As a car owner, it’s crucial to stay informed about any recalls that may affect your vehicle. Recalls are issued when a manufacturer identifies a safety issue or defect that could potentially harm drivers, passengers, or others on the road.
By staying up to date on recalls, you can ensure that your vehicle is safe to operate and take the necessary steps to address any issues promptly.
Read on to learn about some of the top car recalls you need to know about, including the Ford battery calibration recall, the Toyota rear door handle recall, and others.
If you have an issue dealing with the recall and need legal assistance—or if you sustained injuries in an accident caused by a defective car component, contact a product liability attorney near you for a free consultation.
Common Car Defects That Require Recalls
Virtually any car can contain defects that require a recall.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some common car defects that often lead to recalls include:
- Faulty airbags: Defective airbags that may not deploy properly or may release metal fragments when deployed, posing a safety risk to passengers.
- Electrical system issues: Problems with wiring, batteries, or other electrical components that can cause fires, stalling, or loss of power.
- Brake system defects: Malfunctioning brake components, such as master cylinders, brake pads, or brake lines. These issues can lead to reduced braking performance or complete brake failure.
- Fuel system defects: Issues with fuel pumps, fuel lines, or fuel tanks that can cause leaks, stalling, or even fires.
- Steering system problems: Defects in power steering components, steering shafts, or rack-and-pinion units can result in loss of steering control.
- Transmission defects: Malfunctioning transmission components, such as gears, clutches, or control modules. These defects can cause shifting issues or complete transmission failure.
- Suspension and wheel defects: Problems with control arms, ball joints, tie rods, or wheel hubs that can affect vehicle handling and stability.
- Seat belt and child restraint defects: Issues with seat belt buckles, webbing, or anchors that may not restrain passengers properly in the event of a crash.
- Engine defects: Problems with engine components, such as pistons, valves, or timing chains, which can lead to stalling, reduced performance, or complete engine failure.
- Vehicle structure issues: Defects in the vehicle’s frame, body, or other structural components that can compromise the vehicle’s integrity and safety.
Ford Battery Calibration Recall
Ford recently issued a recall for certain 2020-2023 model year Ford Escape, Maverick, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter HEV/PHEV engines. The issue stems from a software problem in the high-voltage battery main contactors, which can lead to a loss of motive power while driving.
Affected models and years:
- 2020-2023 Ford Escape HEV/PHEV
- 2022-2023 Ford Maverick HEV
- 2020-2023 Lincoln Corsair PHEV
The problem arises when the battery contactors remain open longer than intended after a high-voltage battery shutdown. This can cause the contactors to weld together, resulting in a loss of motive power while driving, which increases the risk of a crash.
To resolve the issue, Ford will update the power control module software on affected vehicles.
Ford also issued a recall for more than 456,000 of the following Bronco Sport and Maverick models:
- 2021-2024 Bronco Sports
- 2022-2023 Mavericks
The NHTSA claims that the power train and body control sensors, which detect a sudden drop in battery voltage, can malfunction. This can lead to issues such as stalling, preventing the vehicle from restarting, or losing 12-volt accessory access.
To check if your vehicle is included in this recall, you can visit the NHTSA website and enter your vehicle’s 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Contact your local Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule a free repair if those companies recalled your vehicle. The dealer will update the power control module software, which should take approximately half a day to complete.
Toyota Rear Door Handle Recall
Toyota has issued a recall for certain 2022 model year Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles due to a potential issue with the rear door handles. The problem lies in the shape of the release lever, which may allow someone inside the vehicle to open the rear doors using the inside handles, even when the rear doors are locked.
Affected models and years:
- 2022 Toyota Tundra
- 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid
This issue poses a safety risk, particularly for children who may unintentionally open the rear doors while the vehicle is in motion. To resolve the problem, Toyota will replace both rear door release handles with newly designed ones that prevent unintentional opening.
Toyota has also recalled around 55,000 Prius and Prius HEV vehicles manufactured between 2023 and 2024 for door handle issues.
To check if a recall affects your Tundra, Prius, or any other model you own, visit the NHTSA website and enter your VIN. Contact your local dealer to schedule a free repair if Toyota recalled your vehicle. The dealer will replace both rear door release handles, which should take approximately one hour to complete.
Other Notable Recalls
In addition to the Ford battery calibration and Toyota rear door handle recalls, there have been several other significant recalls in recent months. Here are a few notable examples:
Hyundai and Kia
In September 2023, Kia and Hyundai recalled more than 3.3 million vehicles for potential fire risk. The issue stems from a brake fluid leak and electrical short that can cause the vehicle to catch fire. Hyundai and Kia have also issued several other recalls in the past few years, including:
- Hyundai and Kia engine fire recall: Kia and Hyundai recalled over 570,000 vehicles due to a risk of engine fires. The recall affected Kia Sportage SUVs (2017-2022) and Kia K900 sedans (2019-2022), as well as Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs (2019-2022) and Hyundai Tucson SUVs (2019-2021).
