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Volkswagen has decided that a safety defect may exist in certain 2025–2026 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. A potentially serious electrical defect may increase the risk of a vehicle fire.

The recall, identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-138 and Volkswagen recall 97TC, impacts approximately 48,165 vehicles across the United States and Canada.

What Is the Problem?

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from a transmission ground wire that may not have been properly connected during vehicle assembly.

This seemingly small oversight can create a much bigger problem.

If the ground wire is not connected:

The electrical system may develop an open circuit.
This can lead to unexpected current flow.
Excessive current may cause overheating of components.

Ultimately, this increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Why This Defect Is Dangerous

Electrical grounding is critical for safely managing current flow in a vehicle. Without a proper ground:

Electrical energy has no safe path to dissipate.
Components may overload or melt.
Heat buildup can occur in wiring or connectors.

Volkswagen has confirmed that in some cases:

Wiring and connectors have melted.
Engine compartment fires have occurred.

While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, the risk is real and should not be ignored.

Real-World Incidents Reported

Volkswagen has identified:

6 confirmed cases (USA and Canada)
- 3 involved melted wires/connectors
- 3 involved engine compartment fires
1 additional unconfirmed report

All incidents were limited to vehicle damage, but the potential for more serious consequences exists.

What Causes the Issue?

The root cause has been identified as human error during the assembly process.

Specifically:

The transmission ground wire was not connected properly
This resulted in an open electrical circuit
The system may still partially ground through other components (such as the Oil Pressure Unit), creating unsafe current conditions.

Warning Signs? None.

One of the most concerning aspects of this recall is that: There are NO warning indicators for drivers

That means:

No dashboard lights
No error messages
No early symptoms

The issue can exist without any visible sign, making it especially important to address proactively.

Timeline of the Recall

December 2025: First field cases reported and investigated.
February 19, 2026: Volkswagen confirms fire risk due to open circuit.
February 26, 2026: Escalated to Product Safety Committee.
March 4, 2026: Official recall decision made.

What Should Owners Do?

Volkswagen dealers will:

Inspect the transmission ground wire.
Repair or properly connect it if necessary.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 8, 2026.

If you own a 2025 or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, you should:

Watch for your recall notice.
Contact your local Volkswagen dealer.
Schedule a free inspection and repair.

Your Rights Under Lemon Law

If your vehicle has experienced:

Electrical issues
Burning smells
Smoke or fire damage
Multiple repair attempts

You may be entitled to compensation under your state’s Lemon Law.

Final Thoughts

This recall highlights how even a small assembly error can lead to serious safety risks. With no warning signs and confirmed fire incidents, affected owners should take immediate action.

If you drive a 2025–2026 Volkswagen Jetta, do not delay—schedule your inspection as soon as possible after receiving your notification.

If your vehicle’s backup camera suddenly flips, goes black, or fails when you shift into reverse, you are not alone. Ford Motor Company have identified two major safety defects affecting more than 1.7 million vehicles due to rearview camera failures that increase the risk of accidents.

Recall #1 — Rearview Image Flips or Inverts

NHTSA Campaign: 26V123000
Vehicles Affected: 889,950

Affected Models

2020–2022 Ford Escape
2020–2022 Lincoln Corsair
2020–2024 Lincoln Aviator
2020–2024 Ford Explorer

What’s the Problem?

The image displayed on the center screen may flip or invert when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Drivers may see a distorted or incorrect rear view, making it difficult to judge distance or detect obstacles. This defect violates federal rear visibility requirements and significantly increases the risk of a crash when backing up.

Safety Standard Involved

The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear Visibility), which requires a clear and accurate rear camera image while reversing.

Recall Status

Fix: Still under development
Owner notification letters: Begin April 17, 2026
Final repair notice: Expected Q2 2026
Ford Recall Number: 26C11

Recall #2 — Rearview Camera May Shut Down Completely

NHTSA Campaign: 26V124000
Vehicles Affected: 849,310

Affected Models

2021–2026 Ford Bronco
2021–2024 Ford Edge

What’s the Problem?

