What vehicles have been recalled in the Philippines?

Vehicle recalls are a common occurrence across the globe and represent the automotive industry's commitment to vehicle safety. Under usual circumstances, manufacturers and dealers will notify customers when a recall occurs. However, there may be times when specific owners are unaware.

As such, we've provided comprehensive information on recalls that have occurred in the Philippines over the last year and combined it with some helpful information to tell you what to do if your vehicle was included in a recall.

An automotive recall occurs when a manufacturer determines that a specific car model has a defect. This can occur with a single specific vehicle, but typically affects a number of models within a specific manufacturing period. While they may seem like an inconvenience, vehicle recalls should be taken seriously as they serve as part of a manufacturer's commitment to safety. After all, it's better for them to tell you about a potential problem, right?

In a typical scenario, a manufacturer will inform customers to book an appointment for their vehicle to be inspected at an official dealership or service center. Replacement parts and labor related to the recall are usually provided by the manufacturer free of charge. The Department of Trade and Industry also publishes announcements of vehicle recalls on their website.

Vehicle recalls are important due to the fact that they are often associated with vehicle safety. When manufacturers discover or get repeated reports of similar problems in specific models, they issue a recall to prevent injury, death, and damage to vehicles. They are not necessarily a bad thing, as they validate a specific brand's commitment to ensuring owner safety.

If you suspect that your vehicle has been included in a recall, then you should immediately seek the advice of an official dealership or service center. In order to quickly expedite this process, you should locate your VIN number.

What is a VIN number?

Your Vehicle Identification Number (or VIN for short) is a unique 17-digit number identification number that is attached to every vehicle in the world. In basic terms, the VIN is kind of like your vehicle's fingerprint and can be used for a wide variety of purposes. It is particularly important when a dealership or service center needs to check if your vehicle has been in a recent recall. The VIN includes details on the vehicles manufacturing origin, model year, airbag types, engine size, and trim level.

Where is your VIN number located?

Typically the VIN number is located on the driver's side of the dashboard, below the windshield. It can also be found on the driver's door side.

1. BMW Philippines Airbag and ISOFIX recall

Asian Carmakers Corporation, the official importers of BMW in the Philippines issued a technical upgrade recall in May 2017. The recall was issued to address issues on airbags and ISOFIX systems on year models from 1999 to 2016. The potential airbag defect includes a possible issue with the gas generator which may cause metal fragments to be fired when the airbag is deployed. The ISOFIX issue is said to have been triggered due to a problem with the strength of their rear seat fixing brackets.

Affected models of the airbag recall are:

• 1999 - 2004 BMW 3-Series models
• 2002 - 2003 BMW 5-Series models
• 2003 - 2004 BMW X5 models

Affected models of the ISOFIX system recall are:

• 2010 - 2016 BMW X3 models
• 2014 - 2016 BMW X4 models

1. Honda Cars Philippines Electronic Control Unit recall

In December 2015, Honda Cars Philippines Inc issued a voluntary preventative recall for specific models of the Honda City and Honda Jazz in relation to a required update of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software.

It was found that the current software installed on the models may cause high stress to the Drive Pulley Shaft located inside the vehicle’s Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). The consequences of not having the software updated could lead to serious damage to the vehicle. Honda has advised owners of affected units to have their vehicle inspected by an official Honda dealership or service center.

The Honda Philippines Electronic Control Unit (ECU) recall affects the following vehicles:

•    2014 Honda City models

•    2015 Honda Jazz models

2. Honda Cars Philippines Takata airbag recall

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) issued a recall in March 2017 as a precautionary measure against a potentially defective airbag inflator on Takata airbags on specific units of the Honda Jazz, City, and Pilot. A total of 10,461 units were expected to be affected. HCPI advises all owners to have their vehicles inspected at an official Honda dealership or service center nationwide.

The Honda Takata airbag recall affects the following vehicles in the Philippines:  

•    Honda Jazz models sold from 2013-2014

•    Honda City models sold from 2012-2014

•    Honda Pilot models sold from 2012-2015

3. Honda Accord, Civic, City, CR-V, and Jazz airbag recall

As a matter of ensuring maximum vehicle safety, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. announced a recall for specific units of the Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, City and Jazz to ensure that still they still maintain good safety standards. In particular, the recall aims to address a suspected defect in the inflator of the passenger front airbag. Although there were no reported accidents at the time, Honda wanted to ensure the safety of owners and advises customers to contact and set an appointment with the nearest Honda car dealerships and/or service center to have the said vehicles inspected.

