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

Owners of certain 2021–2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles should be aware of a newly identified drivetrain defect that could lead to a sudden loss of power or unexpected vehicle movement. While no crashes or injuries have been linked to the issue so far, the potential safety risks have prompted Ford to launch a safety campaign affecting vehicles equipped with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain.

What Is the Problem?

According to Ford, the issue involves the rear differential pinion shaft, a critical component inside the rear differential assembly. Engineers have determined that some pinion shafts can develop bending fatigue, eventually causing the shaft to fracture. If this happens while driving, the vehicle could experience a loss of motive power, leaving the driver without propulsion. In some cases, if the vehicle is placed in Park without the parking brake being applied, it could also experience unintended vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a collision.

Warning Signs

Before a failure occurs, some drivers may notice a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminated on the dashboard. Diagnostic trouble codes that may be associated with this condition include:

P174E
P0A2F
P019C
P27B2

While these warning codes do not necessarily mean the differential has failed, they may indicate that the vehicle should be inspected promptly.

How Ford Discovered the Defect

The investigation began in March 2026 after Ford engineers analyzed a failed rear differential recovered from a 2023 Mustang Mach-E in Europe. During the tear down, engineers identified a fractured pinion shaft. As the investigation expanded, Ford analyzed additional failed components returned under warranty and discovered a consistent pattern of bending fatigue failures. Engineers also found evidence that similar failures had been observed by the differential supplier during earlier analyses in 2025.

The investigation uncovered inconsistencies in the hardness measurements of some pinion shafts, although Ford states that the precise root cause is still under investigation.

By June 2026, Ford had identified:

62 warranty claims
14 Global Common Quality Indicator System (GCQIS) reports
4 customer reports through the Global Contact Center
2 European White Alert reports

Ford reports that it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to this condition.

What Owners Should Expect

Ford dealers will inspect and repair or replace the rear differential assembly as necessary.

Because the final repair procedure is still being finalized, Ford plans to notify owners in two stages:

July 13, 2026: Interim notification letters explaining the safety concern.
Late December 2026 (anticipated): Follow-up letters when the permanent repair becomes available.

Vehicle Information

This safety campaign affects certain 2021–2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain.

Ford has assigned this campaign 26S50, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified it as Campaign No. 26V-417.

Final Thoughts

Although reports of actual failures remain relatively uncommon compared to the number of vehicles on the road, a fractured rear differential pinion shaft has the potential to disable the vehicle or allow unintended movement under certain circumstances. Owners of affected Mustang Mach-E models should watch for notification letters from Ford and arrange for the recommended service as soon as parts and repair procedures become available.

Owners of certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans should be aware of a newly announced safety defect involving a potentially dangerous steering problem that could result in a loss of vehicle control.

What Is the Problem?

General Motors has recalled approximately 26,541 vehicles after discovering that some steering gear assemblies may contain a critical fastening nut that was not properly tightened during manufacturing. According to the manufacturer, a malfunctioning parts sensor at a supplier’s facility allowed certain steering gear assemblies to pass inspection even though the retaining nut had only been hand-tightened instead of being properly torqued to specification. If that nut loosens or separates from the steering gear while the vehicle is being driven, the driver could experience a sudden loss of steering control, significantly increasing the risk of a serious collision.

Warning Signs Drivers May Notice

Before a complete failure occurs, some drivers may notice changes in how the vehicle steers, including:

Reduced steering precision
A steering wheel that is noticeably off-center while driving straight
Steering that feels abnormal or inconsistent

Drivers experiencing any of these symptoms should have their vehicle inspected immediately and avoid delaying repairs.

How the Defect Was Discovered

The investigation began after a dealership reported finding a loose steering gear nut on a 2025 Chevrolet Express. On May 28, 2026, a GM quality manager submitted the concern through the company’s internal Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) reporting program.

GM formally opened an investigation on June 2, 2026. The supplier later determined that a malfunctioning inspection sensor had allowed improperly assembled steering gear units to leave the production line. By reviewing manufacturing torque records, the supplier was able to identify the potentially affected steering gear assemblies.

In addition to the original report, GM identified nine field incidents that may have been related to the defect. Fortunately, the company reported that none of those incidents resulted in injuries or crashes.

