Tesla can drop the trim strip while driving, Volkswagen may lose the entire spoiler (week 6/21)

18/02/2021

This week’s recalls:
– Tesla X – decorative trim strip
– VW Tiguan – roof spoiler
– Citroen – airbags
– Mercedes, Volvo – steering control

Eleven recalls of eight manufacturers were issued for eighteen models in the 6th week of 2021 through the Rapex system. Bugatti, Citroen, Jeep, Kia, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Volvo announced one recall each, while Mercedes-Benz had four.

Tesla recalls Models X from the early stages of production in 2015 and 2016. With more than 12,000 cars, a poorly glued decorative trim strip may become detached. With around 25,000 Volkswagen Tiguans from 2015-2019, the entire rear spoiler can even fly while driving. This defect already appeared earlier with Tiguan, in May 2020. At that time, the recall involved more than 30,000 vehicles. Due to a poorly glued spoiler, the BMW recently also recalled the X6 model.

Nine thousand Citroën C3, C4, DS3, DS4 and DS5s produced between 2009 to 2017 may release small metal parts when the driver’s and front passenger’s airbags are activated, which can cause injury to the passengers.

Mercedes-Benz recalls nearly 35,000 vehicles for the possible failure of electric power steering due to moisture penetrating the wiring harness. These are the C-Class, EQC and GLC models manufactured between December 2019 to May 2020. Besides, the approximately 80 GLC SUVs may have poorly adjusted multi-beam LED headlamps.

Mercedes is also recalling its latest flagship, the new S-Class model. In the extreme case, the tie rods could bend with 1,500 cars manufactured between July to December 2020. The Sprinter van also has another recall due to a possible brake fluid leak. Recently, we see Sprinters in the list quite often – see our archive.

Tip: Do you know the year your car was made? You most probably don’t

The new Kia Sorento has its second recall. After the previously reported risk of fuel leakage and fire, problems with the eCall system are now the cause. The Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler may have a defective seat belt retractor, with about 750 Volvo XC40 SUVs, two power steering nuts may be loose.

In the sixth week of 2021, the Supersports Bugatti Chiron and Divo were also recalled.

See the table below for all the recalls from this week.

Recalls announced in the 6th week of 2021

Make, Model (years)	Problem
Bugatti Chiron (2018 – 2020)	The rear left-hand drive shaft may be affected by a functional defect.
Bugatti Divo (2018 – 2020)	The rear left-hand drive shaft may be affected by a functional defect.
Citroen C3 (2009 – 2017)	The gas generator of the driver and/or front-seat passenger airbag could be defective.
Citroen C4 (2009 – 2017)	The gas generator of the driver and/or front-seat passenger airbag could be defective.
Citroen DS3 (2009 – 2017)	The gas generator of the driver and/or front-seat passenger airbag could be defective.
Citroen DS4 (2009 – 2017)	The gas generator of the driver and/or front-seat passenger airbag could be defective.
Citroen DS5 (2011 – 2017)	The gas generator of the driver and/or front-seat passenger airbag could be defective.
Jeep Gladiator (2019)	The seat-belt retractors could be defective.
Jeep Wrangler (2019)	The seat-belt retractors could be defective.
Kia Sorento (2020)	The eCall system could malfunction.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2019 – 2020)	The wiring harness for the steering control device may have been damaged.
Mercedes-Benz EQC (2019 – 2020)	The wiring harness for the steering control device may have been damaged.
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2019 – 2020)	The wiring harness for the steering control device may have been damaged.
Mercedes-Benz GLC (2019)	The LED multi-beam headlamps may not be adjusted in accordance with the specifications.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2020)	The internal tie rods used for the front axle steering may not have been intended for the type of vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2020)	Brake fluid may leak from the brake hose.
Tesla Model X (2015 – 2016)	Due to defective adhesive bonding, a decorative trim strip may become detached.
Volkswagen Tiguan (2015 – 2019)	The upper rear spoiler may be insufficiently affixed.
Volvo XC40 (2019 – 2020)	Two brake booster nuts are not tightened with the correct torque.

-rb-

Where now?

What should an owner do if there's a recall?

Please note that the recall may not apply to all vehicles produced in a given period. If you think your car might be affected, you should immediately contact an dealer or workshop officially authorised to perform repairs on behalf of the manufacturer and ask for the details. You can use our sample request text. After reporting the vehicle's VIN code, you will find out if the defect is present on your car, or if it has already been resolved by the previous owner if the car was purchased second-hand.

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Recalls and Reliability

If you wish to know more about the eventual problems of a specific car (e.g. real mileage, potential traffic accident damages, odometer rollback, repairs, etc.), in that case, we suggest going to this page.

Check the vehicle's history