WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a significant wave of vehicle recalls this week, affecting over 200,000 vehicles across the United States. High-profile alerts from Ford, Genesis, and Rivian highlight risks ranging from engine fires to critical display failures.
As record-breaking cold sweeps through the Midwest, the Ford recall is of particular concern for local residents relying on cold-weather equipment.
Ford & Lincoln: Engine Block Heater Fire Risk
Recalls 26V011 & 26V012
Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 120,000 vehicles because the engine block heater—a device used to keep engines warm in extreme cold—may crack and leak coolant. This can cause an electrical short circuit and a potential fire while the vehicle is plugged in.
- Affected Models: 2013–2019 Ford Escape, 2013–2018 Ford Focus, 2015–2016 Lincoln MKC, and 2019/2024 Ford Explorer.
- Urgent Advice: Officials warn owners not to plug in their block heaters until the vehicle has been repaired. Look for warning signs like coolant spots on the driveway or a “low coolant” light.
Genesis: Blank Instrument Panels
Recall 26V019
Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, is recalling nearly 84,000 vehicles due to a software glitch that causes the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screens to reboot while driving. A blank screen prevents drivers from seeing their speedometer, fuel gauge, and safety warnings.
- Affected Models: 2025–2026 G80, GV60, GV70, and GV80 (including Electrified models).
- Interim Fix: Genesis recommends that owners disable the HD Radio feature in their settings until a software update is performed.
Rivian: Improperly Secured Seat Belts
Recall 26V009
Electric vehicle maker Rivian has issued a recall for a small batch of R1S and R1T models. A bolt securing the second-row seat belt retractors may not have been tightened properly during assembly, which could result in the seat belt failing to restrain passengers during a crash.
- Affected Models: 2022–2026 Rivian R1S and 2022–2025 Rivian R1T.
Other Notable Recalls
| Manufacturer | Issue | Affected Models |
| Nissan | Improperly welded door strikers (doors may open in a crash) | 2025 Altima, Sentra; 2025-26 Frontier, Kicks |
| Winnebago | Water tank heating pad failure (fire risk) | 2024–2026 Minnie Winnie, Navion, Travato |
| Lucid | Rearview camera may fail to display | 2022–2026 Lucid Air and Gravity |
| General Motors | Damaged parking brake wiring harness | 2024–2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV |
Recalls are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships. To see if your specific vehicle is affected:
If your vehicle is listed, contact your local dealership to schedule a repair appointment.
Locate your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), usually found on the lower driver-side windshield or your registration card.
Visit the NHTSA Recall Look-up Tool.
