Volkswagen is reintroducing physical buttons in its cars, starting with the new ID. Polo, addressing consumer feedback on touchscreen controls, and also experimenting with non-circular steering wheels, signaling a shift back to traditional controls in its vehicle interiors.
Ford has issued a recall for over 115,000 trucks due to a steering column defect that may detach and increase crash risk, marking a record-breaking year with 115 safety recalls affecting about 9.5 million vehicles, including issues with rearview cameras, fuel pumps, and instrument panels.
Chrysler is recalling over 338,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees from model years 2021-2023 due to potential issues with the upper control arm ball joints and steering knuckles that could cause the steering wheel to fall outward, leading to a loss of vehicle control. The affected components will be replaced free of charge, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 12, 2024.
US regulators are warning drivers to avoid using aftermarket decals to embellish their car's logo on the steering wheel, as these metal or plastic emblems can become dangerous projectiles when the airbag deploys during a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted a case where a driver lost sight in one eye after a rhinestone-covered decal hit their face. NHTSA is urging consumers to refrain from purchasing these decals and asking those currently using them to remove them, emphasizing that any alterations to the airbag or its cover can affect its functionality.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a warning against affixing hard stick-on decorations, such as rhinestone bedazzled rings, to the center of a vehicle's steering wheel. These decorations can become dangerous projectiles in a crash, potentially causing serious or fatal injuries. NHTSA advises car owners to immediately remove any such decorations already in place. The agency highlighted a case where a driver suffered a serious injury and lost sight in one eye when a rhinestone-adorned emblem became dislodged and hit the driver's face during a crash.
Nissan is recalling approximately 236,000 Sentra sedans from the 2020-2022 model years due to a weak tie rod in the steering wheel, which may bend or break, leading to a loss of steering control and potential crashes. Sentra drivers experiencing unstable or off-center steering are advised to contact their local dealer for repairs. Nissan had previously issued a recall in 2021 for a smaller group of Sentra vehicles affected by the same issue. The company will notify all drivers and provide replacement parts when available.
Nissan is recalling approximately 236,000 Sentra sedans from the 2020 to 2022 model years due to a weak tie rod in the steering wheel that may bend or break, potentially causing a loss of steering control and crashes. Sentra drivers experiencing unstable or off-center steering are advised to contact their local dealer. Nissan will replace the tie rods until stronger replacement parts become available, and affected drivers will be contacted by October 5th. This is a follow-up recall to a previous one in 2021 that impacted around 140,000 vehicles.
A player of Elden Ring has taken on the challenge of playing the game upside down and backwards, using a USB steering wheel as a controller, and restricting themselves from using summons. The challenge has taken four months so far, but the player has managed to beat Margit the Fell Omen. Elden Ring players have been pushing the limits of the game, with some killing bosses in just 15 seconds on NG+7, and others setting absurd limitations like dealing one damage at a time. Elden Ring's DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, has also been confirmed.
Tesla has started offering a retrofit kit for its Model S and Model X vehicles, replacing the Yoke steering wheel with a round one. The $700 kit includes installation by a Service Tech, making the process extremely easy for customers. The new Retrofitted wheel is slightly different than past Model S and Model X steering wheels, but it is still stalkless, meaning all controls are available through buttons on the steering wheel itself.