March 2024 Recall Roundup: Chrysler, Ford, GM, Tesla, & More

It's crucial for fleet managers to keep up with vehicle and equipment recalls for the safety of their drivers. Government Fleet has a roundup of recent recalls involving vehicles that are common on public sector fleets, announced by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Various Emergency Vehicle Makes and Models: Overloaded Electrical System May Cause Fire

More recalls have been issued by the manufacturers of several emergency vehicle makes and models. The recalls are a result of concerns that in the event of a short circuit or wiring failure, the firmware in the node may fail to shut off the output pin, resulting in overloaded electrical circuits. When this happens, the electrical circuits can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

The vehicles and chassis recalled are equipped either with a Weldon 8x16 Input-Output node or Hercules HC 1.7 multiplex nodes, supplied by Weldon. 

The nodes were not built to the proper specification and may become overloaded resulting in an unplanned increased risk of heat related damage or fire.

The recall includes the following vehicle makes and models:

• 2024 E-One Commercial
• 2024 E-One Cyclone N
• 2024 E-One Typhoon N
• 2024 E-One Typhoon EV 
• 2023-2024 Pierce Commercial Chassis
• 2023-2024 Spartan Gladiator
• 2023-2024 Spartan MetroStar
• 2024 Spartan Commercial
• 2024 Spartan FC-94
• 2024 Spartan KME Panther
• 2020 Spencer pumpers

Weldon will update the firmware, free of charge. Owner notification letters for some makes and models have already gone out, while others are expected to be mailed at various times throughout the next few weeks.

These makes and models are among a larger recall of emergency vehicles. Check out the January 2024 and February 2024 recall roundups to see what else is being recalled.

Autocar Trucks: Low Air Pressure Warning Malfunction

Autocar is recalling certain 2020-2024 DC (Legend) vehicles. A software error may cause the low air pressure warning to not function properly. A low air pressure warning that does not function properly can result in driving without functioning brakes, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will update the low air pressure warning software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 26, 2024.

Chrysler Trucks & Chassis: Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy

Chrysler is recalling certain vehicle models because the steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash.

The models included in the recall that are popular for government fleets include:

• 2023-2024 Ram 1500
• Ram 3500
• Ram 3500 cab chassis
• Ram 2500
• Ram 4500 cab chassis
• Ram 5500 cab chassis
• Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs.

The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. 

Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 3, 2024.

Chrysler Vans: Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction & Left Turn Signal and Taillight May Fail

Chrysler is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ram Promaster vans. The driver seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. The recall affects an estimated 27,000+ vehicles.

Dealers will inspect and replace the driver seat belt buckle as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 12, 2024.

Chrysler is also recalling certain 2021-2022 Ram ProMaster vans because the wiring harness may have a poor connection, which can cause the left taillight and left turn signal to become inoperative. 

The remedy is under development. Owner notification letters for this recall are expected to be mailed May 3, 2024.

Daimler Vans: Short Circuit from Incorrectly Routed Wiring

Daimler Vans USA is recalling certain 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans. The main wiring harness may chafe against the drive shaft and short circuit, which can result in a loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control.

A short circuit increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power, power steering, and brake system control increases the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the routing of the main wiring harness and correct it, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 29, 2024. 

Ford SUVs: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

Ford is recalling certain 2020 Explorer SUVs. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. The recall affects an estimated 2,000 vehicles.

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 8, 2024. 

Ford Trucks: Instrument Panel Not Illuminated, Parking Brake May Release Unexpectedly, Improperly Secured Battery May Cause Fire, & Fuel Tank May Leak Fuel

Ford is recalling certain 2022-2023 Maverick Hybrid pickup trucks. The Instrument Panel Cluster may not properly illuminate warning lights or gauges. 

An instrument panel that does not illuminate critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed March 18, 2024.

Additionally, Ford is recalling certain 2024 Maverick pickup trucks. The fuel tanks may have an open pinch joint between the two molds, which can allow fuel to leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine immediately if a fuel leak is detected or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminates. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed March 15, 2024.

Ford is also recalling certain 2023-2024 F-650 and F-750 trucks. The parking brake may malfunction and allow the lever to be released without pressing the release button.

Dealers will replace the parking brake handle assembly. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 8, 2024.

