Major Safety Alerts: NHTSA announces recalls for Honda, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Audi

INDIANA – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a series of significant vehicle recall alerts affecting a wide range of models, including popular sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vehicles. The recalls address critical safety concerns, including loss of drive power and braking failures, as well as potential fuel leaks and fire risks.

Vehicle owners are strongly urged to check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) immediately using the official  Recall Look-up Tool to determine if their vehicle is affected. All repairs related to these safety recalls are performed free of charge by authorized dealerships.

Sedans and Passenger Vehicles: Power Loss, Fuel Leaks, and Seat Belt Concerns

Several major automakers are recalling popular models due to issues that could compromise vehicle safety and operation:

  • Honda Loss of Drive Power (25V785): American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 2023-2025 Accord Hybrid models. A software error may cause the vehicle to lose drive power while operating, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Fuel Tank Leaks in Kia and Hyundai (25V794 & 25V796):
    • Kia K5 models from 2021 to 2024 are recalled due to a potential fuel tank leak.
    • The 2020-2023 Hyundai Sonata is also subject to a separate recall for a potential fuel tank leak, which increases the risk of fire.
  • Hyundai Seat Belt Issue (25V797): Certain 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 vehicles may have seat belt retractors that were not appropriately secured, potentially failing during a crash.
  • Volkswagen/Audi Seat Belt Buckle (25V777): Select 2025 Audi Q7, Q8, RS Q8, and SQ8 models are recalled due to a missing rivet on the front seat belt buckles, which may prevent the seat belt from functioning correctly.

Ford Recalls Focus on Stability, Battery, and Display Failures

Ford Motor Company is heavily featured in the latest alerts, with recalls impacting popular models like the Bronco, Escape, and hybrid vehicles.

  • Loss of Stability Control & Brake Assist (25V787): The 2025 Ford Escape and Maverick models are being recalled for issues that could lead to a loss of vehicle stability control and brake assist, making the vehicles difficult to control.
  • Instrument Panel Failure (25V788): Certain 2025-2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport vehicles may experience instrument panel display failure, preventing the driver from seeing essential information.
  • High-Voltage Battery Short Circuit (25V789): A critical recall affects 2020-2024 Ford Escape PHEV and 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV models, where the high-voltage battery may short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire.
  • Engine Cover Overheating (25V793): 2021 Ford E-350 and E-450 models are recalled because the engine cover may become excessively hot.

RV, Bus, and Commercial Vehicle Concerns

The alerts also cover safety issues in the recreational and commercial transportation sectors:

  • RV Propane Leaks and Detaching Solar Panels:
    • Grand Design Momentum (2023) and Solitude (2022-2023) are recalled for propane lines that may crack and leak (25V784).
    • Multiple Thor Motor Coach models (including Dazzle, Sequence, Tellaro, and others from 2022-2024) face two separate recalls (25V791 & 25V792) related to solar panels potentially detaching and becoming a road hazard due to adhesive failure.
  • School Bus Overloading (25V783): Certain 2023-2027 IC BUS CESB school buses manufactured by International Motors may have an incorrect gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), leading to unintentional overloading.
  • Brake Issues on Commercial Trucks (25V781 & 25V795):
    • International LT (2023-2026) and RH (2024-2025) trucks are recalled for a clogged port that may delay or prevent the release of service brakes.
    • PACCAR Peterbilt 567 and 589 (2026) models have been recalled due to insufficient brake system air volume.

What Vehicle Owners Should Do

Owners of the affected vehicles should:

  1. Check Your VIN: Immediately enter your license plate or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the NHTSA  Recall Look-up Tool to confirm if your specific vehicle is included in a recall.
  2. Contact Your Dealer: If your vehicle has an unrepaired recall, contact your local car dealership immediately to schedule an appointment.
  3. Repair is FREE: All necessary maintenance related to these safety recalls is provided at no cost to the owner.