehicles, among other things. 

Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles unequipped with brake inspection gauges

Mercedes-Benz recalled 42,742 of its vehicles over concerns they were not equipped with a brake inspection gauge for their rear axle brake pads and the owner’s manual does not include standard information for its use.

The recall involves certain Mercedes-Benz model year 2019-2021 A-Class, CLA, GLA and GLB vehicles. 

“Internal vehicle tests have shown that even with completely worn brake pads on the rear axle, the potentially affected vehicles will still meet the legal performance requirements for stopping distance,” the Mercedes-Benz recall states. 

Toyota recalls RAV4 vehicles over battery concerns 

Toyota recalled more than 1.8 million vehicles in November over concerns the housing for some replacement 12-volt batteries can become loose if a hold-down clamp is not properly tightened. 

The recall involves a total of 1,854,000 of Toyota’s model year 2013-2018 RAV4 vehicles that were equipped with certain 12-volt replacement batteries. 

Toyota says the issue can cause the positive battery terminal in the 12-volt replacement battery to come in contact with the hold-down clamp, causing the battery to short circuit and creating an increased risk of fire. 

Honda Civics recalled over concerns about replacement power steering racks 

Honda recalled more than 176,000 of its vehicles in October over concerns they were given an incorrectly assembled replacement power steering rack during a service repair. 

The recall involves certain model year 2022-2024 Honda Civic four- and five-door vehicles that received a replacement power steering rack as part of a service repair. 

“The steering rack may have been incorrectly assembled, which can allow the tire to chafe against the lower suspension or tie rod end, possibly resulting in tire damage,” the Honda recall states. 

Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid recalled over concerns front lower bumpers could detach 

Toyota voluntarily recalled around 751,000 vehicles in October over concerns the mounting tabs on their front lower bumpers could break and detach from the recalled vehicles in the event of a minor impact. 

The recall involves certain of Toyota’s model year 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. 

Toyota said it is concerned that a detached front lower bumper could become a road hazard and increase the risk of an injury or crash for others on the road. 

Kia recalls nearly 23,000 Borregos over concerns headliner plates can detach

Kia recalled nearly 23,000 of its vehicles in October over concerns their headliner plates were not properly adhered to their headliner, causing them to potentially detach in the event the side curtain airbags are deployed. 

The recall involves 22,768 model year 2009-2014 Kia Borrego vehicles, specifically model year 2009 Kia Borrego vehicles manufactured between May 2, 2008 and Jan. 20, 2009 and a total of 68 2010-2014 Kia Borrego vehicles manufactured from Oct. 20, 2009 through May 14, 2013. 

“If the headliner plate(s) become detached upon deployment of the side curtain airbags, an occupant may be injured,” the Kia Borrego recall states.

Jeeps recalled over potentially defective third-row seat belt buckles

Chrysler recalled more than 97,000 of its Jeep brand vehicles over concerns they were equipped with defective third-row seat belt buckles.

The recall involves certain model year 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs in which vehicle occupants may be unable to fasten their third-row seatbelts, increasing the risk of an injury in the event of a certain type of accident. 

“This recall is not related to a part defect but rather an assembly issue where the vehicle may have been built with third-row seat belt buckles that are inaccessible or damaged,” the Jeep Wagoneer recall states. 

Were you impacted by a vehicle recall in November? Let us know in the comments.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Jeep class action claims certain vehicles have clutch defect
• Fiat Chrysler avoids paying car owners in faulty headrest class action
• Subaru class action alleges some vehicles have thermo control valve failure defect
• Ford class action alleges 360-Degree Camera system defective