The vehicle’s Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shut down. When this happens, the rearview camera image may not appear at all.

A blank camera screen when reversing can prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians, vehicles, or objects behind them.

Recall Status

Fix: Software update
Repair method:
- Dealer service
- Over-the-air (OTA) update
Owner notification letters: Begin March 30, 2026
Ford Recall Number: 26S09

Why These Recalls Matter

Rearview cameras are not just convenience features — they are federally mandated safety systems designed to prevent:

Backover pedestrian accidents
Collisions with objects or vehicles
Injuries in parking lots and driveways

When these systems malfunction, drivers lose a critical safety tool.

Both recalls involve failures of the same safety function:

Drivers cannot reliably see what is behind the vehicle while reversing.

California Lemon Law — When a Recall Becomes a Legal Case

A recall alone does not automatically qualify a vehicle as a lemon. However, you may have a California Lemon Law claim if:

✔ The camera problem continues after multiple repair attempts
✔ The defect substantially impairs vehicle safety
✔ The manufacturer cannot fix the issue within a reasonable time
✔ Your vehicle is still under warranty

Backup camera failures are often considered serious safety defects, especially when they affect visibility and accident risk.

Free Legal Help for California Drivers

If your recalled Ford continues to have rearview camera problems, you do not have to fight the manufacturer alone.

California Lemon Law attorneys can:

Review your repair history
Determine eligibility
Handle the claim process
Negotiate directly with Ford

Most claims are handled at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Get a Free Case Review Today

Rearview camera defects can put you and your family at risk. If your Ford vehicle has ongoing camera issues related to these recalls, you may qualify for compensation under California law.

Contact us today for a free Lemon Law case evaluation.

Ford Motor Company has expanded a significant safety recall affecting certain plug-in hybrid vehicles after discovering that additional high-voltage battery cells may be susceptible to failure. The recall impacts thousands of Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles and raises concerns about sudden loss of power and potential fire risk.

The expanded recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-091 and covers approximately 24,690 vehicles nationwide.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to:

2023–2025 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
2023–2026 Lincoln Corsair Plug-In Hybrid

These vehicles may contain high-voltage battery cells manufactured before updated supplier quality controls were implemented in October 2024. This action expands earlier recalls addressing the same underlying battery defect.

What Is the Battery Problem?

According to Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain high-voltage battery cells may develop an internal short circuit due to manufacturing variability.

Investigators determined that inconsistencies during battery production may create microscopic defects inside the battery cell. These defects can damage the separator layer between the cathode and anode — a critical safety component designed to prevent internal electrical contact. If the separator becomes compromised, the battery cell may fail.

Safety Risks Associated With the Defect

A battery internal short circuit can lead to serious safety issues, including:

Sudden shutdown of the vehicle’s propulsion system
Display of a “Stop Safely Now” warning message
Loss of motive power while driving
Battery thermal venting
Increased risk of vehicle fire

Ford states that steering, braking, and lighting systems remain functional during a propulsion shutdown, but loss of power while driving significantly increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Why the Recall Was Expanded

Ford previously issued recalls (24V-954 and 25SC4/25V-789) covering vehicles with battery cells manufactured before April 1, 2023.

However, continued investigation revealed that the issue extended beyond the originally identified production window.

After reviewing field reports and conducting battery tear-downs and manufacturing analysis, Ford determined that battery cells produced until additional supplier quality controls were implemented on October 10, 2024 may also be vulnerable.

As of February 10, 2026:

Two battery venting incidents were reported in Europe outside the original recall population.
Ford reports no known U.S. incidents, accidents, or injuries related to the expanded population.

Warning Signs Drivers May Experience

Drivers experiencing a battery failure may notice:

A red “Stop Safely Now” message displayed on the instrument cluster
Sudden loss of propulsion power
Warning alerts related to the hybrid system

If this message appears, drivers should safely pull over as soon as possible.

What Owners Should Do Right Now

Because a permanent repair is still being developed, Ford has issued interim safety instructions.

