Automakers are staying busy when it comes to recalling potentially dangerous vehicles. Ford announced a recall of nearly 30,000 of its model year 2021 E-350s and E-450s due to an issue with improperly placed insulation.
Officials say the insulation on the underside of the engine cover could be mispositioned in affected vehicles, which could allow the cover to get hotter than intended. How hot exactly? Enough to pose a risk of injuries and burns to drivers and those sitting in the front passenger seat.
Ford said it will notify owners affected by the problem so that a dealer can install engine cover insulation patches and update the powertrain calibration for heat management. The service will, of course, be given at no charge. The recall is scheduled to begin on February 8.
GM addresses seat belt issue in several models
Last week, we reported that GM was recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to a seat belt issue. Now, you can highlight several hundred more on that list.
The company announced that it is recalling 470 vehicles across several models because incorrect bolts were used. The recall notice explains that the wrong bolts were used at one or more fastening positions in the vehicles to secure seats, leading to seat belts not being properly attached to the vehicle. In the event of a crash, this could cause serious injury.
GM is notifying owners and dealers so that the bolts can be replaced free of charge. The recall is slated to begin on February 6.
Chocolate products recalled over plastic pieces and sanitizers
Two companies that make chocolate products have initiated recalls because certain batches were tainted.
Lake Champlain Chocolates said that its milk chocolate bars may have inadvertently been contaminated with brittle plastic pieces. A full list of the products can be found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s site here.
Hiland Dairy also recalled its half-pint, low-fat chocolate milk products because they may have been contaminated with a food-grade sanitizer. Consumers who drink affected products could become ill.
In both cases, consumers are advised not to consume the products and to contact the companies for more information.
Ruffles chips recalled for unlisted allergens
A staple snack for many, Frito-Lay recalled dozens of its “Party Size” bags of Ruffles Original Potato Chips because they may have contained allergens (in this case, milk products) that were not listed on the label.
The recalled products were sold in retail stores in 6 states -- Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Consumers are advised not to eat the products. Instead, they can return them to a retailer for a refund.