Recall News: Ford, Toyota, Mercedes

In the United States, over 50 million vehicles have unrepaired safety recalls, and many of those recalls involve defective parts that can pose serious risks to your drivers and other road users. It is incumbent on fleet operators to stay abreast of the latest recalls that may impact on fleet vehicles. Three manufacturers recently issued recalls that may apply to your fleet.

Ford Motor Company

Ford is recalling approximately 652,996 pickup trucks and big SUVs for a windshield wiper issue. The recall includes 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The problem is that the windshield wiper arms may break, causing the windshield wipers to fail.

This scenario can be hazardous as inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the likelihood of a collision. To fix the problem, dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms, free of charge.

Owner notification letters will be mailed May 23. Owners can reach Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's reference number for this recall is 22S26.

Toyota & Lexus

Toyota is recalling an estimated 458,054 2022 Lexus LX, Lexus NX HEV, Lexus NX PHEV, Toyota RAV4 HEV, 2021-2022 Lexus LS HEV, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander HEV vehicles for an electronic stability control issue.

Specifically, the Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. 

This is problematic as driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash. To remedy the matter, dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software at no cost to owners.

Owner notification letters will be mailed May 16. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at (800) 331-4331. Toyota's reference number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' reference number for this recall is 22LA01.

Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) recently issued two separate safety recalls for different problems, which affect various models. Together, the two recalls impact nearly 148,000 vehicles.

MBUSA is recalling an estimated 126,443 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and EQC-Class vehicles because the rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. 

This scenario is dangerous as an inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver’s view, increasing the likelihood of a crash. To fix the problem, dealers will update the rearview camera software, at no cost to owners.

In a second action, MBUSA is recalling approximately 21,306 GLE450, GLS450, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2020-2021 GLE580, GLS580, 2021 AMG GLE63, Maybach GLS600, and AMG GLS63 vehicles for an electrical system issue. Specifically, a ground cable bolt for the 48V ground connection under the front passenger seat may not be secured properly, which can cause the electrical cable to overheat.

This creates a hazardous situation as an overheated electrical cable can increase the risk of a fire. To remedy the matter, dealers will inspect and tighten the ground cable bolt, as necessary, free of charge.

For both recalls, owner notification letters will be mailed on or around June 7. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at (800) 367-6372.