Owners are advised to:

Use “Auto EV” mode only
Limit battery charging to 80% capacity
Follow instructions provided in owner notification letters

Ford expects interim notification letters to be mailed beginning March 6, 2026, with additional letters sent once a final repair becomes available.

Recall Information

Manufacturer Recall Number: 25SC4
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-091000
Expanded Recalls: 24V-954 and 25V-489
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 24,690

This recall expands on an earlier battery defect investigation affecting Ford plug-in hybrid vehicles. You can read our previous analysis here:

Battery Cell Problems In Ford Escape & Lincoln Corsair Plug-In Hybrids

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-085

Owners of certain 2022 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC full-size SUVs should be aware of an important new safety recall involving a potentially dangerous transmission defect. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a problem with the transmission control valve in affected vehicles may cause the rear wheels to lock while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall affects several of General Motors’ most popular SUV models equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Electronic Transmission Range Select (ETRS) system.

Vehicles Affected by Recall 26V-085

The recall applies to the following 2022 model year vehicles:

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

Only vehicles equipped with the 10-speed transmission with ETRS and built within a specific production window are included.

What Is the Transmission Control Valve Problem?

General Motors determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety may exist in certain vehicles due to excessive wear inside the transmission control valve body.

Over time, internal components of the valve may wear prematurely, which can lead to:

Loss of hydraulic pressure inside the transmission
Unexpected valve movement
Harsh or abnormal shifting behavior

In rare situations, this condition may cause the rear wheels to momentarily lock — or remain locked until the vehicle stops.

Why This Defect Is Dangerous

Rear wheel lockup while driving can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, particularly at highway speeds or during turns.

According to the NHTSA:

If the rear wheels lock up while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.

GM is aware of at least one reported crash potentially linked to this issue, though no injuries have been reported.

Warning Signs Drivers May Notice

Drivers may experience warning symptoms before a serious failure occurs. These include:

Harsh or rough shifting
Sudden or aggressive downshifts
Unusual transmission behavior

However, because the defect involves internal wear, symptoms may develop gradually and may not always provide sufficient warning before a lockup event.

What Caused the Problem?

GM’s investigation found that transmissions manufactured between April 2022 and September 2022 contained unique internal hardware that may accelerate wear inside the transmission control valve. Additionally, affected vehicles were not equipped with diagnostic software capable of detecting early valve wear.

Excessive wear can create a fluid leak inside the valve body, causing a pressure drop that allows internal transmission valves to move unexpectedly — leading to wheel lockup in extreme cases.

How the Recall Was Discovered

The issue came to light after a customer reported a transmission lockup through GM’s internal Speak Up for Safety (SUFS) reporting system on November 5, 2025. The incident allegedly caused a loss of vehicle control and a collision with a guardrail. GM opened a formal investigation later that month and reviewed field data spanning nearly two years. Investigators identified 13 field reports potentially related to the condition between November 2023 and October 2025, with 12 involving the affected 2022 SUV models.

On February 5, 2026, GM officially authorized a safety recall.

Recall Remedy: What Dealers Will Do

To correct the problem, GM dealers will:

Install updated Transmission Control Module (TCM) software
Improve monitoring of valve performance and wear
Perform repairs

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning March 30, 2026. GM Recall Number: N252536750 ; NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-085.

What Owners Should Do Now

If you own one of the affected vehicles:

Watch for recall notification letters in the mail.
Contact your local GM dealership to confirm recall eligibility.
Schedule the software update as soon as possible.
Pay attention to harsh shifting or unusual transmission behavior and seek service immediately if symptoms appear.

Final Thoughts

Full-size SUVs like the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade are often used for family transportation and long-distance travel, making drivetrain reliability especially important. While GM reports that rear wheel lockup events are rare, the potential safety risk is significant enough to warrant immediate attention. If your vehicle is included in Recall 26V-085, scheduling the repair promptly is the safest course of action.

Owners of certain electric Mercedes-Benz EQB models are now facing a serious safety defect involving the high-voltage battery. According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an internal battery defect may lead to a thermal event and potential vehicle fire — whether the vehicle is parked or being driven.

