Behind The Wheel News

Ford and Porsche Recalls, Electric Cadillacs, New Lexus, and Other News

Ford Issues Worldwide Recalls on Several Vehicles

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 775,000 Ford Explorer SUVs worldwide for a steering issue linked to reports of six injuries in North America. The recall covers 2013-2017 model year vehicles that may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint that could cause a fractured rear-suspension toe link, which could significantly diminish steering control and increase the risk of a crash. The recall covers 676,152 vehicles in North America, 59,935 in China and 38,600 elsewhere.

The automaker is also recalling certain 2020-2021 Ford F-350 Super Duty vehicles with 6.7-liter engine and single rear-wheel axle for a rear-axle housing spring seat interface weld issue. The safety recall is for approximately 34,939 vehicles.

Affected vehicles may experience rear driveline disconnection. Drivers may feel vibration or shaking while driving at highway speeds and shuddering upon acceleration. In the event of a disconnected driveshaft, the vehicles may lose power while in motion or lose the transmission park function if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

The impacted vehicles were built at the Kentucky Truck Plant between Aug. 6, 2020 and May 15, 2021.

Approximately 40,995 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with the 3-liter gas engines are being recalled for improperly secured battery-cable wire harnesses that would allow contact with the A/C compressor pulley. Over time, the A/C pulley may rub through the wire harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive circuit, resulting in a short circuit and potential fire.

This action affects approximately 36,258 vehicles in North America, 2,601 in Ford’s International Markets Group, and 2,136 in China.

Every New Cadillac Will Be Electric

Source: Automotive News

Every new or redesigned Cadillac introduced in North America from now on will be an electric vehicle, fulfilling the luxury brand’s role as General Motors’ lead EV brand while the automaker speeds toward its goal of a zero-emission portfolio in the market by the end of the decade.

“We will be leaving this decade as an EV brand, as things stand today, which means that we will not be selling [internal combustion engine] vehicles by 2030,” Rory Harvey, vice president of global Cadillac, said in April.

Hot Used Car Market Benefits Lenders and Borrowers

The semiconductor computer chip shortage plaguing manufacturers has created a red-hot demand for used cars. That has turned the auto-lending world on its head, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Used car prices are so high that some lenders are coming out ahead on defaulted auto loans, and far fewer borrowers are underwater on their car loans — meaning they don’t owe more than the car is worth when they trade it in. It’s a tricky time to buy a car, but a pretty good time to owe money on one.

2022 Lexus RXL
2022 Lexux RXL

Lexus RXL Joins the Black Line Family for 2022

As part of the exclusive Black Line series, the 2022 Lexus RXL will be available for the first time with unique content added to a limited number of special edition models — 389 gas-powered models and 106 in hybrid based on the Premium Package.

Following customer and dealer feedback, the 2022 RXL Black Line special edition brings together the wish list and design cues into the brand’s three-row luxury SUV. The RXL Black Line comes in one of two exterior colors, including the all-new Cloudburst Gray and optional Eminent White Pearl. The colors are set off with the 20-inch black wheels, black lug nuts, black grille, black outer mirrors, black name plate and black lower-front bumper.

Inside the three-row luxury crossover, the Black Line features black open-pore wood trim and blue stitching on black NuLuxe seats in first two rows. This unique stitching carries throughout the interior on the console, shift boot, steering wheel and the upper instrument panel.

The suggested MSRP for RX 350L Black Line starts at $52,030 and the RX 450hL Black Line starts at $55,290.

Porsche Issues Global EV Recall

Porsche AG is scheduling a global recall of its Taycan electric car to fix a software issue that can cause a sudden loss of power. The move follows reports of cars switching to emergency mode in the United States, which prompted an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in May.

There have been no reported accidents or injuries, although a spokesman for Porsche declined to comment. A recall of Porsche’s first all-electric car underscores the technical challenges of large-scale rollouts of vehicles packed with increasingly sophisticated software gadgetry.

Say Goodbye to VW Passat

Volkswagen AG is phasing out sales of its Passat sedan in the United States, making it the latest well-known nameplate to exit U.S. showrooms as automakers embrace sport-utility vehicles (SUVs). The German automaker said Monday that the 2022 model year will be the midsize sedan’s final run. VW, which has been sold in the USA under the Passat name since 1990, said it is focused on selling SUVs and the start of U.S. production next year of its new electric model, the ID.4.

Genesis, Hyundai and Kia Sales Grow Significantly

Hyundai, its luxury brand Genesis and Kia all continued to rack up U.S. sales gains while largely shrugging off supply constraints and parts shortages that have hobbled other automakers. Capping a strong second quarter, all the brands soared as the industry steadily rebounds from the pandemic.

Volume rose 45 percent at Hyundai, while Kia deliveries jumped 43 percent. However, Genesis was the shining star, with sales advancing 184 percent.