Seven brands issue recalls in September

NO LESS than seven different car-makers have issued recalls this month with the total number of affected vehicles amounting to 5292, albeit for different reasons.

The bulk of the vehicles being recalled belongs to Ford, which has recalled 3122 Transit and Transit Custom vans produced between January 23, 2017, and May 27, 2019, to address a faulty water pump fuse.

“The electronic Run-on Water Pump (ROWP) fitted to certain Transit and Transit Custom vehicles aids cooling after the engine has been stopped,” the recall notice reads.

“Vehicles have been built with a 15A fuse to protect the ROWP in case of failure. If the ROWP fails, the 15A fuse will not prevent the ROWP from overheating.

“If the ROWP overheats, it could cause localised melting of the pump body and wiring. In extreme cases this could lead to smoke and possibly an engine compartment fire.”

As is usually the way with recalls, Ford Australia is contacting all affected owners to arrange a free inspection and repair.

Next on the list in terms of sheer volume is Mercedes-AMG, which is recalling 956 MY15-18 GT, GTS and C63s in regards to a software glitch affecting the engine control unit.

According to the recall notice, “if the vehicle is shut off for more than 67 hours the engine control unit may not function as intended” and thereby “may not meet the required emissions standards”.

In this instance, Mercedes-AMG is encouraging all affected owners to contact their preferred dealership for a complimentary software update.

Sticking with AMG, 337 MY18-19 G63 SUVs are also being recalled to prevent a potential electrical failure within the differential locking module.

“Sulfur fumes from axle oil may impair an electrical component in the differential locking module, affecting the normal functioning of the differential lock,” the notice reads.

If this does happen, electronic stability program and anti-lock braking system could be deactivated while the differential locking actuator may shut down altogether.

“Loss of proper operation of the differential lock and braking and traction systems may increase the risk of a crash in situations where these are being relied on, increasing the risk of injury or death of vehicle occupants and occupants of nearby vehicles,” the brand said.

“Consumers are asked to contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz retailer for a free of charge repair.”

SsangYong meanwhile is recalling 374 vehicles across its Korando (MY19-20), Tivoli (MY15-20) and Tivoli XLV (MY15-20) ranges over a potentially faulty fuel line.

According to the brand, a micro crack may develop in the fuel supply line hose if the vehicles are driven “for a long time” and subsequently create a fuel leak, a fault which could result in serious injury or death if the leaking fuel ignites.

“Consumers must present the vehicle to the nearest SsangYong dealer for a free repair by replacing the fuel supply line hose,” SsangYong said.

Volvo occupies the next biggest share of affected vehicles, recalling 372 MY14-17 S60, V60 and XC60s to prevent a potential air lock within the cooling system.

“If the cooling system has to be refilled, air may become trapped in the cooling system, which may result in insufficient cooling of the engine components,” the brand said in the recall notice.

The insufficient cooling may lead to damaged engine components or possibly even an engine fire which carries a serious risk of injury or death.

Volvo says it is currently contacting affected owners and requesting they “make an appointment to have the vehicle repaired”.

Like AMG, Peugeot issued a pair of recalls this month, both revolving around the MY19 Expert van.

67 vehicles are affected in total, 42 of which are being recalled to address a potential faulty rear brake line which may be being chaffed through, possibly causing brake failure.

The other 25 vehicles meanwhile are being summoned to replace potentially damaged fuel supply and return pipes mounted on the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Both cases have potentially life-threatening consequences and so Peugeot is urging affected customers to “contact any authorised Peugeot dealership to arrange a suitable time to have their vehicle inspected and the necessary repair work performed.”

While lesser in volume but certainly not in terms of danger, Honda is recalling 36 MY19 Odyssey people movers to rectify a potentially faulty webbing sensor in the third-row seatbelt assemblies.

Should the sensor fail, the seatbelt may not restrain seat occupants.

“The ACCC considers that the hazard posed to consumers from this safety defect includes the risk that, in the event of an accident, proper restraint may not be provided to a belted occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death,” the recall notice reads.

As with the other recalls, Honda is urging all affected owner to contact their preferred dealership.

Hyundai meanwhile has issued a recalled for 28 MY08-09 Elantras to replace a potentially faulty and lethal airbag inflator.

According to the brand, the driver's airbag inflator may rupture in a crash, propelling metal fragments throughout the cabin.

“Additionally, the airbag may under-inflate in a collision and may not protect the driver as intended. This increases the risk of serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants,” the notice reads.

“Consumers should stop driving the vehicle. Hyundai Motor Company Australia will notify affected owners and invite them to take their vehicles to an authorised Hyundai dealership to have the driver airbag module replaced.”