Volkswagen
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a potential issue with 30,000 Volkswagens. The steering column control computer can fail during normal driving conditions, causing problems for the vehicle’s horn and airbags. When the issue occurs, the air bag warning light illuminates and the steering column sometimes makes a noise. There have been nine reports of the problem in 2012 Passat and CC models. Although a recall has not yet been announced, owners should contact their VW dealer if the air bag warning light turns on.
BMW
BMW is recalling motorcycles because of problems with flanges that hold the rear wheel in place. If bolts are too tight, the flange can crack and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the vehicle (yikes!). The issue was discovered after a motorcycle crashed in Spain last August. Consequently, starting on April 21, BMW is recalling nearly 49,000 motorcycles in the U.S. and Canada.
To remedy the defect, dealers will replace the aluminum flange with a steel one at no cost to owners. The recall affects certain model-year 1200 and 1300 models – including the R1200GS, R1200RT, R1200GS, R1200R, R1200S, R1200ST, K1200S, K1200R, K1200R Sport, K1200GT, K1300S, K1300R and K1300GT – as well as the HP2 Megamoto, HP2 Enduro and HP2 Sport.
Mercedes-Benz
More than 30,000 Mercedes-Benz cars are being recalled in the U.S. because of malfunctioning taillights. The LED tail lamps may not light properly on the sides, which increases the risk of a crash because it prevents other drivers from seeing the cars.
The problem was discovered in December during a routine quality check. More than 30,000 cars are recalled, including certain 2015 CLS 400s, 2012 through 2015 CLS 550s, 2012 and 2013 CLS 63s and the 2014 and 2015 CLS 63P. Dealers will update the lighting control software at no cost to the owners.
