A plethora of vehicle recall notices have been issued this week from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lexus, Holden and Volvo.

 

Firstly this week a significant number of 1997-2000 BMW E46 3 Series vehicles (VINs found here) have been added to the Takata airbag recall list.

 

This is an urgent recall and affected vehicles should not be driven at all. As with all Takata airbags, as they age, are exposed to high temperatures or humidity, the risk of the airbag inflator propellant degrading increases. This can result in the metal inflator housing rupturing and expelling metal fragments into the vehicle potentially causing serious injury or death. They need to be replaced as soon as possible.

 

BMW will arrange to have affected vehicles towed to a preferred dealer so they are not driven. A mobile technician may also be deployed to inspect a vehicle at the owner’s home or vehicle’s location. BMW is also offering a loan or hire car or reimbursement for alternative transport costs until parts to replace the faulty airbags are available.

  

Any owner who is unsure whether their vehicle needs an airbag replaced can visit the industry-supported website established to combat the Takata scandal. Replacement airbags can be arranged via the corresponding dealership free of charge.

 

Also on the recall list this week are 2015-2016 Mercedes-AMG GTS vehicles (VINs found here) which may have an issue with the adhesive connection of the driveshaft to the engine/transmission flange not meeting specification.

 

This can lead to an unusual noise, transmission malfunctions or a loss of connection between the engine and transmission which could increase the risk of an accident or injury occurring.

 

Affected owners are expected to contact their most convenient Mercedes-Benz dealer for a free repair.

 

Subaru has recalled 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 XV vehicles (VINs found here) due to the possibility of the aluminium positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve fracturing over time, which would allow the engine to draw an increased amount of engine oil. This may cause excessive exhaust smoke and possibly unexpected loss of engine power.

 

Subaru will contact known affected owners and have them arrange an appointment for a free inspection and repair of their vehicle.

 

Hyundai has recalled the following vehicles (VINs found here):

 

2019 Hyundai Venue

2019 Hyundai Elantra

2019 Hyundai Ioniq EV

 

Affected vehicles may have wheel nuts that are not tightened to the correct torque which could allow the wheels to become loose and fall off the vehicle.

 

Known affected owners can expect to be contacted via mail to advise that the vehicle needs to be inspected and repaired, if necessary, by an authorised dealer.

 

Owners of 2019-2020 Jaguar F-Type 3.0 V6 vehicles (VINs found here) may experience static noise levels which exceed the regulated maximum decibel limit. Affected owners will be notified by Jaguar Land Rover via letter and requested to arrange to have their vehicle visit their preferred dealer to have the vehicle’s software updated.

 

Five owners of the 2019 Lexus CT200h (ZWA10 VINs found here) will need to return their vehicle to their preferred dealer as an issue has been detected with the gas struts that hold the back door open. It appears they may have been manufactured incorrectly which allows the gas charge to leak which could allow the gas struts to fail and cause an injury.

 

Affected owners will be notified by mail that they need to make an appointment to have the issue rectified with their preferred dealer.

 

A small number of 2019-2020 Holden ZB Commodore and BK Astra vehicles (VINs found here) have been recalled due to the cross-member at the base of the rear seat frame potentially being improperly welded to the seat frame.

 

Holden will contact known affected owners in writing to advise that the vehicle needs to be presented to a preferred dealer for an inspection and rectification free of charge.

 

Finally this week two recall notices have been issued by Volvo with the first related to 2016-2019 V40, S90, V90 Cross Country and XC90 vehicles (VINs found here) fitted with a four-cylinder diesel engine D4204T8 (engine code 74), D4204T11 (engine code A4) or D4204T23 (engine code 68).

 

The vehicles in question may have an engine valve leak which can cause the engine intake manifold to melt or deform causing unusual engine operation, activation of the engine malfunction indicator light, engine interruption or lack of power, or the possibility of a localised engine bay fire. 

 

Also recalled were 2016-2018 Volvo V40 vehicles fitted with a four-cylinder diesel engine D4204T8 (engine code 74) (VINs found here) for the same issue.

 

In both cases, Volvo will contact known affected owner in writing and advise that the vehicle needs to be presented to a preferred dealer for a free inspection and repair if necessary.