Thousands of vehicles affected in Canada-wide recall

Transport Canada announced the recall of thousands of vehicles from major manufacturers, like Toyota, Ford, and Hyundai.

The government department issued multiple recall alerts affecting thousands of vehicles across Canada due to defects that could pose safety risks for drivers and passengers. Issues range from malfunctioning airbags to a rear camera software glitch that could increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturers will notify owners by mail if their vehicles are affected. However, Canadians don't have to wait — you can check whether your vehicle is included by searching the make and model of your vehicle on the Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

Here are some of the biggest vehicle recalls issued in January:

Ford

Recall date: Jan. 9

Units affected: 193,627

Models affected: Escape (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Focus (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), Lincoln MKC (2015, 2016)

The issue: Transport Canada warns that the engine block heater on certain vehicles could leak coolant, causing it to short-circuit when it's plugged in, thereby creating the risk of a fire. Drivers are urged not to use the engine block heater until repairs are completed. Similar recalls have been issued for other models.

Jeep

Recall date: Jan. 29

Units affected: 3,065

Models affected: Grand Cherokee 2021, 2022, 2023

The issue: Transport Canada states that recall repairs may not have been done correctly, resulting in the need for a second repair. Drivers are warned that a coil spring that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others, increasing the risk of a crash. FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and urges drivers to take their vehicles to a dealership for inspections and required repairs.

Hyundai

Recall date: Jan. 22

Units affected: 43,990

Models affected: Palisade 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

The issue: Hyundai is recalling several models of the Palisade because the side curtain airbags may. not deploy properly for third-row occupants in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The manufacturer is currently developing corrective actions for this issue and will notify owners in writing.

Toyota

Toyota issued multiple recalls, affecting several models.

Tundra

Recall date: Jan. 23

Units affected: 12,179

Models affected: Tundra 2024, 2025

The issue: Toyota is recalling affected Tundra vehicles due to a software issue. Under certain conditions, it could cause the rearview camera image to freeze or not display correctly when in reverse, thereby reducing the driver's ability to see behind the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. Owners will be notified by mail, and they're advised to take their vehicle to a dealership to update the parking assist electronic control unit software.

Prius and Prius Prime

Recall date: Jan. 28

Units affected: 19,399

Models affected: Prius and Prius Prime 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

The issue: According to the recall, water leaking into the rear door handles could cause them to short-circuit and unexpectedly open while driving. This poses a risk of injury, and drivers are urged to enable the automatic door locking function through the vehicle's unit. Owners will be notified by mail, and are advised to take their vehicle to a dealership for modifications.