Honda Cars Philippines August 2019 safety recall affects the following units:

•    Honda Accord models sold in 2003 (with model code CM4)

•    2001-2005 and 2006-2009 Honda Civic models (with model code EF1, ES5, FD1, and FD2)

•    2003 - 2006 and 2009 Honda City models (with model code GD6, CD8, GM1, and GM2)

•    2003-2009 Honda CR-V models (with model code RD4, RD5, RD7, RE1, RE4)   

•    2002-2009 Honda Jazz models (with model code GD1, GD3, GE6, GE8)

4. Honda Accord, BR-V, Mobilio, City, Civic, Jazz, HR-V, and CR-V fuel pump recall 

On June 11, 2020, Honda Philippines issued a recall for 10,136 of its vehicles for a faulty fuel pump impeller. The recall affects units under the 2018 to 2019 model years. In its announcement, the brand made mention of replacement kits, and assured customers of quick service, not lasting more than one and a half hours. Fuel pump issues will need to be addressed as soon as possible, and Honda Philippines implored its customers to use its website to check their vehicle VIN and chassis number and encode it on their recall site in order to determine if their vehicles are affected or not. Honda Cars Philippines June 2020 safety recall affects the following units: 

• 2018-2019 Honda Accord 
• 2018-2019 Honda BR-V 
• 2018-2019 Honda Mobilio 
• 2018-2019 Honda City 
• 2018-2019 Honda Civic 
• 2018-2019 Honda Jazz
• 2018-2019 Honda HR-V
• 2018-2019 Honda CR-V 

5. Honda Pilot 2016 to 2019 hood to grill gap recall

In January of 2022, Honda Philippines issued a recall for all 2016 to 2019 Honda Pilot models for an improper hood to grill gap that may cause the hood to vibrate at speed. This in turn may damage other parts surrounding the hood and may even end up with the hood opening up at high speed.

1. Mazda Takata Airbag Recall

Much like Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi. Mazda Philippines also issued a precautionary recall over potentially defective Takata airbags. Owners of any of the affected models have been advised to have their vehicles inspected by an official Mazda Philippines dealership or service center.

The Mazda Takata Airbag recall affects the following models:

• Mazda2 models with the MM7DE model code that were manufactured from October 26, 2009 to July 19, 2014
• First-generation Mazda6 models with the JM7GG or JM7GY model code, built from March 2002 to May 2005
• Mazda6 models built from March 2005 to March 2008
• Mazda BT-50 models built from January 20, 2006 to November 5, 2014 with the model code MM7UN

2. Mazda Fuel Pump Motor Recall

Mazda Philippines issued a recall in October of 2020 for a fuel pump motor recall. The Japanese brand has already contacted affected owners and has stated that the replacement of the faulty part will take about two and a half hours to complete. Affected models are the following:

• Mazda2 with chassis code DJ/DL
• Mazda3 with chassis code BN
• Mazda6 with chassis code GJ
• Mazda MX-5 with chassis code ND
• Mazda CX-5 with chassis code KF
• Mazda CX-9 with chassis code TC

1. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation Takata airbag safety inspection

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) initiated a safety inspection campaign in September 2018 for specific models of the Mitsubishi Pajero, L200, Strada, Lancer, Lancer Evolution IX, and Fuzion. Owners of affected vehicles have been advised to have their units inspected by an official Mitsubishi dealership or service center.

The precautionary campaign was initiated to check for faulty Takada airbags, similar to other campaigns initiated by Honda, Mazda, and Nissan.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporations Takada airbag safety inspection campaign covers the following models based on their manufacture year:

• 2007 - 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero models
• 2007 - 2014 Mitsubishi Strada models
• 2007 - 2014 Mitsubishi L200 models
• 2006 - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer models
• 2009 - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX models
• 2005 - 2008 Mitsubishi Fusion models

2. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation Xpander fuel pump issue

Mitsubishi Philippines issued a recall to all Xpander owners who have bought their units from May of 2018 until October 31, 2019. Owners are advised to bring in their units in for inspection and replacement if the fuel pump is found to be faulty.

