Major car brands forced to recall 90,000 vehicles over ‘exploding’ airbags and serious fire risk fears

Motorists are being warned of several new vehicle recalls which could see drivers exposed to serious safety risks.

Almost 90,000 vehicles have been recalled across the United States and Canada to deal with concerns that could see vehicles roll away or airbags explode.

A number of major car brands have been forced to recall popular vehicles in recent weeks to deal with important safety issues, with millions already being recalled this year.

GB News has rounded up the most important car recalls of the past few weeks that drivers need to know about.

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Hyundai

The Japanese brand is recalling almost 67,000 vehicles in response to two separate issues with a number of its popular models in the United States and Canada.

In the first filing with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 12,349 2024 Santa Fe models were recalled for issues with the Transmission Control Unit software.

It warned that it could “inadvertently engage the clutches and damage the transmission case and/or parking pawl”, which could cause noise and allow the vehicle to roll away while parked.

The second, larger recall impacted almost 55,000 vehicles and warned that premature wearing of the fuel control valve in the high-pressure fuel pump “could allow excess fuel to enter the fuel pump and the air and fuel mixture can result in a reduction or loss of motive power at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash”.

Impacted vehicles included certain 2019-2023 models of Genesis G70, Veloster N, Elantra N, and Kona N.

Notification letters are expected to be sent out by early September, with Hyundai dealers installing an updated fuel control valve and new software to remedy the issue.

Speaking to ABC News, a Hyundai spokesperson said: “To ensure the safety of its customers, Hyundai Motor North America and Genesis Motor North America has filed recall campaign 262/023G to address a condition involving the high-pressure fuel pump assemblies in certain Hyundai and Genesis vehicles produced for sale in the US and Canada.”

Stellantis

Around 19,500 vehicles are affected by the recent Stellantis recall generally impacting 2017-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids which could be a potential fire risk.

When the battery charge level is depleted, the vehicle is safer, prompting Stellantis to urge motorists to refrain from recharging.

A notice from the company stated: “Out of an abundance of caution, Stellantis is also advising owners of these vehicles to park away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy is obtained.”

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BMW

The German manufacturing giant announced it would be recalling 1,145 vehicles in the United States over a potential issue that could cause the driver’s airbag to explode.

In a filing with the NHTSA, BMW said the 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo and 2014 5 Series sedans would be included in the recall and replaced free of charge.

When in operation, the airbags could potentially result in “sharp fragments striking the driver or other occupants” in the vehicle.