Vehicles in Canada recalled for faulty brakes, headlamps. Here’s why

A man walks past cars at a General Motors dealership in Toronto on Thursday, March 5, 2009. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Nathan Denette)

Several automakers have issued recalls this week for a range of vehicles due to performance issues affecting parts including headlights and brakes.

Here’s what vehicles are being recalled:

General Motors

General Motors issued an update to a previous recall that affected makes like BrightDrop, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC.

The models vary and can be verified at Transport Canada’s website.

GM said a software problem can cause the lower beam headlamps not to turn on when it’s dark outside if the multi-function switch is in the “Off” or “Parking Lamp” position, according to the recall notice.

This may cause reduced visibility for the driver, as well as make the vehicle less visible to others on the road and increase the risk of a crash, it added.

More than 270,000 vehicles are impacted by this recall.

GM said they will notify owners by mail and advise a dealership visit to update the body control module software.

GM also issued another recall for nearly 6,000 Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles in Canada because of a braking defect.

The problem stems from a glitch affecting the brake control module software, GM said. When this doesn’t work, the vehicle may not slow down or stop if the cruise control system detects the need to apply the brakes.

According to GM, only certain all-wheel drive 2025 models without the Super Cruise feature were affected.

Tesla

Tesla issued a recall for their models 3, S, X, and Y from the years 2024 and 2025 due to a software problem that could cause the computer circuit board to short circuit.

As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display – a function required by Canadian regulations when the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear, the recall said.

Nearly 25,000 vehicles are affected.

Tesla said they released an over-the-air software update to fix this problem and will notify owners by email.

Kia

Kia issued a recall for the Niro EV model due to the risk of water entering the integrated electronic brake (IEB) and causing it to corrode.

This may cause reduced braking which can extend stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.

Niro EV models from 2019 through 2022 are among the vehicles affected by this braking issue. Nearly 2,200 vehicles are affected.

Kia said they will notify owners by mail and advise a dealership visit to apply silicone to the IEB bolt hole or replace the IEB.

Kia also issued another recall for the Sorento model due to a software problem that can cause the head and tail lamps to turn off and make the vehicle less visible to others.

Kia said the recall involves 7,404 vehicles in Canada from 2024 to 2025 model years.

According to the notice, for the 2025 Sorento model year, the recall also affects hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.

Kia will notify owners by mail to visit the dealership for an update to the body domain control unit software.

Fiat Chrysler

Fiat Chrysler issued a recall for the Jeep Cherokee in the model years 2017 to 2019 due improper installation of the power transfer unit (PTU).

THE PTU may become damaged and fail, resulting in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, the vehicle could move when it’s parked and the parking brake isn’t applied, the recall said.

Nearly 20,000 vehicles are impacted. Fiat Chrysler said this recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a two-speed PTU.

Fiat Chrysler will notify owners by mail.

Honda

Only five Acura ZDX vehicles from the model year 2024 are affected by this recall issued by Honda.

The manufacturer said the bolts securing the passenger-side front stabilizers bar bracket may not be tightened, and could become loose. This could cause separation and damage the high-voltage cables or battery-coolant lines.

This may result in loss of power to the wheels and increase the risk of a crash.

Honda will notify the small batch of owners by mail and tighten the bolts where needed.

With files from CTVNews.ca’s Christl Dabu