Over 140k cars recalled in single week with Ford, Toyota & Acura on the list as drivers are warned of dangerous issues

FOUR automakers issue safety-related recalls in the same week – two automakers are recalling well-known EVs due to a dangerous issue.

Another automaker warned drivers their brakes can lose power, increasing the risk of a serious crash.

Toyota

Getty

Getty

The week of August 25 to 31 proved to be an active one for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as four automakers issued urgent recalls.

Ford, after a lengthy investigation by the agency starting in 2021, is recalling some models from 2021 to 2022 equipped with the 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, reported USA Today .

Lincoln, being the luxury division of Ford, used the engine in two models, making them eligible for the recall.

The total number of vehicles being recalled is just over 90,700.

The recall states the intake valves in those model years are “defective,” as they’re made of a metal that can become brittle and “excessively hard” when exposed to high temperatures during manufacturing.

Should the intake valves break, it can prompt total engine failure.

Ford’s solution is to replace the engine with updated valves made with a stronger metal that is less vulnerable to varying temperatures.

Owners of these vehicles and model years will receive a letter from the automaker to notify them to make an appointment for replacement starting October 7:

• 2021-2022 Ford Bronco
• 2021-2022 Ford Edge
• 2021-2022 Ford Explorer
• 2021-2022 Ford F-150
• 2021-2022 Lincoln Aviator
• 2021-2022 Lincoln Nautilus

Toyota, despite being known as one of the most reliable brands available to buyers of both used and new cars, has issued its fair share of recalls this year.

Millions of RAV4 hybrids were recalled due to a fire risk from the hybrid battery terminal, and now, 43,395 Sequoia Hybrids from the 2023-2024 model years are being recalled due to an issue with the tow hitch cover.

According to the recall, the hitch cover can detach from the vehicle while in motion, posing the risk of a serious crash to those driving near it.

The solution is to replace the hitch cover and replace the bumper.

Toyota will be sending official letters to owners starting October 5 to notify them to make an appointment.

Acura

In addition, Acura is recalling over 4,000 ZDX all-wheel drive EVs after the NHTSA report found the electronic braking system could spontaneously fail.

It called the braking system “overly sensitive” when traveling below 25 mph or on dry services, which can falsely prompt the ABS to activate.

This reduces braking effectiveness, which can increase the risk of a crash.

The automaker plans to alert drivers starting September 23 if their VINs match the recall parameters, and will update the braking system free of charge.

How can I check if my car is part of a recall?

If you own a car that's been recently recalled, you can easily check your VIN.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes it incredibly quick and easy for drivers to check and see if their vehicle is part of a recent (or past) recall.

The VIN checking tool also allows drivers to see whether or not the repair was completed within the last 15 years, making it an incredible tool for buyers of used cars.

All recalls initiated by the NHTSA mean free repairs for drivers, even if it’s an engine or a transmission replacement. If your VIN shows an active recall that has not been repaired, it’s important to make an appointment at your nearest dealership.

Here’s how to make an appointment for a recall:

1. Look up your VIN using the NHTSA tool .
2. Find out the recall number/ID from the manufacturer.
3. Call your nearest dealership’s service center with the ID number handy, and mention you’d like to schedule an appointment to repair the recall. The repair can only be done at a dealership, as they’re authorized by the manufacturer to conduct the repair free of cost using genuine parts.
4. Try to make the appointment as soon as possible.
5. Once the repair is completed, the dealership will update the information associated with the VIN to reflect it’s been completed.

Source: NHTSA

The last automaker to issue a recall is Jaguar, who will be notifying 2,706 2019 I-Pace owners on October 18 to make an urgent appointment with their local dealership.

The EV battery tends to overheat, the NHTSA report reads, which can lead to a “thermal overload condition.”

If that happens, a fire can start at any point, presenting a serious risk of injury or death to passengers and drivers, as well as risk to property.

Therefore, the automaker urges owners to park and charge their EVs outside and away from buildings until the repair is completed.

Additionally, the company says the repair could take as long as 30 days.