Recall Recap: What Were May's Most Notable Recalls?
Nobody likes when things don’t work the way they’re supposed to, especially when it’s the two-ton hunk of car parts sitting in your driveway. That’s why, when a problem becomes a complaint becomes an investigation becomes a recall, automakers try their hardest to get your attention so you can get it fixed. It’s not just junk mail — it’s a letter that could potentially save your life.
Related: Driving Smart Video: The 5 Biggest Recalls of 2017
Thing is, recalls happen all the time. Some are relatively minor; some are, well, the Takata airbag inflator crisis. Each one is important no matter the month, but it can be hard to keep up with knowing if your vehicle is involved.
Not feeling up to speed? We got you. Below are some of the most significant recalls we covered from May. For more coverage, check out our Recalls page, and for a comprehensive list of recalls that include all things road-going, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s page here.
2006 Ford Ranger, Mazda B-Series
So, about that Takata crisis: Pay attention if you drive a 2006 Ford Ranger or Mazda B-Series pickup truck. In early May, NHTSA issued an urgent public plea for owners to have their Takata recall repairs completed immediately. Both models are under a “do not drive” warning for defective Takata airbags, which have faulty inflators that can explode upon airbag deployment under certain conditions. Nearly 19,000, or roughly 56 percent, of the more than 33,000 Rangers, and nearly 1,000, or 45 percent, of the B-Series, had yet to receive the prescribed recall fix. If this is you, the time for the fix is now.
4.8 Million Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Vehicles
The month’s most expansive recall came courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which covered nearly 5 million Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram sedans, pickups and cab-chassis trucks, SUVs and minivans. Long story, er, short, there’s the possibility of a short circuit when cruise control is engaged that may prevent shutting cruise control off by way of the brake pedal or manually turning the system off. There are a number of models covered; hit the link for the full list.
2017 Lamborghini Centenario
We’d never go so far as to describe a recall as being “fun,” but it’s not often that such an occurrence happens to a car like the Lamborghini Centenario (and with good reason — only 40 Centenarios in total are being made, never mind sold). The issue for 11 of those 40 is a certification label that may have an incorrect weight limit, which can cause the vehicles to be overloaded. With a car as delicately crafted as the Centenario, the risk of suspension or tire failure is real enough to warrant paying attention to this one. If you’re one of those 11 owners and our SEO was good enough for you to find this: You’re welcome. Also: Get in touch so I can send you my billing address.
2008-13 Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid
It’s hard for me to imagine a more alarming experience than driving a car at speed and having the wheel pop off, but that’s precisely what’s happened to three drivers of Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs. Though not technically a recall yet, consider this an early warning if you own one; NHTSA sent Toyota a letter on May 11 notifying the automaker that it’s looking into the issue. If it’s a problem affecting the broader model years and not just a few isolated incidents, expect to find it right here on Cars.com as soon as the recall is official.
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