On June 18, 2026, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority approved a formal safety recall.

What Is the Remedy?

GM dealerships will inspect the steering gear assembly and replace it if necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning August 10, 2026.

The recall information is:

GM Recall Number: N262563570
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-399

What Should Owners Do?

If you own a 2025 or 2026 Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana, watch for your recall notice to see whether your vehicle is included. Even if your vehicle appears to be operating normally, steering system defects can become dangerous with little warning. Prompt inspection and repair are the best way to reduce the risk of a steering-related accident.

If you have already experienced steering problems, or if you were involved in a collision that may have been caused by this defect, it is important to preserve any repair records and seek legal advice regarding your rights. A manufacturer’s safety recall does not automatically compensate drivers for injuries or property damage that may have occurred before the recall was issued.

Owners of certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) should be aware of a problem involving a potential high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The recall affects vehicles equipped with specific high-voltage battery packs manufactured during a limited production period.

What Is the Problem?

According to Chrysler, some affected Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles were built with high-voltage battery cells produced on an alternative assembly line at LG Energy Solution (LGES). Engineers have determined that these battery packs may experience an internal failure that can result in thermal runaway, a condition where battery cells rapidly overheat and potentially ignite. What makes this recall particularly concerning is that the fire risk may exist even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids. The affected vehicles were manufactured between August 5, 2020, and May 2, 2022, during the period when batteries containing cells from the alternative LG Energy Solution production line were installed. Vehicles built before or after this time frame, non-hybrid Pacifica models, and vehicles equipped with battery cells from LGES’s primary production line are not included in this recall.

How Was the Issue Discovered?

Federal regulators have been investigating reports of battery fires in Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs for more than two years. The timeline includes:

January 17, 2024: NHTSA opened an investigation into battery-related thermal events in earlier model Pacifica PHEVs.
March 27, 2026: The investigation expanded to include 2017-2026 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
April 30, 2026: Chrysler launched its own internal investigation into fires involving 2020-2022 models.
May 28, 2026: Chrysler concluded that a safety defect exists and initiated a recall.

How Many Fires Have Been Reported?

As of May 15, 2026, Chrysler reported:

4 confirmed field reports of fires
3 customer assistance records
No reported injuries
No reported crashes

While Chrysler describes the incidents as occurring at a very low frequency, each reported fire involved battery cells manufactured on the alternative LG Energy Solution assembly line. Engineers have analyzed the one recovered battery pack involved in a fire, but the exact root cause has not yet been determined. Chrysler and LG Energy Solution continue to investigate.

What Should Owners Do?

Until repairs are completed, Chrysler is advising owners to take the following precautions:

Do not charge the vehicle.
Park the vehicle outside.
Park away from homes, garages, and other structures.

These temporary precautions are intended to reduce the risk should a battery failure occur.

What Is the Repair?

Chrysler dealers will perform repairs including:

Updating the high-voltage battery control module software
Inspecting the high-voltage battery pack
Replacing the battery pack if inspection determines replacement is necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing June 23, 2026.

Recall Information

Manufacturer Recall Number: 52D
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-362

If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is important to follow Chrysler’s safety recommendations and schedule repairs as soon as they become available.

At Edzant Price LLP, we encourage vehicle owners to stay informed about manufacturer recalls and to document any issues they experience with their vehicles. If a defect results in property damage or personal injury, understanding your legal rights can be an important part of protecting yourself and your family.

The Kawasaki Teryx H2 is one of the most powerful side-by-sides on the market, but some owners have experienced serious problems involving the vehicle’s CVT clutch system. These issues eventually led to a stop-ride notice and recall affecting certain Teryx H2 models.

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 has been sidelined by clutch failures, repair delays, or recall-related downtime, you may have rights under California Lemon Law.

What Is the Kawasaki Teryx H2 Recall?

Kawasaki recalled certain Teryx H2 models after discovering that a component within the primary clutch assembly, known as the drive converter sheave, could crack or fail during operation.

A failed clutch component can damage the CVT system and may create safety concerns. As a result, Kawasaki instructed affected owners not to operate their vehicles until repairs could be completed.

The recall repair includes replacement of affected clutch components, installation of additional protective hardware, and a software update.