If you own one of the following models, your vehicle may be affected:

2023–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+
2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC
2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC

The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-073 and replaces earlier recalls 25V-050 and 25V-894.

What Is the Safety Risk?

Mercedes has acknowledged that certain battery cells produced during an early production period may not be sufficiently robust. Under certain production and usage conditions, an internal short circuit can develop within the high-voltage battery.

If that occurs:

A thermal event may result
There is an increased risk of vehicle fire
The fire could occur while driving or while parked

If the event occurs while driving, drivers may see a high-voltage battery malfunction warning message in the instrument cluster. If the event occurs while the vehicle is parked, there may be no warning at all. That lack of warning is particularly concerning — especially for vehicles parked inside garages or near structures.

What Caused the Problem?

Mercedes-Benz identified deviations in the battery supplier’s production process. Certain battery cells from an early production range were found to be:

Less resistant to stress factors over time
More vulnerable at high state-of-charge (SoC)
Potentially susceptible to short circuiting — especially when combined with:
- Charging infrastructure influences
- External damage
- Environmental stress

The risk appears elevated when the battery is charged to high capacity levels.

Chronology of Events

The recall began on January 31, 2025, when Mercedes-Benz filed an initial safety notice with NHTSA and later implemented a global software update in April 2025 to reduce the risk of battery-related thermal events. After additional incidents were reported outside the United States in May 2025, the recall was expanded, with a supplemental notice filed in October 2025. In November 2025, two fire incidents in Europe involving vehicles that had already received the software update raised concerns about the remedy’s effectiveness, prompting further investigation and discussions with regulators. Extensive testing and analysis conducted between December 2025 and January 2026 ultimately led Mercedes to conclude that the software update could not reliably eliminate the risk in all affected vehicles. As a result, on January 30, 2026, the company launched a new recall requiring full high-voltage battery replacement for certain vehicles, now identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-073.

Fires Reported in the United States

Mercedes reports:

Two fire incidents in the United States
Both vehicles were part of the original recall scope
No U.S. fires have been reported after the software update
Approximately 74% of affected U.S. vehicles have completed the original recall repair

However, because the software update’s effectiveness cannot be fully confirmed, Mercedes is now requiring battery replacement.

What Owners Are Being Told to Do

Until repairs are completed, owners are advised to:

Park outside and away from structures
Limit charging to 80% battery capacity
Await official notification letters (interim letters expected February 27, 2026)

Importantly:

Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V-050 or 25V-894 must still undergo the new repair.

Lemon Law Implications

Battery replacement is not a minor repair. It is one of the most expensive and critical components of an electric vehicle.

If your Mercedes EQB:

Experienced a fire or thermal event
Has been out of service for extended periods
Required multiple repair attempts
Is subject to repeat recalls
Has diminished value due to safety concerns

You may have rights under your state’s Lemon Law.

Even if the manufacturer ultimately offers a repair, repeated safety recalls involving fire risk may qualify the vehicle as defective.

Final Thoughts

Electric vehicles depend entirely on battery integrity. When the manufacturer acknowledges that a software update may not be sufficient — and ultimately requires full battery replacement — that is a serious development.

If you own a 2022–2024 Mercedes EQB and have concerns about:

Safety
Repair delays
Diminished value
Buyback eligibility

It may be time to speak with an attorney experienced in automotive defect and lemon law claims. Safety recalls are meant to protect consumers. But when defects involve fire risk, the legal and financial consequences can be significant. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, you do not have to navigate this alone.

Purchasing a used vehicle is a decision many consumers make for perfectly valid reasons. Used cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and other recreational vehicles often come with a significantly lower price tag than new models, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. When a used vehicle still has some factory warranty remaining, the deal can appear even more appealing.

However, one critical factor is often overlooked during the buying process: lemon law protection. In many cases, used vehicles are not covered by the lemon law at all, leaving buyers exposed if serious defects arise after purchase.

Why Lemon Law Coverage Matters

California’s lemon law was designed to protect consumers from vehicles that have substantial defects and cannot be properly repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. While this protection is strong for new vehicles, it is far more limited when it comes to used ones.