- Seatbelt pretensioner issue: Hyundai and Kia recalled about 239,000 vehicles because the seatbelt pretensioners could explode and cause injuries. This recall included the Hyundai Accent (2019-2022), Elantra (2021-2023), and Elantra HEV (2021-2022), as well as the Kia Forte (2021-2022) and Rio (2020-2022).
- ABS/ESC software issue: Hyundai recalled nearly 430,000 Elantra sedans (2006-2011) and Elantra Touring vehicles (2007-2011) due to a problem with the ABS/ESC software that could increase the risk of a crash.
- Engine failure and fire risk: Kia recalled around 147,000 Seltos (2020-2021) and Soul (2020-2021) vehicles due to a risk of engine failure and fires.
Kia and Hyundai owners must check if their vehicles are subject to any recalls and have the necessary repairs completed at an authorized dealer to ensure their safety.
Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Seatbelt Chime Recall
Tesla has recalled over 817,000 vehicles in the United States due to a safety issue with the seatbelt reminder chimes. The affected models include the 2021-2022 Model S and X, and Models 3 and Y manufactured through January 2022.
The problem arises when the driver exits the vehicle without buckled seatbelts. Sometimes, the seatbelt reminder chime may not activate, failing to alert the driver that their seatbelt is not fastened. To resolve the issue, Tesla will deploy an over-the-air software update to ensure that the seatbelt reminder chime activates as intended.
Honda Fuel Pump Recall
Honda has issued a voluntary recall of around 2.6 million vehicles worldwide due to a defect in the fuel pump that can cause the engine to stall or fail to start. The affected models include the 2019-2020 Acura RDX, RLX, and TLX, as well as the 2018-2020 Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Fit, HR-V, and Insight.
The issue stems from a defective impeller in the fuel pump, which can become deformed due to exposure to certain solvents during manufacturing. This deformation can cause the fuel pump to fail, resulting in an engine stall or a failure to start. Honda will replace the fuel pump assembly in affected vehicles to resolve the problem.
How to Stay Informed About Car Recalls
Given the potential safety risks associated with vehicle defects, car owners must stay proactive in monitoring recall information. Here are some tips and resources to help you stay informed:
NHTSA Website
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a comprehensive vehicle recall database. You can visit their website and enter your vehicle’s VIN to check for any active recalls. It’s a good idea to check this website periodically, even if you haven’t received a recall notice from your manufacturer.
Manufacturer Websites and Notifications
Most automakers have dedicated pages on their websites where you can enter your VIN to check for recalls specific to your vehicle. Additionally, manufacturers must notify registered owners by mail when a recall is issued. Update your contact information with your manufacturer to ensure you receive these notifications promptly.
Recall Alerts
You can sign up for recall alerts from the NHTSA, which will notify you via email when a recall is issued for your vehicle. Some automakers also offer similar alert services, allowing you to receive notifications directly from the manufacturer.
Legal Remedies for Recalled Vehicles
As a vehicle owner (consumer), you have various rights to remedy the defect in your vehicle or obtain compensation for your losses resulting from the vehicle defect.
Here are some key legal remedies available for a recalled vehicle:
- Repair: The manufacturer is obligated to repair the defect free of charge. This is the most common remedy for a recalled vehicle. The manufacturer will provide instructions on how to get the vehicle repaired at an authorized dealership or repair facility.
- Replacement: If the manufacturer cannot repair the vehicle after a reasonable number of attempts, they may need to replace the vehicle with a comparable one. This is less common than a repair remedy.
- Refund: In some cases, the manufacturer may be required to provide a refund for the vehicle’s purchase price, minus a reasonable allowance for depreciation. This is also known as a “buyback.”
- Lemon Law: If the vehicle has a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after multiple attempts, and the defect was present when the vehicle was purchased, the owner may be entitled to a refund or replacement under state “lemon laws.”
- Compensation for Damages: If the defect caused an accident or injury, the owner may seek compensation for damages through a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
- Class Action Lawsuit: If many vehicles are affected by the same defect, owners may join together in a class action lawsuit to seek compensation or other remedies.
The specific remedies available may depend on the nature of the defect, the terms of the recall, and the laws of the state where you purchased the vehicle. Speaking with a legal professional can help clarify the options in a particular situation.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney Today
Staying informed about car recalls is a critical aspect of maintaining your vehicle’s safety. Remember to check for recalls regularly using the NHTSA website and your manufacturer’s resources.
Also, sign up for recall alerts to stay regularly informed of any new developments. If a recall includes your vehicle, follow the manufacturer or dealer’s instructions for repairing the defect.
If you have tried to get a defective auto repaired with no success, you should speak with an attorney about your options under your state’s Lemon Law.
If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to a defective automobile component, you must contact a personal injury attorney right away to discuss seeking compensation through a claim or lawsuit.
A personal injury lawyer can also advise you on joining a class action involving your vehicle’s defect.
The attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm have recovered more than $1 billion in total compensation for our clients. We have the experience, skills, and resources to go after the largest automobile and car parts manufacturers, and we’ve earned national recognition as one of the best personal injury law firms in California and the nation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, advise you of your options, and help you determine the best course of action to get the favorable results you seek.
We’re also ready to fight hard to protect your rights and help you obtain maximum compensation for any injuries or losses you suffered because of a defective car part.