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Owners have reported:

Clutch failures
Excessive vibration
Belt damage and abnormal wear
Loss of power
Extended repair delays
Vehicles parked for weeks or months awaiting parts

For many consumers, the biggest issue is not simply the defect itself, but the loss of use caused by a stop-ride notice or repeated dealership visits.

Can a Recalled Kawasaki Teryx H2 Qualify as a Lemon?

Yes, in some situations.

California Lemon Law may apply when a manufacturer cannot repair a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Your Teryx H2 may qualify if:

The clutch or CVT system required multiple repair attempts
The vehicle was out of service for an extended period
The defect continues after repairs
The recall prevented normal use of the vehicle

A recall does not automatically make a vehicle a lemon, but it can be important evidence that a serious defect exists.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 qualifies under California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to:

A vehicle buyback
A replacement vehicle
A cash settlement
Recovery of attorney fees

Speak With a California Lemon Law Attorney

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 has suffered clutch problems, repeated repairs, or lengthy downtime, you may have legal options. An experienced California Lemon Law attorney can review your repair history, explain your rights, and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Don’t assume that a recall solves the problem. If your Teryx H2 has spent more time at the dealership than on the trail, it may be time to explore your Lemon Law rights.

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Owners of certain Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles should be aware of a significant safety defect affecting more than one million vehicles across North America. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) has announced Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-363) involving certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models due to a defect in the electric hydraulic power steering pump (EHPSP) wiring system that could potentially lead to a vehicle fire.

What Is the Problem?

According to FCA US, under certain conditions, high-resistance electrical activity can occur at the connection point of the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump (EHPSP). This increased electrical resistance can generate excessive heat, causing nearby combustible materials to overheat and potentially ignite. What makes this defect particularly concerning is that a fire could occur even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off.

The issue originates from the electrical connection between the EHPSP and its wiring harness. Investigators discovered that some EHPSP components were manufactured outside specified tolerances, which could result in poor electrical contact. Over time, this can create excessive resistance, heat buildup, melting of the connector, and in rare cases, a vehicle fire.

Warning Signs Drivers May Notice

Before a failure occurs, some owners may experience symptoms related to the power steering system, including:

Loss of power steering assist
A “Service Power Steering” warning message
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the steering system

However, FCA notes that some incidents occurred without prior warning, which is one reason the recall was issued.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The road to this recall began in May 2023 when FCA US launched an investigation into reports of engine compartment fires in Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. After reviewing available data through April 2024, the company initially closed the investigation, determining that the occurrence rate was low and did not represent an unreasonable safety risk.

That assessment changed in August 2024 when FCA began receiving an increased number of reports involving fires originating near the EHPSP electrical connection. Shortly afterward, on September 6, 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal investigation, designated PE24-024, into engine compartment fires involving 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles.

Over the next 18 months, FCA and NHTSA worked extensively to determine the cause of the fires. Engineers analyzed field reports, inspected returned parts, conducted vehicle buybacks, performed CT scans and X-ray analysis, tested materials, and carried out extensive laboratory and vehicle testing.

In spring 2025, investigators identified manufacturing tolerance issues in the EHPSP connector assembly. These issues could cause excessive insertion forces during assembly, resulting in spread terminals, incomplete electrical connections, and elevated electrical resistance. FCA also identified a separate “terminal push-out” condition that could contribute to poor electrical contact.

Although engineers initially struggled to duplicate the exact failure mode, FCA confirmed in April 2026 that a loose EHPSP electrical connection could generate enough heat to melt the connector and potentially ignite surrounding materials.

By May 2026, FCA was aware of:

72 field reports related to the issue
63 customer assistance records
12 additional service records potentially related to the defect
1 reported injury potentially associated with the condition

No accidents related to the defect had been reported.

Based on the findings of the investigation, FCA’s Vehicle Regulations Committee formally determined on May 28, 2026, that a safety defect exists in affected vehicles.

What Should Owners Do?

FCA US is advising owners of affected vehicles to park their vehicle outside and away from structures, garages, and other vehicles until the recall repair has been completed. This recommendation reflects the possibility that an electrical overheating event could occur even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.

Dealers will inspect the EHPSP connection and replace affected components as necessary at no cost to vehicle owners.

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on July 9, 2026.

Recall Information

FCA Recall Number: 21D.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-363.
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 1,076,999.
Defect: EHPSP electrical connection overheating.
Risk: Potential vehicle fire, including while parked.
Remedy: Inspection and replacement of affected parts as necessary.

If you own a 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator, it is important to monitor recall announcements and schedule the repair as soon as it becomes available. While the number of reported incidents remains relatively small compared to the number of vehicles on the road, the potential consequences of an under-hood fire make this a recall that should not be ignored.

Owners of certain Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs should be aware of a newly announced safety defect involving the vehicle’s side airbag system. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Campaign Number 26V-328, a software issue may delay the deployment of side airbags during certain types of crashes, potentially increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

The recall affects approximately 419,035 vehicles, including:

2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

What Is the Problem?

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has determined that a software error within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module can affect how the vehicle responds when a door airbag pressure sensor experiences a fault.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, “Side Impact Protection,” requires side airbags to deploy quickly enough to help protect occupants of different sizes in a variety of side-impact crash scenarios. According to FCA’s investigation, a faulted door airbag pressure sensor may cause the Side Air Bag (SAB) to deploy later than intended during certain crashes. While the airbags may still deploy, any delay in deployment could reduce occupant protection during a side-impact collision and increase the risk of injury.

What Causes the Issue?

The issue involves the interaction between the vehicle’s door airbag pressure sensors and the software within the Occupant Restraint Controller.

FCA first became aware of a small number of warranty incidents involving door airbag pressure sensors in February 2023. Engineers spent more than three years investigating the issue by analyzing returned components, reviewing field data, conducting extensive engineering studies, and evaluating potential failure modes involving door wiring, sensors, and software strategies. The company even modified a door wire harness in May 2024 as part of its ongoing investigation.

In June 2024, FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) group launched a formal investigation into reports that certain vehicles could experience delayed side airbag deployment during specific crash conditions. Through continued testing and analysis, FCA eventually determined that a vehicle build issue could result in a failure to comply with FMVSS No. 214.

On May 14, 2026, FCA formally concluded that a safety-related noncompliance existed in certain vehicles.

Are There Any Warning Signs?

According to recall documents, there may be no warning before the condition develops. However, once the fault is detected, drivers may notice:

The airbag warning light remains illuminated on the instrument cluster.
An audible chime sounds during each ignition cycle.

If either of these symptoms occurs, owners should have the vehicle inspected promptly.

What Is the Safety Risk?

Side airbags are designed to provide critical protection during side-impact crashes. If deployment is delayed, occupants may not receive the intended level of protection during the initial stages of a collision. As a result, the risk of injury could be higher than expected during certain crash scenarios.

What Is Chrysler’s Fix?

Chrysler dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) software free of charge. The software update is intended to correct the issue and ensure proper side airbag deployment performance in compliance with federal safety standards.

What Owners Should Do

Owners of affected vehicles should:

Watch for an illuminated airbag warning light.
Schedule recall repairs as soon as they become available.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning June 11, 2026.

Recall Information

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-328
Chrysler Recall Number: 01D
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 419,035
Component: Air Bags / Occupant Restraint Controller Software
Remedy: ORC software update performed

Owners of several popular full-size GM SUVs may soon receive a recall notice tied to a potentially serious wheel hub safety issue. General Motors has announced a new safety recall affecting certain 2025–2026 luxury and SUV models equipped with 24-inch wheels after discovering that incorrect bolts may have been installed on the front wheel hubs.

The recall has been assigned NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-304 and impacts approximately 2,464 vehicles across the United States.

What Is the Problem?

According to GM, some affected vehicles may have been serviced using incorrect front wheel hub bolts. The issue specifically involves vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels where dealers may have reused production-installed bolts during installation of an accessory brake package or while servicing front wheel hub bearings.

Over time, these incorrect bolts can loosen, deform, or potentially break.

If one bolt loosens or fails while driving, excessive stress can be transferred to the remaining bolts. In severe cases, this could lead to partial loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

GM states that the problem originated from incorrect service information and accessory brake kit instructions that failed to specify unique fasteners required for vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels.

Vehicles Included in Recall 26V-304

The following vehicles may be affected:

Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Chevrolet Suburban 1500
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL

Only certain vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels are included in the recall population.

Warning Signs Drivers May Notice

GM says drivers of affected vehicles could experience symptoms before a failure occurs, including:

Noise coming from the front wheel area
Vibration felt through the steering wheel or chassis
Unusual wheel hub movement or instability

Drivers noticing these symptoms should have their vehicle inspected immediately.

How GM Discovered the Issue

GM’s investigation began in April 2026 after a product investigator identified that accessory brake package kits (RPO 5JL) lacked separate instructions and special fasteners required for vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels.

The automaker also discovered that its electronic parts catalog (EPC) failed to identify the proper replacement bolts during front hub bearing service procedures.

GM received seven field complaints potentially related to this condition between January 2025 and April 2026. Despite the complaints, GM reports that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the defect.

On May 7, 2026, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) approved a formal safety recall.

What Dealers Will Do

To correct the issue, GM dealers will:

Inspect affected vehicles
Replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts with the correct parts

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on June 29, 2026.

Recall Information

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-304
GM Recall Number: N262554630
Vehicles Potentially Affected: 2,464

Owners of certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles may be facing a serious drivetrain issue that could lead to sudden loss of power while driving. Chrysler parent company FCA US LLC has officially recalled certain 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee models due to potential failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU).

The issue has been under investigation for years and has now resulted in multiple recalls, government inquiries, warranty claims, and at least one reported accident and injury.

What Is the Jeep Cherokee PTU Problem?

According to FCA, some 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles were built with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that may fail internally. The PTU is a critical drivetrain component used in four-wheel-drive systems. When the PTU fails, it can cause:

Sudden and unrecoverable loss of motive power
Vehicle rolling while in PARK
Unexpected drivability problems at any speed

FCA warns that these failures can occur without warning and may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Symptoms of a Failing PTU

Drivers may notice warning signs before complete failure occurs. FCA says symptoms can include:

Service 4WD Warning Message: A “Service 4WD” message may appear on the dashboard.
Noise or Vibration: Some owners report grinding noises, vibration, or unusual drivetrain sounds.
Changes in Drive Quality: Drivers may notice hesitation, jerking, binding, or inconsistent power delivery.

However, FCA also warns that some failures may happen suddenly without significant warning.

The suspect production period began on December 12, 2018 and continued through February 24, 2023.

Vehicles outside the recall population may:

Use a different PTU design
Not have a PTU installed
Have been manufactured before the suspect period

A Problem Years in the Making

The PTU issue did not appear overnight. FCA and government safety agencies have been investigating similar Jeep Cherokee drivetrain failures for years.

Recall History Timeline

The Jeep Cherokee PTU issue has been developing for several years through multiple recalls and investigations. In June 2020, FCA issued Recall W47 (NHTSA 20V-343) for certain 2014–2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles due to PTU input spline failures. The problem expanded in April 2023 when FCA launched Recall 45A (NHTSA 23V-302), adding more 2016–2017 models to the recall population. In January 2025, FCA issued Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011) for certain 2017–2019 Jeep Cherokees involving improperly seated PTU snap rings that could also lead to drivetrain failure. By January 2026, FCA had opened yet another investigation into PTU failures affecting 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles, further widening concerns surrounding the reliability and safety of the PTU system.

FCA launched another investigation into PTU failures affecting 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

By April 2026, FCA reported:

387 warranty claims
9 customer assistance records
5 field reports
16 service records
1 reported accident
1 reported injury

On April 30, 2026, FCA officially determined that a safety defect exists in certain affected vehicles.

Recall Information

The current recall identifiers are:

FCA Recall Number: 40D
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-290

At this time, the final repair solution is still under development. FCA says interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning June 25, 2026. Additional notices will be sent once a permanent remedy becomes available.

What Should Jeep Cherokee Owners Do?

If you own a 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee, especially a four-wheel-drive model, it may be wise to:

Watch for warning lights or drivetrain symptoms.
Do Not ignoring vibration or unusual noises.

Because the defect can potentially cause sudden loss of motive power or vehicle movement while parked, owners should take any PTU-related symptoms seriously.

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Cherokee PTU issue has evolved from isolated drivetrain complaints into a major multi-year safety investigation involving NHTSA, and FCA US. With hundreds of reported incidents and multiple recall expansions over several model years, affected owners should stay informed and monitor recall updates closely as FCA develops a final repair solution.