20 Recalls Announced in January 2018 – VW and Skoda Hit with Cracking Wheel-bearing Housings

In January 2018, 20 recalls were announced via the EU Rapex system involving 30 models of 13 automakers. Mercedes-Benz (4x) and Peugeot (3x) issued the most recalls, followed by Mitsubishi and Volkswagen with two recalls each. Škoda-Auto, Hyundai, Citroën, Bugatti, Seat, Mazda and Opel were also not spared from technical difficulties. The oldest cars recalled in January 2018 were the 2003 Aston Martins.

The first two recalls of 2018 were announced by Opel and Mercedes-Benz. The German producer famous for its three-pointed star logo encountered a problem with its luxury V-Klass minivans made between 2014-2017 and equipped with swivel front seats. The wiring in the seats is done in such unfortunate way, that the rotation of the seats can cause wire chafing leading to the unintentional activation of the thorax airbags. Model Year 2018 Opel Crossland X has issues with engine pistons that allow oil to leak into the intake and cause damage to the engine.

Mercedes issued a recall also in the second week of 2018, when Sprinter models produced in September 2017 were recalled. Sprinters equipped with a second row of seats have been identified to have a defect on the safety belt clip concerning the middle seat. Another two Mercedes-Benz recalls were recorded in Rapex at the end of January 2018: The S-Class was recalled due to a faulty pyro-fuse that could cause the doors to lock in the event of an accident, while SLS AMGs were recalled over the risk of a seat belt getting stuck in a guide loop.

A somewhat vague issue was reported by Peugeot in the third week of 2018: “Part of the engine may not work properly, which may lead to a loss of power.” The problem applies to the 508, 5008, 208, 2008, 308, 3008 and Partner models made in October and November 2017. The same defect was reported also for Peugeot Experts and Travelers as well as the related models of Spacetourer and Jumpy by Citroën that make it periodically in our reports. 3008s were recalled once again due to the inappropriate mounting of the lower aerodynamic fuel tank cover that comes in contact with a fuel hose and may cause chafering and fuel leaking.

The 2011-12 Hyundai i40s may have a clutch switch problem and issue with a starter that may turn the engine even when the gear is engaged, and the pedal is not depressed.

In January 2018, Volkswagen recalled two of its models as Amaroks made in 2016 and 2017 may have a problem with a return pipe between the servo and the steering box. The leaking oil creates a risk to reach the hot engine and/or the brake disc. The T6 vans produced between November 2016 and January 2017 were reported to have leaking fuel hoses.

Welds

2012-2014 Mazda 6s have to be serviced due to a poorly welded fuel tank that could leak through the cracks. A bad weld is also the cause behind Seat’s recall. However, in the Mii model, the bad weld concern the towing eye the car is equipped with. Welders seem to fail also when it comes to Bugatti. Its Chiron may have issues with cracks in the seatbacks.

VW’s headaches caused by wheel-bearing housings

In December 2017, Volkswagen recalled Passats and Arteons over the risk of cracks in the rear wheel-bearing housings. In January 2018, Skoda-Auto’s Superbs and Octavias were recalled due to the identical issues, while Seat will follow suit with its Ateca model in February 2018.

Mitsubishi recalled ASX models once again. After problems with the wiper motor and the fifth door lift supports at the end of last year, the ASX now may suffer from the unintentional opening of the door locks and overheating of the engine control unit relay. Both issues were found in cars produced between 2014 and 2015.

Aston Martin also reported two recalls, specifically involving its DB9, DBS, Vanquish, Virage and Rapide models. The first recall was issued over the wiring of the front passenger seat, while the second recall was prompted due to the transmission control module software.

Rapex Recalls Overview – January 2018