FCA, Mitsubishi, Audi, and GM issue latest vehicle recalls

The latest batch of Transport Canada recalls is a mixed bag, both in terms of manufacturers affected, and the problems they’ve discovered.

Our first is from Mitsubishi, which has recalled 8,875 examples of 2014 and 2015 Mirage hatchbacks to fix a wiring connector that could be contaminated with road salt, and prevent airbags from deploying properly in a crash. The real issue is the location of the harness, near the driver’s footrest, where it’s easily exposed to salty snow and water from the driver’s boots or shoes in wintertime. Transport Canada says the corrosion could trigger warning lights, including that for the airbags (supplemental restraint system), a condition that could delay frontal airbag deployment in a crash and result in an increased risk of injury to front seat occupants. Mitsu’s dealers will inspect the connector for corrosion and replace it if necessary; they’ll also install a waterproof shield to protect the connector from further contamination.

From Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) Jeep division comes another corrosion-related recall, on 10,138 Cherokee crossovers from 2015 and 2016. In cars with the optional power tailgate, corrosion in the liftgate control module could cause an electrical short that may lead to a fire. Dealers are being instructed to inspect the tailgate module and make repairs as necessary.

Audi is recalling 235 A3 models to replace front seat covers whose stitching may interfere with the deployment of seat-mounted side airbags. Dealers will replace driver and/or passenger seatback covers as necessary.

The first of two GM recalls covers a small number of 2016 models of its Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia crossovers. In these 88 cars, the left-side third-row seat frame may have been improperly welded. In a crash, those seats may not perform as designed, which could increase the risk of injury.

In another GM recall, six (yes, 6) 2016 model year GMC Sierra pickups have an airbag sensing and diagnostics module that was installed in the wrong place. That could place undue stress on that module, crack its housing, allow water to get in, and cause it to malfunction. Dealers will send the affected trucks to a repair facility(!) where the module will be replaced and mounted in the right spot.

Our last notification is not quite a recall, but could be more aptly called a customer satisfaction campaign. FCA is asking more than 17,000 owners of Fiat 500s from 2012 through 2015 to bring their cars in to fix reverse lights that take too long to turn on when the car is shifted into reverse. Dealers will update the automatic transmission control software so that the backup lights turn on sooner. Transport Canada says this voluntary program is “not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.”