Last week, a series of significant recalls impacted nearly 1.9 million vehicles across major brands including Tesla, Hyundai, and Nissan, highlighting ongoing safety issues in the automotive industry.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued recalls for issues ranging from unintended airbag deployments to software malfunctions that could lead to critical vehicle failures.
Tesla, Hyundai, and Nissan Safety Issues
Tesla’s extensive recall affects over 1.8 million vehicles across multiple models due to a hood latch issue that could result in a sudden obstruction of the driver’s view if the hood unexpectedly opens. See: NHTSA’s Report on this massive Tesla recall.
Affected Tesla Vehicles:
- 2021-2024 Tesla Model 3
- 2021-2024 Tesla Model S
- 2021-2024 Tesla Model X
- 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y
Hyundai is addressing a potentially dangerous flaw in 49,719 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe HEV vehicles, involving a wiring harness that could damage and impact airbag functionality. Hyundai is also recalling 12,612 vehicles of its older 2010-2013 Genesis Coupe model due to a faulty spring that could result in unintentional moving of the vehicle when the hand brake is not engaged. Get more details from the NHTSA Report on this Hyundai recall.
Affected Hyundai Vehicles:
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV
- 2010-2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Nissan is recalling 1,188 of their 2023 Ariya models due to a software error that may cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing crash risks. See the NHTSA Report on this Nissan recall.
Affected Nissan Vehicles:
- 2023 Nissan Ariya
Owners of the recalled vehicles might face significant safety risks—from unexpected airbag deployment in Hyundais, which could lead to accidents or prevent airbags from deploying when needed, to sudden loss of power in Nissans, and visibility issues in Teslas. These issues not only compromise the safety of the vehicle occupants but also pose a risk to others on the road.
Repair Process
Tesla has already issued an over-the-air software update to remedy the hood latch detection issue.
Hyundai will inspect affected vehicles at their dealerships and potentially replace the faulty wiring harness.
Nissan will verify if the inverter software received an update from a previous recall and will provide an update if the inverter software was not reprogrammed.
All repairs and updates are offered at no cost to the vehicle owners.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
Owners can verify if their vehicle is affected by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA’s recall website or by calling NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).
They can also contact their respective manufacturer’s customer service. Hyundai can be reached at 1-855-371-9460, Nissan at 1-800-867-7669, and Tesla at 1-877-798-3752.
Auto Manufacturer’s Response
Each manufacturer has responded quickly to mitigate any potential harm, with communications sent out to affected owners and remedies provided at no charge.
Tesla started issuing over-the-air software update packages beginning on June 18, 2024.
Hyundai notified their dealers about this recall on July 26, 2024 and will send out communications to affected vehicle owners on September 23, 2024.
Nissan dealers were notified on July 30, 2024 and customers will receive notification beginning September 9, 2024.
California Lemon Law Protection
Affected owners in California are protected under California Lemon Law provisions, which offer remedies if their vehicles continue to fail even after several repair attempts. Those experiencing repeated issues should keep detailed records and consider legal advice to understand their rights fully.
If you own a recalled model, contact your dealer immediately to arrange for necessary repairs and ensure your vehicle is safe.
If you face ongoing issues other than those mentioned in this article, call us immediately at 323-553-7525 or book a free consultation to protect your rights and potentially receive compensation for that defective vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About These Recalls
How do I know if my vehicle is affected by the recall?
You can check if your vehicle is included in the recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA’s website. This service will tell you whether your car has any outstanding recall notices.
What should I do if my vehicle is affected?
If your vehicle is affected, contact your local dealership immediately to arrange for the necessary repairs, which are free of charge. The dealer will schedule an appointment to fix the issue as outlined in the recall notification.
Are there any risks if I continue to drive my vehicle before it is fixed?
Driving a recalled vehicle before repairs can pose safety risks. For instance, unexpected airbag deployment, loss of drive power, or an unlatched hood could lead to accidents or injuries.
How long will the repairs take?
The duration of the repairs can vary depending on the specific issue and parts availability. Your dealer can provide a more accurate estimate when you book your repair appointment.
Will the recall repair be free of charge?
Yes, all recall repairs are performed free of charge to the vehicle owner. This includes any parts and labor required to address the recall issue.
About Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company, established in South Korea in 1967, has grown into a global automotive manufacturer known for its wide range of vehicles including cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Hyundai is recognized for its commitment to innovation and quality. Despite its strong reputation, Hyundai has faced its share of recalls and lemon law cases which highlight the challenges of maintaining quality and safety in a complex global market.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, is part of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance, one of the world’s largest automotive groups. Founded in 1933, Nissan has a long history of pioneering innovative technologies in the automotive industry. Known for its reliable and efficient vehicles, Nissan has nevertheless encountered various recalls and legal challenges over the years, reflecting the broader industry’s ongoing struggle with vehicle safety and reliability.
About Tesla
Tesla, Inc., based in California, USA, is at the forefront of the electric vehicle and clean energy revolution. Founded in 2003 by Elon Musk and a group of engineers, Tesla aims to prove that people don’t need to compromise to drive electric – that electric vehicles can be better, quicker, and more fun to drive than gasoline cars. Tesla’s innovative approach has reshaped the automotive landscape, but like other manufacturers, it has not been immune to issues, leading to recalls and scrutiny under lemon laws and safety regulations.