Reuters cites a VW Group spokesperson saying the global recall is necessary because of a fire risk. The issue stems from a potentially defective fuse in the drivetrain. In a worst-case scenario, the fuse won’t work as it should when there’s an overvoltage. To fix the problem, technicians will have to install an insulating mat on the battery’s switch box.

No fewer than 16 cases have been reported thus far at home in Germany, prompting the VW Group to issue a global recall. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) regulator, these vehicles suffer from “inadequate fastening of the engine design cover that can lead to contact with hot parts and subsequently to fire.”

Approximately 42,300 VW Golf, Tiguan, Passat, Arteon, and Multivan T7 vehicles are impacted by the recall, while luxury brand Audi must fix 24,400 units of the A3 and Q3. The rest of the vehicles until 100,000 belong to Skoda and SEAT as the mainstream brands from the Czech Republic and Spain also use PHEV tech developed by their parent company. For example, about 22,000 units of the 2021 Octavia and Superb PHEV have been hit with a recall.

Although the VW Group is pressing ahead with its EV agenda, plug-in hybrids remain important. So much so that the next-generation Audi A4 will bring a more advanced PHEV setup courtesy of a bigger battery pack for a longer electric range. Expect future plug-in hybrids from VAG to cover more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) without sipping any fuel. Hopefully, the German automotive giant will learn from its mistakes and won’t repeat them on next-gen electrified cars.

With VW confirming the Golf and Tiguan will live to see a new generation, it tells us PHEVs won’t be discontinued until the end of the decade or even later.

Source: Reuters

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Actually, two separate recalls. The first one impacts no fewer than 356,039 Model 3 sedans produced for the 2017 to 2020 model years. These may have a problem with the coaxial cable necessary to send the rearview camera’s feed to the center screen. There’s a risk this cable will wear excessively in time by opening and closing the trunk lid. If that happens, the driver won’t be able to use the backup camera anymore. That might not seem such a big deal, but the camera has been mandatory on all new cars sold since May 1, 2018.

Affected owners will have to bring in their Model 3s to a Tesla shop where the service department will inspect the vehicle and replace the coaxial cable if necessary. A guide protector will be installed to diminish the bend angle after closing the trunk. Those who have taken matters into their own hands by fixing the issue already should get their money back from the company. It’s not a problem on newer cars (2021 and 2022 model years) since Tesla has solved the problem by tweaking the harness.

As for the second recall, it affects 119,009 units of the 2014-2021 Model S, which are prone to have a problematic secondary latch for the front trunk. The documentation provided by the NHTSA says the issue stems from an improperly aligned latch assembly, which might lead to the frunk opening when the electric sedan is moving.

Tesla’s technicians will have to inspect these cars and reposition the latch in case it’s necessary. If your Model S already had this problem and has since been fixed, the company should reimburse you.

A combined 475,318 Model 3 and Model S sedans are being recalled.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (1), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2)

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Case in point, it wasn’t that long ago when Tesla had no other way but to recall nearly 300,000 vehicles in China over issues related to its controversial Autopilot self-driving feature. Fast forward to this week, Automotive News reports Porsche is on the verge of announcing a global recall for its first electric car – the Taycan sedan.

The issue apparently stems from a software glitch causing an abrupt loss of power. According to the report, Porsche will officially announce a worldwide recall in a matter of days. For the time being, a spokesperson contacted by Automotive News refused to comment on the seemingly impending recall. It is unclear how many Taycan sedans will be affected by the recall, but with the procedure set to be done on a global scale, it’s safe to say the software problem is not limited to a few cars.

Interestingly, the report mentions some owners have been experiencing a different problem with their electric sedans as the high-end EV switches to emergency mode on its own. US-spec Taycans are believed to be plagued with this issue, which has allegedly prompted an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall likely impacts only the sedan version of the Taycan as customer deliveries of the Cross Turismo wagon are just getting started. The Zuffenhausen brand is preparing a third EV by launching the next generation of the Macan crossover exclusively with zero-emissions propulsion in 2023. There are also rumors of a smaller electric sedan to take on the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3, while the 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars are only a few years away from embracing an electric powertrain.

Source: Automotive News

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Fast forward to February 2, the NHTSA says Tesla has agreed to recall 134,951 Model S and Model X vehicles affected by the problematic 17-inch tablet. The issue stems from a hardware failure that occurs when the 8GB storage capacity is reached, resulting in the failure of the media control unit. The MCU with the Tegra 3 processor was used in roughly 158,000 vehicles built through early 2018. However, it seems Tesla is not recalling all of them as there’s a difference of about 23,000 cars.

The original letter sent by NHTSA went even more in-depth with the problems, beyond the loss of rearview camera functionality and safety-related features. On the affected Model S and Model X vehicles, the Autopilot might not properly work due to a potential loss of “audible chimes, driver sensing, and alerts associated with these vehicle functions.”

NHTSA says the list of problems can also include faulty heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, meaning defogging and defrosting might not work if the HVAC’s status was off prior to the touchscreen going dark.

It is a bit unusual for the NHTSA to formally ask a car manufacturer to issue a recall. Usually, automakers make voluntary recalls after discussing with the authorities about problems some cars might have. In this particular case, the agency noted Tesla did roll out over-the-air updates in an attempt to fix the issue, but it appears the tweaks pushed through OTA were not enough.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  

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