Four Automakers Issue Safety Recalls on Vehicles Favored by Fleets

In the U.S., more than 50 million vehicles have unrepaired safety recalls that involve defective parts that can pose serious harm to your fleet drivers. Moreover, an unfixed safety recall can lead to a crash that harms other road users and can be costly to your organization.

Here are some recent safety recalls issued by various automakers that fleet operators should know about.

Toyota

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling approximately 110,047 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles for an airbag issue.

Specifically, an electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's airbag. This is a hazardous situation as an airbag that doesn’t deploy as intended increases the likelihood of injury during a crash.

To fix the problem, dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly, if necessary, at no cost to owners. Owner notification letters will be mailed on Aug. 27. Owners can reach Toyota's customer service at (800) 331-4331. Toyota's reference number for this recall is 23TA08. Lexus' number for this recall is 23LA02.

Mazda

Mazda North American Operations is recalling an estimated 227,335 2014-2018 Mazda3 and 2016-2021 CX-3 vehicles because the rearview camera image may not display properly by showing a flickering or distorted image. This, in turn, can reduce the driver’s rear visibility, upping the chances of a collision.

To remedy the matter, dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, if needed. In addition, dealers will install a wiring harness fastening seal. All repairs will be performed free of charge.

Owner notification letters will be mailed on Sept. 12. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at (800) 222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's reference number for this recall is 6023G.

Nissan

Nissan North America, Inc. is recalling approximately 66,159 2018-2023 LEAF vehicles. The problem is that the vehicle may accelerate unintentionally if the driving mode is changed ("D" to "B"; e-Pedal "On"; or "ECO" mode) after disengaging the cruise control. Unintentional acceleration can increase the likelihood of a crash.

To correct the problem, dealers will reprogram the vehicle control module (VCM), at no cost to owners. Owner notification letters will be mailed on Aug. 30. Owners can reach Nissan's customer service at (800) 867-7669. Nissan's reference number for this recall is R23A6.

Tesla

Tesla, Inc. is recalling an estimated 15,869 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles because the front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach. This is a dangerous scenario, as a detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant of the vehicle in the event of a collision, increasing the chances of injury.

To remedy the matter, Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, at no cost to owners.

Owner notification letters will be mailed on Sept. 12. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at (877) 798-3752. Tesla's reference number for this recall is SB-23-20- 004.