1. Nissan Takata Airbag recall

Nissan Philippines Inc. urged Nissan owners to have their vehicles checked for potentially defective airbags in February 2019. This recall was issued in relation to a defective component in the Takata airbag inflator, which could malfunction when deployed. This is a similar recall to what was also called by Honda. Owners were advised to check with an official Nissan dealership or service center to see if their vehicle was affected by the recall. Affected models of the Nissan Takat airbag recall include:

• 2008 - 2014 Nissan Grand Livina
• 2007 - 2015 Nissan Navara
• 2003 - 2007 Nissan Frontier
• 2006 - 2007 Nissan Teana
• 2003 - 2014 Nissan X-Trail
• 2003 - 2017 Nissan Patrol Super Safari

2. Nissan Kicks e-POWER Compressor recall

On June 2023, Nissan Philippines Inc. started a service campaign calling all owners of the Nissan Kicks e-POWER in the Philippines to bring their vehicles in to have their air compressors checked for faults. This recall was issued after customers complained of their vehicle's AC system suddenly experiencing cooling failure and as such have stopped deliveries of new Kicks e-POWER cars to customers. Nissan Philippines Inc. has identified the problem as software and hardware-related and is accommodating all affected customers in their preferred dealerships. Nissan has resumed deliveries of the Kicks e-POWER and has assured customers that new models after the service campaign announcement have had their compressor issues checked and fixed before delivery. Affected models include:

• 2022 - 2023 Nissan Kicks e-POWER

1. Subaru global recall in November 2018

Subaru issued a global recall at the end of 2018 to cover valve spring issues for vehicles manufactured from January 16, 2012 to May 14, 2013. The recall was described as precautionary and was required to prevent the valve springs from fracturing under stress which would result in a noise coming from the engine, stalling, or an inability to start the vehicle.

Motor Image Philippines advises owners of the units mentioned below to have their vehicles inspected by an official Subaru dealership. Parts will be replaced free of charge. The Subaru global valve spring recall affects the following units based on their manufacture year:

• 2013 Subaru BRZ
• 2013 - 2014 Subaru Legacy
• 2013 - 2014 Subaru Outback
• 2012 - 2014 Subaru Forester
• 2012.- 2014 Subaru Impreza
• 2012 - 2014 Subaru XV

In addition, a second recall was also issued at the time in reference to inaccuracies with the multi-information displays, which affected the following vehicles:

• 2018 Subaru Legacy
• 2018 Subaru Outback

1. Toyota Rush curtain shield airbag computer recall in July 2019

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) issued a recall of the Toyota Rush in July 2019 based on concerns over the Curtain Shield Airbag computer on selected units manufactured from April 2, 2018, to February 7, 2019.

As per an official statement from TMP, the said units may have issues with the programming of its respective airbag Electronic Control Units (ECU), which may cause the curtain shield airbag to deploy when the rear wheel passes through a pothole or dent in the road.

Affected units will be informed through an official notification letter. Those who received such a letter are informed to schedule their Toyota Rush to be inspected by any of Toyota’s registered dealers or service centers nationwide.

2. Toyota RAV4 first-generation models, defective airbag inflators

Toyota Motor Philippines issued a recall for the first generation of the RAV4 in February of 2020. The recall was issued over concerns about the airbag inflators being insufficient or being too powerful causing a rupture. Affected units are those that were bought from June 6, 1997, to August 17, 1999.

Affected units will be informed by an official notification letter sent out by the Japanese brand. The airbags will be replaced by Toyota free of charge. 

3. Fuel pump recall in October of 2020

Toyota Philippines issued a special service campaign for certain models bought from 2013 and 2019. The recall was for faulty fuel pumps that would fail to cause the vehicle's engine to run rough, lose power at lower speeds, or not start at all.

affected units and year models are the following:

Toyota FJ cruiser - September 2, 2013, to June 3, 2015. 

Toyota Corolla Altis - December 25, 2017, to December 26,

Toyota Innova - January 1, 2018, to May 10, 2019.

Toyota Alphard -  September 4, 2017, to December 11, 2018

Toyota Fortuner - November 28, 2017, to September 19, 2018

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado - September 6, 2013, to March 2, 2015.

4. Toyota GR Supra Brake Assist Recall 2021 

Toyota Philippines Issued a recall service campaign as part of the international BMW initiative for GR Supra models produced between March 29, 2019, to June 5, 2020. The brake assist system may fail to arm itself upon startup if specific conditions are met. The braking system remains functional but may not have the brake assist function working. 

Toyota GR Supra - March 29, 2019 to June 5, 2020 

5. Brake Actuator software for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX

Toyota Philippines issued a recall for the Brake Actuator software for the Land Cruiser 300 and the Lexus LX wherein the Vehicle Stability Control program would not return to its On or default setting after the driver tries to reactivate it. Affect models are those below.

