INDIANA — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a wide-ranging batch of safety recalls affecting thousands of vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles across multiple model years.
Among the notices are critical “Park Outside” warnings for potential fire hazards, concerns over steering and brake failures, and structural seat defects.
High-Risk Safety Warnings: “Park Outside” Orders
Two separate manufacturers have issued “Park Outside” directives due to immediate risks of fire:
- BMW of North America (Recall 26V441): Affecting certain 2016–2020 hybrid models—including the 330e iPerformance, 530e iPerformance (and xDrive), and 740Le xDrive iPerformance. The engine starter in these vehicles may corrode and overheat, creating a potential fire hazard. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until repairs are completed.
- Crestline Coach Ltd. (Recall 26V428): Involving 2026 Ford CCL166 Type III Ambulances, where a fuel line leak could cause a fire.
Major Automotive Recalls
Several prominent automakers are calling back popular passenger cars and SUVs for a variety of safety non-compliance issues and mechanical defects:
Ford Motor Company & Lincoln
- Recall 26V451: Covers 2020–2026 Ford Explorers and 2020–2027 Lincoln Aviators. The second-row seats may move unexpectedly, raising the risk of injury during a sudden stop or crash.
- Recall 26V448: Involves 2016–2019 Ford Explorers, where roof rail covers may detach from the vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard for following traffic.
Toyota & Lexus
- Recall 26V437: Covers several 2026 models, including the Lexus TX (Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid) and Toyota Grand Highlander (Gas and Hybrid). The rear axle carrier on these vehicles may break, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control.
Subaru of America
- Recall 26V436: Involves the 2019–2026 Subaru Ascent, 2025–2026 Forester (and Forester Hybrid), and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. These vehicles were shipped with incorrect weight rating labels, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 110).
Hyundai Motor America
- Recall 26V452: Affects the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Kona Electric due to seat belt buckles that may fail to properly restrain occupants.
Tesla, Inc.
- Recall 26V445: Covers certain 2024 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles that were incorrectly imported and do not comply with FMVSS safety standards regarding occupant crash protection and interior impact mitigation.
Commercial Trucks and Emergency Vehicles
Heavy-duty vehicles and emergency equipment are also impacted by critical safety defects:
- Volvo Trucks North America (Recall 26V444): Affecting 2026 VAH, VHD, VN, VNL, and VNR models. Loose steering arm fasteners can result in a total loss of steering control.
- PACCAR Incorporated (Recall 26V442): Involves 2026–2027 Peterbilt 579 and 2027 Kenworth T680 trucks featuring incorrectly installed quick-release valves, which could affect braking standards.
- E-One Incorporated (Recall 26V454): Affects 2025–2026 Cyclone N, Typhoon N, and 2026 Commercial fire apparatuses. Drive modes may disengage without warning, leading to a loss of drive power.
- Shyft Group (Recall 26V440): Covers 2016, 2019, and 2021 Utilimaster Velocity vehicles where strobe lights may short circuit.
- Orange EV (Recall 26V453): Involves 2020–2026 electric yard trucks (E-Triever, Husk-E, T-Series) due to frame rails that may crack under stress.
Motorcycles and Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
- KTM North America (Recall 26V443): Covers 2022–2024 Husqvarna (FE 350S, FE 501S) and 2024 GASGAS (ES 350, ES 500) dual-sport motorcycles. The rear brake caliper may crack and break, resulting in a loss of rear braking power.
- Grand Design RV (26V446) & Winnebago (26V450): Printed circuit boards on certain 2026–2027 Lineage RVs as well as 2027 Winnebago Navion and View models may overheat, posing a fire risk.
- Forest River, Inc. (Recall 26V439): 2026–2027 Salem and Wildwood travel trailers feature incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) on their federal placards.
What Vehicle Owners Should Do
All safety repairs associated with an official NHTSA recall are performed free of charge by authorized local dealerships.
Vehicle owners are urged to check whether their specific vehicle is affected by visiting the Recall Look-up Tool and entering their 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate number. If an unrepaired recall is active, owners should contact their local dealership immediately to schedule a service appointment.
