Recall Round-Up November 4, 2021

Recall Round-Up: November 4, 2021

This edition of Recall Round-Up features recalls from Volvo, Ram Trucks, Walmart, myCharge, and a continuation on the recall surrounding the Chevrolet Bolt.

• Volvo expands recall of sedans to almost 260,000 vehicles over airbag malfunctions.

Volvo has expanded upon its 2020 recall of their model S60 and S80 sedans produced between 2001 through 2009 for faulty driver side airbags. The recall states that the propellant used to inflate the airbag can degrade over time due to exposure to high temperatures and humidity. This degradation allows for the inflator to rupture when the airbag deploys, sending metal fragments at the occupants of the vehicle. The original recall only covered these cars sold in areas of the country that experienced the high temperatures and humidity that could cause this issue, it has since been expanded to cover the whole nation. Any S60 models manufactured from June 28, 2000 to March 30, 2009 and S80 models manufactured from May 15, 2000 and February 7, 2006 are subject to the recall. There has been one fatality as a result of this issue. Owners of these vehicles can visit the NHTSA website or call Volvo customer service at (800) 458-1552 for more information.

An update on this recall can be found here.

• Ram Trucks issues recall of multiple models due to fire hazard.

Ram trucks, a division of the Chrysler brand, has issued a recall of model 2500, and 3500 pickups, as well as 2500, 4500, and 5500 chassis cab trucks due to a potential fire hazard. The hazard stems from a faulty electrical connection in the vehicles heater intake grid that can overheat. There have been seven fires due to the issue with no injuries or crashes reported. Ram has advised owners to not park their trucks in garages, or near structures or other vehicles till a repair has been made. The recall covers the previously listed models manufactured from early August 2021 to early October 2021. Ram does not currently have a remedy for the problem but states that the owners will be contacted when a repair is available at their local dealership, free of charge. Owners seeking more information can contact Ram at (800) 853-1403.

• Walmart issues recall of aromatherapy spray due to possible contamination with dangerous bacteria.

Walmart, which exclusively sells Better Home and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Spray with Gemstones, has issues a recall over the product due to the possibility that the product is contaminated with a dangerous bacteria. The recall covers 3,900 bottles sold in six scents, Lavender, Peppermint, Lavender & Chamomile, Lemon & Mandarin, Lime & Eucalyptus, as well as Sandalwood & Vanilla. The bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can cause melioidosis. The CDC tested the product and found the bacteria and is now investigating four cases of melioidosis around the United States including two fatalities to see if the spray was involved. Consumers are urged to stop usage of the product immediately but not to dispose of the product in the trash. Instead it is asked that the consumers double bag the bottle in zip-top bags, place the bags in a cardboard box and return it to the nearest Walmart store. Also it is requested that all sheets or linens the spray was used on be washed with detergent as well as any surfaces it may have been sprayed on be wiped down. Consumers can receive more information from Walmart on their website under the “product recall” page or by calling (800) 925-6278.

• myCharge issues recall for Powerbank chargers over potential fire and burn hazard.

myCharge, which offers portable charging stations for handheld electronics, has issues a recall covering seven models of its portable Powerbank chargers. For a full list of the models click here. The recall covers roughly 67,000 units sold from August 2018 through December 2019 and according to the CPSC there have been thirty incidents, including seven injuries to consumers. The issue is with the lithium ion batteries within each unit that can overheat, possibly causing property damage and creating a fire and burn hazard. Consumers are instructed to immediately stop usage of the units and contact myCharge for instructions on how to receive a full refund.  myCharge can be reached at (888) 251-2026 or online at mycharge.com/pages/productsafety.

• Chevrolet will begin replacing defective batteries in their EV, the Bolt.

Chevrolet has announced that it will begin replacing the batteries within its Bolt model vehicle. The Bolt, Chevrolet’s EV, contains batteries made by LG that have two defects in them that when simultaneously occur, pose a fire hazard. Chevrolet originally recalled 50,000 units, but then expanded the recall to cover all the roughly 141,000 units sold. LG has agreed to pay Chevrolet $1.9 billion to help cover the estimated $2.0 billion that the recall will cost Chevrolet. LG will also be producing the replacement batteries, but had shut down production in their manufacturing plant until they implemented a fix to the problems. 2017-2019 model years of the Bolt have been given priority in the recall due to the high probability that the defective cells were produced in those years. In the mean time, Chevrolet has instructed owners to set the charge limit at 90%, avoid depleting the battery below the 70 mile range, never charge the vehicle overnight while indoors, park the vehicle outside immediately after charging, and leave “ample space” around the parked vehicle when possible. Owners can visit Chevrolet’s recall website or call (833) 382-4389 for more information.