Recall Roundup: GM Recalls 300K Full-Size Pickups; Ford, Tesla Also Issue Recalls

During the past week, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Tesla Motors have all issued recalls on various models, dating back to the 2011 model year. Details are below, in alphabetical order by make and model.

2011 Ford E-Series

Ford is recalling 4,532 model-year 2011 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, and E-450 vans built from May 12, 2011, through May 26, 2011. Due to improper manufacturing conditions, some of the windshields may form bubbles after extended time in hot temperatures, which could hinder the driver's visibility.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the windshield if bubbles are present, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, January 27, 2014. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 11C20; owners may also reference National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall campaign ID number 11V445000.

2012-2013 Ford Edge

Ford is also recalling 27,933 model-year 2012 and 2013 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured from September 2, 2010, through April 25, 2013, and equipped with 2.0-liter engines. The fuel line pulse damper metal housing may crack as a result of an improper manufacturing process; this could result in fuel odor, weepage, or a continuous leak while the fuel system is pressurized, which, in turn, could result in a fire.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line with one that does not have a damper, free of charge. The safety recall is scheduled to begin on February 28, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S13; owners may also reference NHTSA recall campaign ID number 14V002000. IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes recall 12V-438. All vehicles that have been remedied under the previous recall need to have the current remedy applied.

2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2014 GMC Sierra

General Motors is recalling approximately 300,000 units of its 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks equipped with 4.3- or 5.3-liter engines. When the vehicle is idling in cold temperatures, the exhaust components can overheat, possibly melting nearby plastic parts and perhaps causing an engine fire.

General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14008; owners may also reference NHTSA recall campaign ID number 14V007000.

2013 Tesla Model S

Tesla is recalling 29,222 model-year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat, increasing the risk of burn injury and/or fire.

Tesla will notify owners and provide an "over-the-air" software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on-board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752), and may reference NHTSA recall campaign ID number 14V006000.