Car recalls: Why they happen and what buyers should know
Here are a few reasons why 2021 saw a record number of car recalls.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued multiple recalls last week, including Ferrari sports cars, Volkswagen, Bentley and Land Rover vehicles, and a Daimler Trucks recall involving more than 23,700 school buses.
Car owners can check USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or search NHTSA’s database for new recalls. The NHTSA website also allows you to search for recalls based on your vehicle identification number, or VIN.
Here are the vehicle recalls issued by the NHTSA the week of May 5-12:
What else is under recall? Check USA TODAY’s searchable recall database; cars, food, consumer products and more
Ferrari 296 recall for possible fuel tank pipe leak
Ferrari is recalling 425 of its 2022-2023 Ferrari 296 sports cars because the fuel tank connecting pipe may corrode due to unintended contact between the fuel tank connecting pipe and the high-voltage battery protection cover. A resulting chemical reaction can lead to formation of corrosion on the pipe and subsequently a hole that can leak fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an external ignition source may increase the risk of fire, the auto maker said in a safety recall report.
Recalled vehicles:
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will install a new fuel tank connecting pipe reinforced with a protective sleeve, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2023. Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari’s number for this recall is RC 85.
Volkswagen ID.4 recall due to doors opening unexpectedly
Volkswagen is recalling 35,325 of its 2021-2022 ID.4 vehicles due to its door handles possibly being manufactured incorrectly. The door handles could allow water to enter the circuit board assembly, which can cause the doors to open unexpectedly.
Recalled vehicles:
- 2021-2022 Volkswagen ID. 4
Car dealers will update the vehicle software and inspect the door handles for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen’s customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 57J5.
Bentley Flying Spur recall to fix rear entertainment screen retention bracket
Bentley is recalling 1,659 of its 2021-2023 Flying Spur vehicles due to the rear entertainment screen retention bracket possibly being installed incorrectly.
Recalled vehicles:
- 2021-2023 Bentley Flying Spur
Car dealers will inspect and replace the retention brackets in both front seats for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 5, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley’s number for this recall is RE23/06 (RC71).
Land Rover recall to fix storage compartment latch
Land Rover is recalling 12,587 of its 2022-2023 Land Rover Range Rover and 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicles due to the arm rest storage compartment latch, which is on the second-row seat, possibly failing. In the event of a crash, the compartment could become unlocked.
Recalled vehicles:
- 2022-2023 Land Rover Range Rover
- 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Dealers will replace the locking arm of the second-row armrest storage compartment for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover’s number for this recall is N789.
Other vehicles recalled this week
Daimler Trucks 2021-2024 school bus with insufficient rear interior joint recall
Daimler Trucks North America is recalling 23,603 of its 2021-2024 school buses. A rear interior joint may have been manufactured incorrectly, resulting in insufficient joint strength. A school bus with insufficient joint strength may not adequately protect passengers in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury, the company said in a safety recall report.
Recalled vehicles:
- 2021-2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2
Dealers will add additional fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 8, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-574-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is FL973.
Daimler Trucks 2024 school bus with insufficient rear exterior joint recall
Daimler Trucks North America is also recalling 146 of its 2024 Thomas Built school buses because a rear exterior joint may have been manufactured incorrectly, resulting in insufficient joint strength. the company said in a safety recall report.
Recalled vehicles:
- 2024 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2
Dealers will add additional fasteners to secure the joints, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2023. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 1-800-574-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is FL972.
Braun Ambulances recall
Braun Ambulances is recalling 35 of its 2019-2023 ambulances built on Chevrolet medium and heavy-duty chassis. The Liquid Spring suspension systems may come in direct contact with the right rear brake line, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the loss of the rear brakes.
Recalled vehicles:
- 2019-2023 Braun Ambulances Chief Xl Type I
- 2019-2023 Braun Ambulances Express Plus Type I
- 2019-2023 Braun Ambulances Liberty Type I
Dealers will replace and reroute the rear brake lines, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 29, 2023. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-866-305-8402. Braun’s number for this recall is 2023-01.
To find more recalls for vehicles, groceries, consumer products and more, visit USA TODAY’s searchable recalls database.
