Recall 17V813 affects 281 2016 Bluecar Bluecar vehicles for unexpected air bag deployment. Bluecar updates the air bag software for free.
Bluecar is recalling 281 2016 Bluecar vehicles because the front driver, passenger, and side curtain air bags can deploy without warning even when there has been no crash. Unexpected air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury, and Bluecar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control unit in the 2016 Bluecar Bluecar is the electronic module that decides when the air bags should deploy. It reads crash sensor signals and uses stored calibration settings to trigger the front driver, front passenger, and side curtain air bags only when a crash is detected.
On affected vehicles, a software error enters the wrong bias value when a sensor signal is missing under Bluecar's calibration. That bad value can make the system treat normal driving as a crash event. The result is an air bag deployment while the vehicle is being driven, even though no crash has occurred. The same software problem can also create an incorrect crash record.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner does not get a warning light, message, sound, or change in how the vehicle drives before the air bags deploy without a crash.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Bluecar Bluecar | air bag system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 281 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
An air bag that deploys when there has been no crash can injure occupants. There is no warning sign before deployment, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the software update promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Bluecar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Bluecar Bluecar is included in this recall.
- Contact Bluecar customer service at 1-972-757-7251 to schedule the free air bag software update that stops unexpected air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Bluecar has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V813 when you call.
- Ask Bluecar whether to drive the vehicle before the software update is complete, since the air bags can deploy without warning.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Bluecar technician updates the air bag software so the front driver, passenger, and side curtain air bags follow the corrected control logic. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. Bluecar has already notified the company that owns the affected vehicles. If you've already paid out of pocket for this air bag software repair, Bluecar's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Keep your repair paperwork and contact Bluecar customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 17, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| December 18, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V813?
Recall 17V813 covers 281 2016 Bluecar Bluecar vehicles with an air bag software issue. While driving, the front driver, passenger, and side curtain air bags can deploy without a crash, increasing injury risk. Bluecar is updating the air bag software free of charge.
What should I do if my 2016 Bluecar Bluecar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V813. If it is, contact Bluecar customer service at 1-972-757-7251 or the company managing the vehicle to confirm the free air bag software update has been completed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost, and Bluecar's remedy says the air bag software update is free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected air bag deployment while driving. The front driver, passenger, and side curtain air bags can deploy without a crash, which increases the risk of injury. Bluecar's free software update is the repair path for included vehicles.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before deployment in this recall. The filing says the air bags can deploy without warning and without a crash. Confirm your VIN, then make sure the free Bluecar air bag software update has been completed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V813000 |
|---|---|
| Bluecar customer service | 1-972-757-7251 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V813 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V813000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →