California Lemon Law blog – A blog by the Law Office of Edzant Price LLP

Ford has announced a safety recall for certain 2025–2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport models after discovering a software defect that can cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail at startup. While the failure rate appears low so far, the issue can disable the display of critical safety information—and that creates a significant risk for drivers.

The Problem: A Startup Timing Error That Can Blank the Instrument Panel

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is responsible for displaying essential vehicle information, including speed, engine warnings, braking system alerts, and other important safety telltales.

In the affected vehicles, the IPC can fail to initialize at startup. When that happens, the screen stays completely blank.

The Root Cause

Ford traced the issue to a timing-related software fault:

During the IPC’s sleep-entry sequence, there is a narrow window where a CAN wake-up interrupt can occur.
If this interrupt happens at the wrong moment, it triggers a memory protection fault in the cluster’s control unit.
The result: the IPC fails to boot, leaving the driver with a blank screen.

A blank cluster means no speedometer, no warning lights, and no safety indicators, which can significantly increase the risk of a crash if the vehicle is driven in that condition.

Why This Matters for Drivers

If the IPC is blank when the vehicle starts:

The driver cannot see speed, engine warnings, brake indicators, turn signals, or safety alerts.
Important telltales required under federal safety regulations may not display.
The driver loses critical information needed for safe operation.

Although the vehicle can still move, driving without a functioning instrument panel is dangerous—especially in traffic, at night, or in poor weather conditions.

Ford reports no accidents or injuries linked to this defect as of November 2025, but the potential safety impact is clear.

Ford’s Internal Investigation Timeline

The issue first surfaced on September 18, 2025, when reports of blank screens in 2025–2026 Broncos and Bronco Sports were escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG). Over the next several weeks, the CCRG analyzed failure reports, warranty data, and comparisons to a similar prior recall (25S88 / 25V-540).

What they found was significant:

Warranty claims were low so far, but
68% of connected vehicles had ignition cycles falling within the window of susceptibility to this startup timing failure—almost identical to the earlier recall population.
No clear factor suggested the newer vehicles were at lower risk than the previously recalled models.

The first warranty claim was logged on May 15, 2025, and by November 7, 2025, Ford had documented 12 potentially related claims.

On that same date—November 7—the Field Review Committee approved a formal field action, confirming the need for a recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

Ford has issued a recall for certain:

2025 Ford Bronco
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
2026 Ford Bronco
2026 Ford Bronco Sport

These vehicles are equipped with the susceptible SX2 Instrument Panel Cluster.

Ford’s recall number is 25SC3, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 25V-788.

How the Problem Will Be Fixed

Ford will correct the IPC issue through an instrument panel cluster software update, available:

At Ford dealerships, or
Through an over-the-air (OTA) update (for vehicles equipped to receive OTA updates)
Ford plans to begin mailing recall notices on December 8, 2025.

What Bronco and Bronco Sport Owners Should Do

If your instrument panel cluster ever boots up blank:

Do not drive the vehicle until the IPC initializes correctly.
If your Ford Bronco is affected, contact your Ford dealer to schedule a repair.
Check for OTA update availability.
Monitor for recall notifications and verify your VIN’s status on Ford’s recall lookup page.

Even if you haven’t experienced the issue yet, your vehicle may still be at risk due to the timing-related nature of the fault.

If You Continue to Experience IPC Problems

If the problem persists after the recall repair—or if Ford is unable to fix the defect—owners may be eligible for repurchase, replacement, or compensation, according to California Lemon Laws.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has announced a safety recall affecting certain 2022–2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. A software error in the Parking Assist ECU — the electronic control unit responsible for displaying the rearview image — may cause the camera image to freeze or fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This issue means the affected vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 for rear visibility.

What’s Causing the Problem?

The Parking Assist ECU software can experience two types of malfunctions:

Rearview image freezing: The image may freeze for up to 1.8 seconds if the vehicle is shifted into reverse within 0.7 to 2.6 seconds after ignition is turned on.
Rearview image not displaying: If the vehicle’s power is turned off during a brief data-writing process within the first 12.5 seconds after startup, the camera’s alignment data can become corrupted, preventing the image from displaying during the next ignition cycle.

These failures may occur under specific timing conditions and could increase the risk of an accident during backing maneuvers, especially if a pedestrian or object is behind the vehicle.

Timeline of Discovery

Between April 2024 and December 2024, Toyota engineers discovered the issue while reviewing software used in Japan-spec models. Bench testing confirmed that interruptions during image processing or data writing could cause temporary or complete loss of the rearview image. Subsequent testing through October 2025 confirmed that the same software error could affect global models, including those sold in the U.S. On October 24, 2025, Toyota decided to issue a safety recall.

Recall and Remedy Information

Dealers will update the parking assist software. Interim notification letters alerting owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final software remedy is available.

The recall identification numbers are as follows:

Toyota: 25TB13 and 25LB06
Subaru: WRE25
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-744

Vehicles Included in This Recall

2022 Lexus Lx
2022 Lexus Nx
2022 Lexus Nx Hybrid
2023 Lexus Es
2023 Lexus Es Hybrid
2023 Lexus Ls
2023 Lexus Ls Hybrid
2023 Lexus Nx Plug-in Hybrid
2023 Lexus Rx
2023 Lexus Rx Hybrid
2023 Lexus Rz
2024 Lexus Gx
2024 Lexus Lc
2024 Lexus Lc Hybrid
2024 Lexus Tx
2024 Lexus Tx Hybrid
2024 Lexus Tx Plug-in Hybrid
2024 Lexus Rx Plug-in Hybrid
2025 Lexus Lx Hybrid
2023 Subaru Solterra
2023 Toyota Bz4x
2023 Toyota Crown
2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2023 Toyota Mirai

2023 Toyota Prius
2023 Toyota Prius Prime
2023 Toyota Rav4
2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid
2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime
2023 Toyota Venza Hybrid
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2025 Toyota Crown Signia
2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
2025 Toyota Rav4 Plug-in Hybrid
2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid
2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2026 Toyota Crown
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
2026 Toyota Rx Plug-in Hybrid
2026 Toyota Tx
2026 Toyota Tx Hybrid
2026 Toyota Tx Plug-in Hybrid

What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru models, until the software is updated, owners should exercise extra caution when backing up and verify surroundings visually.

If you drive a Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado 1500, GMC Yukon, or Sierra 1500, you may have already seen a Check Engine Light related to a coolant control valve problem.
Many 2021–2023 GM vehicles—especially those equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel (LM2 or LZ0)—have been affected by failures of the engine coolant control valve, sometimes called the engine coolant flow control valve.

This part plays a crucial role in regulating coolant flow to help the engine maintain proper operating temperature. When it fails or sticks, it can cause check-engine lights, overheating, and even high-speed radiator fan operation after the engine is turned off.

What the Issue Is

The engine coolant control valve manages how coolant circulates through the radiator and engine. When it fails, owners often report one or more of these diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs):

P1098 – Coolant Control Valve Performance (common on 3.0L Duramax models; fans may run at high speed even after the key is off)
P26BB / P2B60 – Coolant Flow Control Valve Position/Learn Faults

These codes can trigger the Check Engine Light (MIL) and may cause excessive fan noise or poor temperature regulation.

Vehicles Involved

GM lists the following vehicles as potentially affected:

2021–2023: Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe / Suburban, GMC Yukon / Yukon XL
2021–2022: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500

The issue is most prevalent in vehicles with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine (LM2 or LZ0), but can appear in some gasoline variants as well.

What GM Told Dealers to Do

General Motors has released several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Preliminary Information (PI) documents to guide technicians:

22-NA-082 (April 2022) – Software programming update for vehicles displaying P1098 / P26BB / P2B60 codes.
PIP5791A (January 2022) – Directs technicians to command the valve open and closed multiple times to verify function before replacement.
Earlier PI (2019 → carried forward) – Replace the valve and perform a relearn if previous codes were logged and diagnostics confirm failure.
21-NA-271 (August 2023) – Advises checking for kinked cooling hoses that can cause similar fault codes before replacing the valve.

Special Coverage Program for 3.0L Duramax Models

In September 2025, GM announced a Special Coverage Program for the coolant control valve affecting certain 3.0L Duramax models.

Coverage up to 15 years / 150,000 miles (240,000 km) from the vehicle’s in-service date
Applies to Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, and full-size SUVs equipped with 3.0L Duramax engines
Covers replacement of the coolant control valve and related programming if diagnostics confirm failure.
Program IDs: N252508340 and N252508341

What Owners Should Do

Get the codes read – Look specifically for P1098, P26BB, or P2B60.
Visit your GM dealer – Mention TSB 22-NA-082 and Special Coverage N252508340/N252508341.
Ask for a diagnostic and repair under warranty coverage if applicable.

California Lemon Law: Repeated Coolant Valve Problems Could Mean Your Vehicle Is a Lemon

If your GM SUV or truck has been in the shop multiple times for the repeated issues—or has been out of service for an extended period due to repeated repairs—you may have additional protection under the California Lemon Law (formally the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act).

When Lemon Law Might Apply

You may qualify if:

The vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty (including extended “special coverage” programs).
The dealer has attempted several repairs for the same problem without success.
The issue substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety (for example, repeated overheating or engine cooling failure).
The vehicle has spent a significant number of days in the shop for warranty-related repairs.

If those conditions apply, California law may require GM to repurchase or replace your vehicle.

How to Take Action

Keep records of all service visits, repair orders, and communication with your dealer.
Request a copy of your vehicle’s repair history and diagnostic codes.
Consult a California Lemon Law attorney or consumer-protection advocate if your issue persists after repeated repairs.

(Tip: Lemon Law claims can often be handled at no cost to the consumer—attorney fees are typically paid by the manufacturer if you prevail.)

Certain model-year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles were manufactured with high-voltage (HV) battery packs that may contain defective cells. The defect can lead the battery to internally fail and potentially cause a vehicle fire – whether the vehicle is parked or driving.

What’s the problem?

On July 3, 2025, the manufacturer’s technical safety organization opened an investigation after reports of fires originating in the HV battery packs of these plug-in hybrid vehicles – including vehicles that had already undergone the earlier remedy under Recall ID 95B (NHTSA ID 24V-720).
The battery supplier Samsung SDI obtained a pack from a vehicle that had experienced a fire with cells manufactured outside the original recall’s scope. They found the fire was caused by the same defect identified under 95B and are working to identify additional causal factors.
As of October 13, 2025:
- 9 fires reported in vehicles which had already had the 95B software remedy applied.
- 10 fires reported in vehicles whose cells were outside the original 95B scope.
- 19 customer-assistance records, 0 warranty claims, and 19 field reports tied to this issue (dates from Jan 27 to Sept 2, 2025).
- 1 injury and no confirmed accidents tied to this issue.
On October 24, 2025, the manufacturer determined there is a defect affecting motor vehicle safety in all affected vehicles.
The manufacturer states that in rare cases, a battery pack may contain cells with separator damage which, combined with other complex interactions within the cell, may lead to a fire.
A key interim safety measure: risk is lower when the battery charge level is low or depleted, and higher when the battery is fully or highly charged.
Owner advice: refrain from recharging the vehicle, and park away from structures or other vehicles until the final remedy is available.
The recall campaign number is 68C (NHTSA campaign number 25V-741) and even vehicles previously recalled under 24V-720 or 23V-787 will need the new remedy.

Affected vehicles

Model year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Model year 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

What should owners do now?

Minimize risk until fixed:
- Avoid charging the plug-in-hybrid battery.
- Park the vehicle outdoors or away from other vehicles/structures (such as garages) when practicable.
- Try to keep the battery’s state of charge as low as is reasonable for your use.
Wait for the remedy: The final repair or battery replacement is under development. Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed starting December 2, 2025, with additional letters once the remedy is ready.
Follow dealer instructions: Once the remedy is available, schedule service promptly. The remedy may include software updates to the battery management/control module plus potentially a full HV battery pack replacement.
Stay informed: Keep track of recall updates and announcements.

Why this matters: safety & resale considerations

A fire originating from a plug-in hybrid’s high-voltage battery is a rare but serious risk: it can pose danger to occupants, first-responders, and bystanders, and damage property.
Even if your vehicle hasn’t shown signs of the defect, being part of the recall means you should treat it as a potential risk and act accordingly.
From a resale/ownership value perspective, vehicles under open safety recalls can be harder to sell or may need disclosure depending on local laws. Completing the remedy promptly is beneficial for overall vehicle value and peace of mind.

Bottom line

If you own a 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe or a 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, this is a recall you cannot ignore. While the risk may only affect a minority of vehicles, the potential consequence is serious. Until the permanent fix is installed, follow the safety advice strictly: no recharging, park away from buildings, and monitor for dealer communications. Once the remedy becomes available, book the service as soon as possible. Your safety – and the safety of others around your vehicle – depends on it.

(Recall: SB-25-16-005 / NHTSA Campaign 25V-690)

If you own or are considering buying a 2025 Model 3 or 2026 Model Y from Tesla, there’s a safety issue you should know about. Certain vehicles built between early March and mid-August 2025 are affected by a battery pack contactor fault that may result in an unexpected loss of drive power. This article explains what the issue is, which vehicles are affected, what the risks are, and what owners should do next.

What is the issue?

Tesla has determined that certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles are equipped with a battery pack contactor manufactured with an InTiCa solenoid that may have a poor coil termination connection.

If the contactor opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in drive, the driver loses the ability to apply torque through the accelerator pedal, resulting in a loss of propulsion. This sudden loss of drive power could increase the risk of a collision.

There is no warning prior to the failure. However, when it occurs, the driver receives an immediate visual alert on the user interface instructing them to safely pull over.

Which vehicles are affected?

2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicles manufactured between March 8 and August 12, 2025.
2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured between March 15 and August 15, 2025.

Tesla estimates roughly 13,000 vehicles in total are affected, including around 5,000 Model 3s and nearly 8,000 Model Ys produced within those date ranges.

Timeline of Investigation & Recall

August 8, 2025: Tesla’s Field Reliability team began investigating service cases where vehicles were unable to enter drive and high coil resistance was detected in the pack contactor.
August 8 – September 26, 2025: Tesla collected contactors from the field and performed detailed failure analysis.
September 29 – October 2, 2025: Tesla reviewed the failure analysis results, along with repair and production records.
October 3, 2025: Tesla completed its investigation and determined the scope of affected vehicles, initiating a voluntary recall.
December 9, 2025: Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed to customers.

As of early October 2025, Tesla had identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to this issue, with no known injuries, collisions, or fatalities.

What is the remedy?

Tesla Service will correct the problem by replacing the high-voltage battery pack contactor. The updated parts do not include the defective InTiCa solenoid and have improved coil termination connections. The repair takes approximately one hour to complete, and Tesla will notify all affected owners by mail.

Why this matters

Safety risk

A sudden loss of propulsion without warning can be dangerous, especially when driving at highway speeds or in traffic. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla’s recall emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue promptly.

Financial and resale considerations

Unresolved recalls can affect resale value, financing, and insurance. Ensuring the recall repair is completed not only improves safety but also helps preserve the vehicle’s long-term value.

What owners should do if their Tesla vehicle is affected.

Schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app or by contacting your nearest Tesla Service Center.
Pay attention to alerts while driving. If a visual warning or loss of power occurs, pull over safely and contact Tesla support immediately.
Keep documentation of the recall repair for future reference or resale.
If buying used, confirm with the seller that any open recalls have been completed.

This recall serves as a reminder that even advanced electric vehicles like Tesla are not immune to hardware issues. While Tesla can often fix software defects through over-the-air updates, mechanical components such as contactors and solenoids require physical inspection and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this recall affect all 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles?
A: No. Only vehicles built between March and August 2025 with the affected InTiCa solenoid contactor are included.

Q: My car feels fine — do I still need the repair?
A: Yes. The failure can occur without warning, so even if your car shows no symptoms, Tesla recommends completing the replacement.

Q: How long will the repair take?
A: The contactor replacement typically takes about one hour and is performed free of charge.

Q: Can I continue driving before the repair?
A: Tesla advises that owners continue driving normally but schedule service as soon as possible. If your vehicle shows a propulsion loss alert, pull over safely and contact Tesla.

Conclusion

If you drive a 2025 Tesla Model 3 or 2026 Model Y, this recall deserves your attention. The contactor defect can cause sudden loss of drive power, posing a potential safety risk. Tesla is replacing the affected parts at no cost to owners, with notifications beginning December 2025.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for certain 2025 Ford Ranger trucks due to a potential problem with the passenger airbag system. According to the automaker, a manufacturing error could prevent the airbag from deploying properly in the event of a collision, creating an increased risk of injury for passengers.

While the issue affects only a limited number of vehicles, Ford is taking immediate action to ensure compliance with federal safety standards and to protect customer safety.

The Issue: Faulty Instrument Panel Scoring

The concern originates from the instrument panel (IP) assembly—specifically the laser scoring process used on the underside of the IP topper. The scoring defines the precise way the airbag deploys through the dashboard surface.

Ford discovered that the supplier, Yanfeng (YF), had unintentionally altered the laser scoring parameters during production. This seemingly small change resulted in a deviation from the approved design, affecting the scoring pattern in certain 2025 Ford Ranger vehicles.

This flaw may cause the passenger airbag to deploy more slowly or not fully deploy at all, especially during cold-temperature conditions or low-output deployments. During internal safety testing, Ford observed that in some cases, the airbag cushion failed to completely exit the panel surface, creating a potential hazard and violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 208, which govern occupant crash protection performance.

Timeline of Events

The airbag concern was identified and escalated through Ford’s quality and safety review process over the course of several weeks:

September 10, 2025: Supplier Yanfeng notifies Ford of an unintended change to the laser scoring process.
September 18, 2025: Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launches a detailed investigation into the issue.
September 9, 2025: The supplier revises the laser scoring process to match the original specifications and validates the fix.
October 3, 2025: Ford’s Field Review Committee reviews the findings, confirms non-compliance with FMVSS 208, and authorizes a field action.

Although Ford is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or customer complaints linked to the problem, the company has decided to act out of caution and replace affected components.

What Ford Owners Need to Know

Owners of affected 2025 Ford Ranger trucks will be contacted directly by Ford. Here’s what you should know about the recall:

Recall Number: 25C54
NHTSA Campaign ID: 25V-678
Remedy: Ford dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly.
Notification Schedule:
- Interim owner letters were mailed on October 24, 2025, to inform customers of the issue.
- Final remedy letters will be mailed once replacement parts are available and the repair process begins.

BMW of North America has announced another significant recall related to the electrical system, this time involving more than 145,000 vehicles. This latest action, filed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-644, highlights the risk of a starter motor overheating due to an electrical overload after repeated starting attempts. The issue poses a serious fire hazard and requires immediate attention from affected owners.

What’s the Problem?

BMW reports that in certain vehicles, the starter relay can overload the starter motor, leading to overheating. Overheating of electrical components within the starter can increase the risk of a fire, whether the vehicle is in operation or parked.

The recall affects the following BMW models:

2020 BMW 340i
2019-2020 BMW X5
2020 BMW X6
2020–2025 BMW 840i
2020–2022 BMW 740Li
2019–2020 BMW X7

BMW Engine Starter Replacement

BMW dealers will correct the problem by replacing the engine starter.. Importantly, this recall also applies to vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 24V-576—owners of those vehicles will need to have their cars repaired again.

Owner Notification Letters: Scheduled to begin mailing on November 17, 2025.
If your vehicle is affected, schedule an appointment with your BMW dealer for the repair.
Be aware of potential warning signs such as difficulty starting, electrical smells, or unusual sounds from the engine bay.
As a precaution, consider parking your vehicle outdoors until repairs are complete.

BMW’s repeated starter relay recalls underscore the importance of taking electrical issues seriously. Even if you’ve had a previous recall repair completed, your vehicle may still be affected and require another fix. Safety should come first—make sure your BMW is repaired promptly once recall notifications are issued.

BMW and Toyota have announced a voluntary safety recall affecting certain 2019–2022 BMW models and 2020–2022 Toyota Supra vehicles due to a potential fire risk involving the engine starter relay. The issue arises when water makes contact with the relay, which over time may corrode and compromise the electrical connection. While corrosion can make it difficult or impossible to start the engine, in more severe cases it can cause the relay to short-circuit and overheat. This overheating poses a significant fire hazard, as a thermal event could occur not only while the vehicle is being driven but also when it is parked with the ignition off.

BMW launched an engineering investigation in July 2024 after reports of thermal events in certain vehicles. Over the following year, engineers analyzed field cases, conducted parts tear-downs, and tested water ingress scenarios in an attempt to replicate the failure. Although no single cause was definitively confirmed, BMW identified production periods that may be at risk. On September 16, 2025, the automaker initiated a recall. Toyota conducted its own review of records and confirmed no U.S. reports of Supra incidents to date, but vehicles remain included in the recall as a precaution.

Owners of affected vehicles are strongly advised to park outdoors and away from buildings until repairs are complete. Dealers will address the issue by replacing the engine starter at no cost to customers. Interim recall notices will begin mailing on November 14, 2025, with a follow-up notice sent once replacement parts are available. The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-636.

Affected Vehicles Include:

2019–2021 BMW 330i
2021–2022 BMW 430i
2021–2022 BMW 430i Convertible
2020–2022 BMW 530i
2020–2022 BMW X3
2020–2022 BMW X4
2019–2022 BMW Z4

If you own one of these vehicles, stay alert for recall notifications, and in the meantime, take the precaution of parking your vehicle outside until the remedy is performed.