Various recall notices have been issued this week for a range of safety issues from Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Volkswagen and Audi.

 

A recall notice has been issued by Kia for 2018-2020 Kia Optima JF vehicles sold between December 21, 2018, and August 2, 2019 (VINs found here).

 

It appears that due to an error in the Frontal Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) software, the braking assist function may fail when the vehicle approaches a stationary vehicle which could increase the risk of an accident and injury occurring to occupants and other road users.

 

Known affected owners can expect to be contacted by mail to advise that an inspection and repair need to be arranged with a preferred Kia dealer.

 

Mercedes-Benz has recalled GLA models sold between August 6, 2018, and September 20, 2018 (VINs found here) which are required to be repaired by a dealer due to the top tether anchorage point in the centre of the rear seat bench being concealed making it impossible to properly fit a child restraint.

 

A number of Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio vehicles which were sold between January 20, 2017, and July 29, 2019 (VINs found here) have been recalled as the instrument panel may indicate more fuel is present than what is actually available in the fuel tank.

 

If the vehicle runs out of fuel the engine may shut down making the vehicle inoperable and thus creating an accident risk to other road users and occupants. Alfa Romeo will be contacting known affected owners by mail to advise them to have their vehicle inspected and the Body Control Module software updated for free if necessary.

 

A large number of 2014 Jeep Cherokee (KL) vehicles which were sold between February 1, 2014, and January 1, 2018 (VINs found here) have been recalled due to the possibility of a stuck clutch which can result in a transmission-commanded shift to neutral.

 

This issue may cause an unexpected loss of power which may cause an accident affecting vehicle occupants and other road users. Known affected owners will be contacted by mail to arrange to have the Transmission Control Module reprogrammed free of charge.

 

Volkswagen has recalled 2017-2018 T6 vehicles (VINs found here). Short wheelbase vehicles with an electric rear lid and electric sliding doors may allow water into the vehicle interior which can run onto the control unit for the electric doors.

 

An incomplete short-circuit with local heat damage may result. If air is supplied through open windows, doors or the sliding roof, the heat damage can even develop into a fire. Volkswagen will contact known affected owners to organise a free repair.

 

Finally this week Audi has issued recall notices for two issues. The first is for 2015-2018 Q3 (8U) vehicles equipped with LED headlights (VINs found here). It appears the vehicle’s external front indicator light may stop working over time and not send a signal to alert the driver. This can pose a hazard to other vehicles and road users.

 

Audi also requires 2017-2019 Q5 (FY) vehicles (VINs found here) to visit a dealer to have the wheel arch covers repaired as they may loosen over time and detach from the vehicle creating an accident risk.

 

In both cases, Audi Australia will be contacting known affected owners to arrange to have the vehicles inspected and repaired if necessary.