Auto recalls roundup before Presidents Day weekend

Jeanie Ahn
·Senior Producer/Reporter
Updated
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Every Friday our Personal Finance team will round up consumer news you need to know ahead of the weekend, on a segment we call “Family First” for YFi PM. Read below for this week’s round-up.

More auto recalls include Tesla and Ferrari

Once again, millions more vehicles were added to the unending recalls due to their Takata airbags — this roundup affects Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Subaru, Tesla, and Volkswagen — as chemicals in the airbag become unstable over time.

The largest auto recall in U.S. history has affected 37 million vehicles with 50 million defective Takata airbags that spray sharp metal pieces at passengers, causing serious injuries and even death. The estimated impact is expected to include 70 million airbags by the end of 2019. Drivers are strongly advised to check to see if their vehicles are included by going to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website as well as their automaker’s page.

Ford recalls millions

Unrelated to the airbags, Ford issued 3 recalls this week impacting close to 3 million vehicles for a variety of safety problems from gear controls, to panel problems and door latches that could open while driving.

FILE- In this Nov. 19, 2015, photo, a row of new Ford Fusions are for sale on the lot at Butler County Ford in Butler, Pa. Under pressure from U.S. regulators, Ford is recalling nearly 1.4 million midsize cars in North America because the steering wheels can detach from the steering column and drivers could lose control. The recall covers certain Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars from the 2014 through 2018 model years. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
In this Nov. 19, 2015, photo, a row of new Ford Fusions are for sale on the lot at Butler County Ford in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

Flu’s worst still to come

The worst of flu season is not over, with the CDC warning that it’s likely to increase in the next few weeks and last through March 31. Physicians are reporting that there’s a 60% chance the flu season hasn’t even peaked yet.

Last winter’s flu season was record-breaking with 80,000 people who died from flu-related illnesses, a 40-year high for flu-related deaths. The effectiveness of last year’s vaccine was slightly lower than this year’s: 38% for 2017-2018’s flu season vs 47% effective for 2018-2019’s flu season.

Target recalls toddler unicorn boots

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that Target is taking back 33,600 pairs of its toddler unicorn boots from its popular kids’ line, Cat & Jack. The safety issues surround the unicorn horns that can detach and become a choking hazard. Target is issuing a full refund for customers who return the item.

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