Ferrari, Hyundai, Hummer and Acura vehicles among latest recalls

A slew of manufacturers have issued recalls this week to address a wide variety of safety-related flaws.

From Acura comes a recall on more than 10,000 examples of its 2014 and 2015 MDX crossover to replace drive bolts in air conditioning compressor clutches. Acura has discovered that some clutches were manufactured with faulty bolts that could fail, allowing the compressor clutch to fall off and potentially strike a bystander, nearby vehicle or stationary object.

GM has recalled 5,200 of the H3 and H3T models produced by its defunct Hummer division between 2006 and 2010 to replace a wiring connector in the air conditioning blower motor assembly that could overheat and cause a fire.

A starter button defect prompted Nissan to recall more than 800 examples of its Juke and Versa. The button could get stuck in the “start” (depressed) position after the car is started, and subsequent vibration could cause repeated rapid-fire contact between the switch’s electrical components, which can engage the emergency engine shut-off function (normally accomplished by holding the button down for several seconds). If this happens while the car is in motion, it would result in a loss of power (obviously), and disable the power steering and airbag systems, increasing the likelihood of a crash and injuries. Dealers will inspect affected cars and replace the switches where necessary.

We had no idea Ferrari had enough customers in Canada to sell 950 cars in one year, but nonetheless the Italian supercar brand has recalled that many 2015 models to replace driver’s side airbag modules that were improperly assembled and subsequently deploy in a “rotated orientation.” The models affected are the 458 Italia and Speciale, California T, F12 Berlinetta, FF and LaFerrari.

Hyundai is recalling more than 10,000 Sonata sedans from the 2015 model year to repair or replace front passenger seat buckles that could be damaged if the tongue is inserted too forcibly and at an extreme angle. (That’s what she said!) If the fault occurs, the front passenger seatbelt warning light will come on to alert you to the problem.

In 192 of Mercedes-Benz’s compact B-Class, CLA-Class and GLA-Class models, an incorrectly-installed fuse box could lead to certain fuses losing contact and affect operation of the instrument cluster, wipers, and front passenger seat occupancy recognition and airbag indicator lamp. If the front passenger airbag were to be disabled by a faulty occupancy detector, there would be no warning that the airbag was not working properly. Dealers will inspect the fuse box and replace it if necessary.

Subaru is recalling 5,200 Impreza models from 2012 for a similar issue: here, if a front seat passenger touches an electrically-grounded surface while operating a smartphone or music player plugged into the accessory power outlet, it could trick the occupant detection system into thinking the seat is empty and disable the front passenger airbag. The airbag warning light would come on, as would the “airbag off” indicator. Dealers will replace the occupant control unit with a new one.

In 255 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs sold as 2015 models, rear suspension lower control arms could fracture due to a manufacturing defect. Due to the obvious potential for serious trouble, dealers will inspect the control arms and replace them where necessary.

Finally, a single 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has an inner steering tie rod that wasn’t tightened properly at the factory. If you own this car, your dealer will replace the entire steering gear assembly.