Recall wrap: Volvo EX30 strikes early trouble

The recently-released and already sold-out 2024 Volvo EX30 has been hit with a software-related nationwide product safety recall involving 1255 examples built between 2023 and 2024.

Volvo says the software problem could cause the EX30’s infotainment unit to enter a ‘test mode’ upon vehicle start-up, which may prevent key information including vehicle speed from being displayed.

Thankfully, there’s no need for owners to head back to their dealer because Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) update for them to download and install.

Those unable to do so are welcome to have the work done at a Volvo retailer at no cost. EX30 owners can check whether their vehicle is affected via this VIN list.

More than 1700 examples of the Mazda BT-50 ute have also been recalled this month, due to quirky low-speed lighting issues.

All 2021-2023 Mazda BT-50 (TF-series) vehicles fitted with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine are included in the recall, but BT-50 models in the same year range fitted with a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine are not.

The fault is said to be caused by a software issue within the Body Control Module (BCM), which could cause the parking and number plate lamps not to illuminate when the vehicle is travelling below 10km/h.

Mazda Australia says if the vehicle’s lights do not work as intended, other road users may not be able to identify the vehicle in a parked position or when driven at night, which could increase the risk of an accident.

The Japanese manufacturer says it will notify affected owners once replacement parts become available, at which time the BCM will be replaced free of charge.

Owners can check whether their vehicle is involved by the VIN list attached to the recall notice.

Meanwhile, a total of 4630 examples of the Ford F-150 have been recalled, following a sales pause for the big American pick-up earlier this month.

The F-150’s latest recalls come after several safety issues concerning the ADR (Australian Design Rule) compliance of 2021-2023 versions of the Blue Oval’s biggest dual-cab.

This time, according to the recall notice at the federal government’s Vehicle Recalls website, courtesy lamps fitted to the vehicles do not comply with ADR 13/00 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signalling Devices.

Affected owners – check if your VIN is included here – will be contacted by Ford Australia to organise a free fix.

In another Ford recall this month, the potential for loss of steering control has forced Ford Australia to recall 159 examples of its now-discontinued 2021 Escape mid-size SUV.

Ford says a manufacturing defect could result in friction and excessive movement in the steering gear over time, which could lead to loss of steering control and the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.

Owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by viewing the VIN list attached to the recall notice.

Hundreds of examples of the Jaguars E-PACE have been recalled this month too, due to potentially faulty airbags that affect a total of 636 vehicles.

Vehicles involved in the nationwide safety recall include all variants built between 2020 and 2022.

Jaguar says the passenger airbag may tear during deployment, which could cause hot gases to escape from the airbag at high speed, resulting in insufficient protection for the passenger.

Owners can check whether their Jaguar is affected by viewing the VIN list attached to the recall notice.

The 2023 Kia Seltos has also been called back for rectification this month, via a recall notice affecting 292 examples of the small SUV.

Kia says they could be affected by a manufacturing defect related to the side curtain airbags, which could inflate without warning.

“Inadvertent inflation of the airbag may lead to driver distraction and increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants,” said the South Korean car-maker, which is encouraging the owners of affected vehicles to contact their local Kia dealership to schedule a free inspection and repair.

Elsewhere, 92 examples of the 907 and 910 series Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van built in 2023 are being called back due to a potentially faulty driver’s side B-pillar.

“Due to a manufacturing defect, the driver’s side B-pillar may not have been welded to the required specification. As a result, the reinforcement in pillar may become loose over time and could fail to transmit the seat belt forces to the B-pillar as intended,” said the German car-maker in its recall notice.

This could result in the seatbelt not operating as intended, in which case “the occupant may not receive the full protection of the seatbelt system”, said Benz.

Owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by viewing the VIN list attached to the recall notice.

Finally this week, Porsche Cars Australia is calling back 19 examples of its Taycan electric sedan, to address concerns its high-voltage battery could catch fire.

Porsche blames a manufacturing issue for the potential fault and all affected vehicles were built between 2019 and 2023 (model codes Y1A, Y1B and Y1C).

“Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective. A short circuit could cause a thermal overload and result in a vehicle fire over time,” said Porsche in its recall notice.

Check if your vehicle is affected via the VIN list attached to the recall notice on the federal government’s Vehicle Recalls website.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au