General Motors has decided that a problem affecting vehicle steering exists in certain 2021 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC trucks. GM opened an investigation into the condition after receiving a field report of loss of power steering assist in a 2021 GMC Yukon.

According to the defect report, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) data obtained from the vehicle indicated that the power steering system may contain a software error that causes loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving. Vehicle testing demonstrated that manual steering remained available without power assist, but increased steering effort was required, particularly at lower speeds. In most cases, the malfunction indicator light will display on the instrument panel and a warning chime will sound. The condition is typically self-corrected at the next ignition cycle.

Vehicles Affected Include
2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon XL

GM will update the software in the vehicles’ power steering module. Owners will have the opportunity to accept these software changes using wireless over-the-air (OTA) technology without having to bring their vehicle to a dealership. Alternatively, owners may schedule to have the updates performed at a GM dealer. A certain number of vehicles that were part of GM’s captured test fleet will require replacement of the steering gear motor kit in order to receive the updated software.

GM’s number for this recall is N212333900 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-455.

Some 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles may fail to comply to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for controls and displays of the occupant crash protection system.

According to the defect report, the front passenger seat belt and airbag status lights on the overhead console could be unknowingly set to night mode, making them not visible to vehicle occupants.  The body control module (BCM) software in these vehicles may inadvertently set the “night mode” in the daytime when the remote start is used or when the vehicle is turned off and re-started without opening the door for ten minutes.  If night mode is active during the daytime the driver and front passenger may not notice the warning that the seat belt is unbuckled or that the airbag is deactivated.  This problem can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

General Motors will be notifying owners of affected vehicles beginning in February.  Dealers will correct the problem by updating the BCM software.  GM’s number for this recall is N202319980 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-790.

Honda will be asking owners of certain 2018-2020 Accord, 2018-2020 Accord Hybrid and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles, to return to their dealerships to repair a problem that could affect various electrical systems in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, a software programming error combined with certain driver actions could disrupt the communication between the body control module (BCM) and other systems. The problem could result in illumination of several warning indicators and the malfunction of one or more electronic components. The affected components include:

  • Windshield defrosting and defogging.
  • Windshield wiping and washing.
  • Headlights and turning indicators.
  • Rear view camera display.
  • Warnings for electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection on electric powered vehicles.
  • Audible warning of a stopped vehicle and placing it into park.
  • Powered windows, partition and roof panels.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the BCM software updated. Honda’s number for this recall is X95 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-771.

 

Mercedes Benz will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 AMG G63 and G550 vehicles because they could contain a differential locking module control unit that does not meet the current production specifications.

According to the defect report, a resistor on the board could be affected by the sulfur fumes from the axle oil. If the resistor is impaired, the electrical current could increase and cause communications between the control unit and the locking actuator to be shut down. Both ESP and ABS system would be deactivated, increasing the risk of a crash under certain conditions. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an illumined ABS and ESP message in the instrument panel.

Dealers will inspect the differential locking modules and replace them as necessary. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 20V-090.

Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles because of a problem affecting engine and engine cooling. The subject vehicles are equipped with 2.5L 4 cylinder engines that may have been produced with engine blocks with high porosity levels.

According to the defect report, these porous engine blocks could crack and leak internally and/or externally causing the engine to overheat and possible internal mechanical damage. There is also an increased risk of an engine fire if oil leaks should come in contact with an ignition source.

Drivers may be alerted of a problem through engine noises, smoke, illuminated engine warning lights and an audible warning chime.

Vehicles Affected
2020 Lexus ES300H
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2020 Toyota Camry
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Dealers will inspect the engine and engine block, replacing them as necessary. Toyota’s number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus’ number for this recall is 20LA02. The NHTSA campaign number is 20V-064.

Honda will be asking owners of certain 2016 Honda Civic two and four door cars equipped with 1.5L or 2.0L engines, to return to their dealerships for a problem affecting the parking brake. According to the defect report, the stability assist electronic control unit software could prevent the electric parking brake from engaging immediately after turning the ignition off. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. If the parking brake cannot be applied, the brake warning indicator will blink on the instrument panel for 15 seconds to alert the driver.

Dealers will update the vehicle’s software to allow the braking software to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is KC6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-725.