INDIANA — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and various vehicle manufacturers have announced a broad range of safety recalls affecting numerous vehicles, including popular models from Ford, BMW, Chrysler (Dodge), and others. Authorities are urging owners to immediately check if their specific vehicle is included, as unrepaired safety defects could lead to serious injury or death.
Federal law mandates that dealers must repair all safety defects at no cost to the owner.
Key Recalls Affecting Passenger Vehicles
Several of the most significant recalls involve defects that could result in a loss of control, fire risk, or failure of critical safety equipment:
- Ford Motor Company: Ford is impacted by several major recalls:
- Fire Risk: Certain Bronco, Bronco Sport, Escape, Explorer, Fusion, Maverick, and Ranger models (model years 2016-2024) are being recalled due to an engine block heater that may short-circuit and cause a fire ([NHTSA ID 25V685]).
- Seat Belt Failure: Ford Mustang models from 2015-2017 may have an issue in which the seat belt anchor pretensioner cables may corrode and break ([NHTSA ID 25V614]).
- Trailer Detachment: Ford Explorer (2024-2025) and Lincoln Aviator (2024-2026) models are recalled because the trailer hitch assembly may detach ([NHTSA ID 25V687]).
- Dodge Dart Rollaway Risk: Dodge Dart vehicles from 2013-2016 are recalled because a detached shifter cable may cause the car to roll away, even if the driver believes it is in ‘Park’ ([NHTSA ID 25V674]).
- BMW Windshield/Seal Issues: Certain 2026 BMW X4 and X6 models are being recalled for windshields that were not properly sealed ([NHTSA ID 25V671]).
- Lucid Air Loss of Power: Lucid Air models from 2024-2026 are recalled because a disconnected half-shaft may cause a complete loss of drive power ([NHTSA ID 25V669]).
- Nissan/Chevy Fuel Pump: The Nissan NV200 (2013-2021) and the rebadged Chevrolet City Express (2015-2018) are subject to a recall due to a blown fuel pump fuse ([NHTSA ID 25V676]).
Recalls Also Affecting Trucks, Buses, and RVs
Recalls were also issued for various larger vehicles:
- Autocar (Legend, Xpeditor) trucks are recalled for a loss of steering control ([NHTSA ID 25V679]).
- Several RV brands (Genesis, Forest River, Jayco/Heartland) are recalled for issues including a fire risk from the air conditioner or missing fire protection, and a Murphy bed that may fall unexpectedly ([NHTSA IDs 25V680, 25V682, 25V675]).
What Owners Should Do Now
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strongly advises that if your vehicle is included in a recall, you must have it repaired as soon as possible.
1. Check Your VIN: To confirm if your specific passenger vehicle is affected, use the NHTSA VIN Lookup Tool. You can also click on the NHTSA Recall ID Number above for more details on the safety issue.
2. Expect Notification: Vehicle manufacturers are required to send a separate letter notifying owners of the recall, explaining when the remedy will be available, and advising whom to contact for the free repair.
3. Contact Authorities if Needed: If you suspect your vehicle is part of a recall but have not yet received a letter, you should contact your vehicle manufacturer, dealership, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Understanding a Safety Recall
A recall is initiated when a manufacturer or the NHTSA determines a vehicle poses an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Manufacturers are then obligated to provide a remedy at no charge to the owner. This remedy may involve repairing the defect, replacing the vehicle, or offering a refund for faulty equipment.
