NHTSA issues major recall alert: Fire risks and steering failures impact multiple brands

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a comprehensive list of new vehicle recalls, warning owners of significant safety risks ranging from high-voltage battery fires to sudden steering failures.

The alert covers a wide array of manufacturers, including Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, and Volvo, affecting both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty commercial trucks.

Critical Fire Safety Warnings: “Park Outside”

Several electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers have issued “Park Outside” notices due to risks associated with high-voltage battery overheating or catching fire. Owners of these vehicles are urged to park away from structures until repairs are completed.

  • Jaguar: Overheating batteries in the 2020-2021 I-PACE (Recall ID: 26V067).
  • Hyundai: Battery fire risks affecting the 2025-2026 IONIQ 5 and the 2026 IONIQ 9 (Recall ID: 26V068).
  • Mercedes-Benz: Potential battery fires in 2022-2024 EQB models (250+, 300 4MATIC, and 350 4MATIC) (Recall ID: 26V073).
  • Western Star: Improper battery connections in 47X and 49X models (2020-2027) may also lead to fires (Recall ID: 26V079).

Steering and Control Failures

Mechanical defects that could lead to a loss of vehicle control have also been identified in several new models:

  • Hyundai Kona (2026): A cracked steering knuckle assembly could cause a total loss of steering control (Recall ID: 26V069).
  • Freightliner Business Class M2 (2024-2025): Insufficient oil in the steering gear box may cause gears to bind, making the vehicle difficult to steer (Recall ID: 26V066).
  • Volvo VNL (2024-2027): Inadequate parking brake force creates a significant rollaway risk (Recall ID: 26V076).

Other Notable Recalls

ManufacturerModels ImpactedIssueRecall ID
Mercedes-Benz2020, 2022-2023 MetrisAir bags may fail to deploy26V070
Volvo2017 S60LDoors may open unexpectedly (FMVSS 206)26V072
Oshkosh2025-2026 NGDV (Electric & Gas)Missing brake pedal mounting pins/clips26V074
Altec2021-2025 Aerial Devices/DerricksEngine may start unexpectedly26V071
Nova Bus2013-2020 LFS / LFS ArticCracking mounting rails may cause seats to fall26V077

What Vehicle Owners Should Do

If your vehicle is listed above, safety officials recommend the following immediate steps:

  1. Check Your VIN: Use the NHTSA Recall Look-up Tool.  by entering your license plate or 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
  2. Contact a Dealer: All recall repairs are required by law to be performed FREE of charge at authorized dealerships.
  3. Follow Parking Instructions: For fire-related recalls, adhere to “Park Outside” instructions to prevent potential property damage.