Recall wrap: Kia Stinger towing risk

Kia Australia has issued a recall notice for the both the Kia Stinger and Kia Rio, due to incorrect load ratings published on the towbar label. In the event the towed weight exceeds the towbar rating, the bar could detach from the vehicle in motion.

The importer is contacting over 13,700 owners of affected vehicles by mail to alert them to the issue. Owners are advised to arrange a visit to the nearest Kia servicing dealer for a correct label to be attached.

Ford is recalling the Ford EcoSport SUV for an engine vibration that could result in the timing chain tensioner spring failing, which could result in the intake and exhaust valves running out of synch with the crankshaft – consequently causing catastrophic engine failure.

Ford is mailing the 160 owners of affected vehicles and recommends owners arrange for the nearest servicing dealer to inspect the vehicle and make repairs.

The Lexus LC 500h is the subject of a recall notice for "improper programming in the ECU" controlling the car's hybrid-drive system and transmission. Sudden application of throttle (accelerator pedal) in normal driving can result in the transmission failing to change gear in an acceptable timeframe. Symptoms of the fault consist of illuminated warning lights and loss of motive power. Steering and braking assistance is unaffected by this fault.

Lexus is contacting 23 owners around Australia to inform them of the recall and request the vehicle be referred to the nearest servicing dealer for rectification. Build dates for the vehicles affected run from March 27, 2017 to July 11, 2018.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall notice for Mercedes-AMG GT and GT S models, due to software that may fail to deploy an airbag for the front passenger in the event of a crash. According to the importer, the software may interpret an installed child safety seat to be an adult passenger, or alternatively, a light passenger to be a child safety seat. In the former case the software may fire the airbag when it shouldn't, and vice versa in the latter case. The 10 vehicles affected were sold between December 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017.