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 - July 7, 2021, to April 1, 2022

Lexus LX - December 13, 2021, to March 12, 2022

6. Lexus NX Skid Control ECU and Lane Tracing Assist 

Toyota Motor Philippines issued a recall for the skid control ECU for the Lexus NX models that will prevent the driver from engaging and disengaging the electronic parking brake. Up to 17 units produced between November 15, 2021, to June 27, 2022, are affected. 

The second part of the recall involves the Lane Tracing Assist program wherein the software has limited functionality. Lexus Philippines will give the units a software update to enhance the feature and the recall is part of the brand's customer satisfaction campaign. Units produced between November 15, 2021to June 6, 2022, are affected by this recall. 

7. Toyota Corolla Cross Electric Parking Brake recall in May 2023

On May 25, 2023, Toyota Australia issued a recall for gasoline-powered Corolla Cross models produced between February 2022 and April 2023 for a fault in the car’s electronic parking brake software. This fault would cause the electronic parking brake to enter a failsafe mode, triggering the car's malfunction indicator lamp and preventing the engagement or disengagement of the parking brake. 

In a statement, Toyota Motor Philippines has confirmed that none of the vehicles in the country are affected by the EPB recall happening over in Australia as local Corolla Crosses are equipped with a conventional foot-operated parking brake.

8. Brake recall for Avanza, Raize, and Veloz in January 2024

Toyota Motor Philippines issued a recall for the Raize, Avanza, and Veloz in January 2024. The models affected by this recall were 4,345 Raize units produced from September 12, 2022, to December 7, 2022, 3,119 Avanza units produced from September 12, 2022, to December 11, 2022, and 3,511 Veloz units produced from September 12, 2022, to December 13, 2022.

The recall was due to faulty equipment causing damage to the brake cylinder's slide pin boot. Toyota explains that the compromised boot could allow water entry, leading to rust on the slide pin and subsequently causing premature wear on the brake pads of the vehicle. Toyota will provide free replacements for the affected vehicle's brake cylinder slide pins and, if needed, replace the brake cylinder mounts.

9. Avanza and Veloz recall for right-hand front side impact beam

Toyota Motor Philippines issued a recall for 1,285 Avanza units and 1,471 Veloz units built from November 3, 2022, to November 24, 2022, due to a safety concern regarding the strength of the side impact beam of the affected vehicle's right front door. As per Toyota, inadequate welding has compromised the strength of the impact beam, potentially resulting in insufficient protection during a side collision. Toyota has announced that affected vehicles will receive a reinforcement bracket and additional welding at the affected weld points at no cost to the owner.

Ford Philippines also has a Field Service Action tracker feature on its website which you can check using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-digit code that can be found on your windshield, official documents, or on your car's chassis near the passenger footwell underneath the carpeting. 

Ford Mustang Brake Pedal Bracket Failure (September 2020) 

All Ford Mustang units: The recall was issued for possible brake pedal bracket failure. These brackets could break under hard stopping conditions which could lead to the loss of the vehicle's braking abilities. Ford has contacted local owners of the American muscle car for possible issue.

Ford Ranger and Everest 10-speed Automatic Transmission Pump Gear Failure (September 2020)

All 10-speed automatic Ford Ranger and Everest units: The recall was issued for the possible 10-speed automatic transmission pump gear failure which could lead to the vehicle being immobile. Ford has already contacted affect owners and states that repairs, as well as parts replacement, will take a day to complete.

Takata Airbag recall (June 2022)

Ford Philippines issued a recall for all 2006 to 2014 Ford Everest models, 2004 to 2011 Ford Ranger models, and for all 2005 to 2014 Ford Mustang models for possible faulty airbag inflators as part of the much bigger Takata airbag recall. Customers are advised to get in contact immediately with their nearest Ford dealership or check the Ford website with regards to the recall. Affected units will have their airbag inflators fixed free of charge.

On November 6, 2020, Chevrolet Philippines issued a recall for select models in its local lineup that may have been affected by faulty Takata airbags.

The following models are affected by the recall:

Chevrolet Trax purchased from 2014 to 2018

Chevrolet Sonic purchased from 2012 to 2013

Chevrolet Orlando purchased from 2012 to 2013

Chevrolet Cruze purchased from 2010 to 2013

Chevrolet highly encourages owners of these vehicles to log on to their website to schedule an appointment. The inspection and repair service is free of charge and will take approximately 1hour to perform and complete.