Lastly, Ford is recalling certain 2023 F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks. The fasteners that secure the junction box bus bars inside the high-voltage battery pack may not have been tightened securely, which can cause electrical arcing at the busbars.

Electrical arcing increases the risk of a fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect and repair the busbar fasteners and replace any damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 22, 2024. 

GM Trucks: Emergency Braking Can Activate Unexpectedly

General Motors is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.

Dealers will update the front camera module (FCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 8, 2024.

Horton Emergeny Vehicles: Damaged Brake Line May Leak Brake Fluid

Halcore is recalling certain 2023-2024 Horton emergency vehicles built on Ford F450, F550, and F600 chassis. The left rear steel brake line can contact the strut mount when the rear suspension is lowered, damaging the brake line.

Dealers will replace and secure the brake line as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were expected to be mailed March 19, 2024.

Isuzu Trucks: Overloaded Electrical Circuit from Wiring Damage

Isuzu is recalling certain truck models equipped with a Mobileye Collision Warning System. The Mobileye camera cable may have been routed improperly, which can result in wiring damage and an overloaded electrical circuit.

Overloaded electrical circuits can overheat, increasing the risk of fire. In addition, wiring damage may cause a loss of turn signal, hazard lights, and/or collision system function, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicle models:

• 2019-2024 FTR
• 2020-2024 Chevrolet LCF 6500XD
• 2022-2024 FVR
• 2023-2024 Chevrolet LCF 7500XD 

Dealers will inspect and reroute the Mobileye camera cable or replace the Mobileye camera cable and T-harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 29, 2024.

Mack Trucks: Insufficient Air Volume in Brake System, Incorrect Park Brake Pressure Switch, & Incorrect GAWR on Certification Label

Mack is recalling certain 2022-2024 Granite trucks. The air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system. 

Dealers will add additional air tank volume, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 14, 2024. 

Mack is also recalling certain 2024 Granite trucks because the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the vehicle certification label is incorrect, which can allow the vehicle to be overloaded. 

Dealers will provide new labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 26, 2024. 

Lastly, Mack is recalling certain 2024 MD6 and MD7 trucks. The park brake light may indicate the incorrect brake status due to an incorrect park brake pressure switch.

Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pressure switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 11, 2024.

Navistar Trucks: Steering Gear Shaft May Fracture

Navistar is recalling certain 2025 International HV, HX, LT, and MV trucks. The steering gear sector shaft may have been improperly heat-treated, which can cause the gear teeth to crack or fracture. Fractured steering gear teeth can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the steering gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 29, 2024.

Paccar Trucks: Insufficient Air Volume in Brake System & Improperly Crimped Connectors In Gear Shifter

Paccar is recalling certain truck models because the air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicle models:

• 2009-2021 Kenworth C500
• 2014-2015 Kenworth T440
• 2009-2015 Kenworth T660
• 2015-2024 Kenworth T680
• 2009-2024 Kenworth T800
• 2013-2023 Kenworth T880
• 2016 Kenworth T470
• 2009-2019 Kenworth W900

The air tanks have an insufficient volume of air for the brake system.

Dealers will install the correct volume air tanks, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 23, 2024.

Paccar is also recalling certain truck models because the right-hand gear shifter stalk connectors may have been improperly crimped, resulting in a loss of communication. 

A loss of communication between the gear shifter and the transmission may result in the vehicle becoming disabled after coming to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following 2021-2024 models:

• Peterbilt 365, 367, 389, 535, 536, 537, 548, 567, 579
• Kenworth T180, T280, T380, T480, T880, W990
• Kenworth 2021-2025 T680

Dealers will inspect and replace the gear shifter assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 7, 2024.

Pierce Fire Trucks: Bumper May Partially Obstruct Rear Lights

Pierce Manufacturing is recalling certain 2020 Enforcer, 2021-2022 Velocity, and 2023 Saber fire trucks equipped with a specific rear bumper option. The bumper may partially obstruct the rear lights. The recall is estimated to affect four vehicles.

Pierce will reposition the lights, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Pierce customer service for more information.

Tesla EVs: Muted Pedestrian Warning Sound

Tesla is recalling an estimated 6,557 electric vehicle (EV) models due to a factory reset that muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.

The recall includes the following models:

• 2013 and 2018-2021 Model S
• 2020-2021 Model X
• 2018-2022 Model 3
• 2020-2022 Model Y

Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 27, 2024.