Its Recall Mondays: Jeep Is Recalling 89,000 Newer Model Jeep Grand Cherokees

 

Steering Column Incorrectly Assembled

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V352000

Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Components STEERING

Potential Number of Units Affected 89,372

2023 Hyundai Kona N: The Brand’s Subcompact Performance Crossover

Highlights: Its all about the horsepower with the Kona N. It's a great alternative to sports cars.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $36, 645 (Base N Line): $29,185

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a blind-spot collision warning system; a rear cross-traffic collision warning system; a forward collision assist system with pedestrian protection; a lane following assist system; a lane keeping assist system; a Blue Link connected car service; and a temporary spare tire

Its Shop Time Mondays: Ford, Jeep And Lincoln Recalling Vehicles For Major Safety Concerns

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display

Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components BACK OVER PREVENTION

Potential Number of Units Affected 422,201

CEO Randy Parker Of Hyundai Motor America Extended Video Conversation With 'Auto Trends'

 

At the time of our conversation with CEO Randy Parker, Hyundai had not agreed to a near $200 million dollar settlement related to vehicle's that were easily hot-wired. View the video below.

Hyundai Motor America's First Black CEO Talks To 'Auto Trends' (Video)

CEO Randy Parker, Hyundai Motor America (Photo Credit: Hyundai)

Randy Parker, the CEO of Hyundai Motor America, joins Auto Trends with JeffCars.com, a weekly syndicated multicultural automotive program, for a one-on-one conversation.

Last summer, Parker, who is a seasoned executive in the industry, earned the keys to drive the fifth largest automotive brand in the United States based on sales volume, after decades of grinding his way to the top. 

Its Shop Time Mondays: GM Is Recalling Approximately One Million Midsize Crossovers For Airbag Concerns

Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000

Manufacturer General Motors, LLC

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 994,763

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 AWD: The Brand’s Flagship EV Crossover/SUV

Highlight:  The EQS has a 302-mile driving range.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $138,370 (Base 450 Plus Model: $105,450)

Seating Capacity: 5 to 7 (depending on if the third-row is added)

Standard Safety Features: an active distance assist system; route-based speed adaptation; a 360 degree camera; an active stop and go assist system; active steering assist; an active emergency stop assist system; active lane change assist; brake assist with cross-traffic functionality; a blind spot assist system; parking assist with parktronic; rear LED tail-lamps; interior and driver side dimming mirrors; an exterior acoustic pedestrian protection system; power folding exterior mirrors; a tire sealing compound and air compressor; and active high-beam assist

First Drive: 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 All-Electric Sedan

 

What's New: The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the brand's first all-electric sedan. The midsize sedan looks similar to the brand's midsize Sonata. However, the Ioniq 6 has a longer wheelbase, which equates to more leg room. 

Distinctive Styling: The styling of the Ioniq 6 is quite distinctive. From a side profile, the vehicle takes styling cues from the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Porsche Panamera both which are high end luxury vehicles. 

The rear end exudes an air of sophistication, with its double rear spoiler. Hyundai's folks say their latest EV is reminiscent of the cars from the 30s. In more modern terms, the Ioniq 6 rear styling harkens back to the classy looking Cadillac Seville sedan of the eighties. The bending of the rear sheet metal provides more efficiency, enhancing the driving range.

Experian Automotive Talks Average Car Payments, Interest Rates And More On 'Auto Trends' Mother's Day Weekend

 

For those in the market for a new or preowned vehicle, tune in to Auto Trends with JeffCars.com Mother's Day weekend. Melinda Zabritski, Experian Automotive's senior director, joins us to talk about the impact the Federal Reserve raising interest rates multiple times over the past year, as well as the average transaction of a new and preowned vehicle topping out near $50,000 and $33,000, respectively, has had on consumers when they finance or lease. Experian Automotive is a division of Experian credit.

Its Shop Time Mondays: Ford, Kia And Ram Are Recalling Vehicles

1. Replacement Air Bag Inflator Incorrectly Installed

An incorrectly installed inflator may not properly inflate the passenger air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V306000

Manufacturer Ford Motor Company

Components AIR BAGS

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD: The Brand's Hatchback-Like Electric Vehicle

Highlight: The driving range has been extended on the AWD model.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $57,835 (Base SE FWD Model: $42,785)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; rear lower anchors and upper tether anchors; a power window lock-out button; rear child safety locks; ABS with a regenerative braking system; electronic stability control system; a traction control system with brake assist; vehicle stability management; a tire pressure monitoring system; blind-spot collision avoidance assist; rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist; a parking distance warning system; lane keeping assist; lane following assist; an intelligent speed limit assist system; a driver attention warning system; safe exit assist; high beam assist; rear occupant alerts; a front crumple zone; 2.5-MPH bumpers; body side reinforcements; electronic shift lock system and ignition key interlock; an anti-theft system; a rear view monitor with parking guidance; a tire mobility kit; highway driving assist; and a immobilizer

'Auto Trends' Electric Vehicle Guests Talk Best Times To Charge And Installation Prep Tips

Auto Trends with JeffCars.com continues our radio conversation this week talking about electric vehicles, but from a different angle. Stanford University's Dr. Ram Rajagopal, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, talks about a 2022 study he co-authored questioning why nighttime might not be the best time to charge an electric vehicle. His conversation will have all of us rethinking when, where and how often we charge.

And, we'll close out the program with Powering Chicago's executive director Elbert Walters, as he shares prep tips homeowners, landlords, business owners and nonprofits need to know before installing an electric charger. Powering Chicago represents all of the certified electricians in Chicago. Walters' insights will save one from experiencing a lot of missteps no matter where they are based in North America. 

Bloomberg Intelligence Auto Analyst Talks To 'Auto Trends' (Video Included)

 

Bloomberg Intelligence's Kevin Tynan, a senior auto analyst, shares his insights about the current trends in the auto industry related to new and used car prices, leasing, vehicle affordability, interest rates, the Inflation Reduction Act, the economy, TikTok in cars and more. 

The radio program will air from Saturday, April 22 thru Thursday, April 27. To tune in to the program, click here. 

2024 Lincoln Nautilus Preview: The Midsize Crossover Wears A New Design