After a few quiet weeks, a large number of vehicle recall notices have been issued from Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Ford and Mitsubishi for a variety of defects.

 

First up are two recall notices from Audi with the first in relation to the following vehicles (VINs found here):

 

1998-2000 Audi A6 4B/C5
1998-2000 Audi A8 4D/D2
1997-2000 Audi A4 8D/B5
1999-2000 Audi TT 8N/1
1998-1999 Audi Cabriolet 8G/B4

 

Affected vehicles have been recalled due to the component supplier of the airbag inflator advising that there are concerns that the airbag inflators in these vehicles could allow moisture to enter the unit and degrade the airbag propellant.

 

Should this occur the properties of the propellant may be changed so that the propellant does not react as intended during an accident. This could result in the airbag inflator rupturing and expelling sharp metal fragments into the cabin at high speed which could kill or injure vehicle occupants.

 

Owners of affected vehicles should cease driving their vehicle and immediately contact their preferred Audi dealer for an urgent vehicle inspection.

 

If a recalled Audi vehicle is identified as containing the affected type of driver airbag and is validly registered for road use in Australia as at the date on which the recall was announced, Audi Australia will offer to buy back the registered vehicle from the owner at present market value (as determined by an independent third-party valuer appointed by Audi) as there are no replacement airbag inflators available due to the age of the vehicles.

 

Consumers who are unsure of whether they are affected by this recall can also use the VIN look-up tool available on the Audi website or contact the Audi Takata Information Line on 1800 856 770.

 

The second recall this week is in relation to Audi A8 (F8) vehicles fitted with 21-inch cast aluminium wheels described as “Audi Sport 5 double-spoke V design, matte titanium look, machine-polished” (PR number F29) (VINs found here).

 

Affected wheels do not meet strength specifications meaning that if the vehicle hits the kerb or crosses speed humps at high speed the wheel spokes could potentially break affecting the handling of the vehicle and posing a risk to vehicle occupants and other road users.

 

Audi will contact known affected owners to arrange for an inspection and replacement with alternative 21-inch aluminium wheels.

 

Two recall notices have also been issued by Hyundai this week with the first in relation to 2007-2012 i30 (FD) vehicles (VINs found here) which may have an improperly programmed airbag control unit (ACU).

 

The incorrect programming could potentially lead to the driver, passenger airbags and seat belt pretensioners inadvertently deploying without impact increasing the risk of an accident and injury occurring to vehicle occupants and other road users.

 

Hyundai will contact known affected owners in writing to advise that their vehicle needs to visit a Hyundai dealership to have the airbag control module reprogrammed free of charge.

 

A recall notice was also issued for the Hyundai Sonata tow bar trailer wiring harness (details here) which may have incorrect wiring causing all lights on the trailer to become inoperative when the vehicle ignition is off including the hazard and brake lights.

 

Hyundai will phone known affected owners to advise that the vehicle needs to be inspected and repaired if necessary free of charge at a Hyundai dealership.

 

Kia has also issued a similar recall notice for 2019-2020 Kia Cerato (BD) vehicles fitted with the tow bar wiring harness accessory (fitted to vehicles after purchase) which may encounter similar issues as the Hyundai recall.

 

Kia will contact known affected owners in writing to arrange an inspection and relocate the tow bar wiring harness fuse if necessary.

 

A number of 2019 Toyota Camry (ASV70, GSV70), Camry Hybrid (AXVH7) and 2019-2020 Toyota Coaster (XZB70) vehicles have been recalled (VINs found here) due to two locking mechanisms in the vehicle’s seat belts being unable to lock the seat belt as designed as a result of incorrect manufacture.

 

Toyota will contact known affected owners in writing to advise that a free repair is available at their preferred Toyota dealership.

 

Numerous 2014-2019 Ford Mondeo vehicles have been recalled (VINs found here) due to the potential for battery acid to leak around the battery negative terminal.

 

If copper sulphate builds up over time, this could provide a low-resistance conductive layer underneath the Battery Monitoring Sensor that may result in a fire. This may occur when the vehicle is parked and unattended.

 

Ford will contact owners of affected vehicles to arrange a free inspection and repair if necessary.

 

The final recall notice this week comes in relation to 2010 and 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles (VINs found here) which may, in extreme weather conditions such as snow, ice and salt spray, allow the electric vacuum pump to corrode and deteriorate affecting brake performance. The brake warning light and audio warning alert will both activate.

 

If there is a loss of vacuum to the brake booster system, there may be increased stopping distance when the brakes are applied, increasing the risk of an accident or injury to vehicle occupants and other road users.

 

Mitsubishi will contact known affected owners in writing to advise that the vehicle needs to be presented to a preferred dealer for a free rectification of the issue.