In some situations, purchasing a used vehicle means the buyer assumes the risk of mechanical problems—even if the vehicle still carries a partial manufacturer warranty. This can come as a surprise to consumers who reasonably expect that any remaining warranty automatically provides full legal protection. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case.

The Important Exception: Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

One category of used vehicles does stand apart: true Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. These vehicles are sold exclusively by new car dealerships that represent the same manufacturer as the vehicle being sold. A manufacturer-backed CPO vehicle has undergone a standardized inspection process and includes a factory-supported warranty.

It is important to note that not every vehicle advertised as “certified” qualifies as a true CPO. Independent dealerships frequently use the term “certified” to describe their own inspection programs, but these designations do not carry legal weight under the lemon law. Only manufacturer-backed CPO vehicles receive this special consideration.

Because of the added protections and warranties, CPO vehicles are typically priced higher than other used vehicles. While the upfront cost may be greater, the added security can prove invaluable if serious defects arise later.

Courtesy and Demonstrator Vehicles: Another Protected Category

Another lesser-known exception involves courtesy vehicles and demonstrator vehicles. These are vehicles that were previously used by dealerships as loaners for customers or driven by dealership staff. Although they may have mileage on them, title was never transferred to a consumer.

From a legal standpoint, these vehicles are often treated as new under the lemon law, meaning buyers may still be entitled to full lemon law protections. This makes courtesy and demonstrator vehicles an attractive option for consumers seeking the benefits of lemon law coverage without purchasing a brand-new vehicle.

Balancing Savings and Risk

Buying used can absolutely make financial sense—but it is not without trade-offs. The lower purchase price often comes with reduced legal protection, and consumers must decide how much risk they are willing to assume.

Choosing a true Certified Pre-Owned vehicle or a dealership courtesy or demonstrator vehicle may cost more upfront, but these options offer a level of protection similar to purchasing new. In many ways, the additional cost functions like insurance: an investment in peace of mind should the vehicle turn out to have serious defects.

Making an Informed Decision

The key to a smart purchase is understanding what protections come with the vehicle before signing the paperwork. Consumers should ask detailed questions, verify whether a vehicle is truly manufacturer-certified, and confirm the warranty terms in writing.

An informed buyer is far less likely to face unpleasant surprises down the road. When it comes to used vehicles, knowing where lemon law protection applies—and where it does not—can make all the difference.

The Ford Transit is one of the most widely used vans in California, serving everyone from small business owners and contractors to delivery fleets and shuttle operators. While it is commonly viewed as a commercial vehicle, many Ford Transit owners are surprised to learn that California Lemon Law protections may still apply, especially when serious safety defects or recalls are involved.

Recent recalls affecting 2023–2024 Ford Transit models and certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles raise important questions about owner rights and warranty protections under California law.

Recent Ford Transit Recalls

2023–2024 Ford Transit – Engine Cross-Member Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S04
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-061

Ford has issued a safety recall affecting certain 2023–2024 Ford Transit vehicles related to the engine cross-member. According to the recall, a defect in the cross-member may compromise vehicle structural integrity. Depending on the severity, this type of defect can impact vehicle safety, drivability, and long-term reliability.

Structural or frame-related defects are particularly serious because they can:

Affect vehicle stability
Increase the risk of component failure
Reduce the vehicle’s overall safety in everyday driving conditions

2026 Ford E-Transit – High-Voltage Battery Hardware Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S05
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-062

Ford has also issued a recall impacting certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles involving the high-voltage battery pack. The issue stems from missing washers on internal battery bolts, which may lead to:

High electrical resistance
Electrical arcing
Potential battery system malfunction

Defects involving high-voltage battery systems are especially concerning in electric vehicles, as they can affect vehicle performance, charging reliability, and overall safety.

Is the Ford Transit Considered a Commercial Vehicle Under California Lemon Law?

While the Ford Transit is often used for business purposes, commercial use alone does not automatically exclude a vehicle from California Lemon Law coverage.

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commercial vehicles may qualify for Lemon Law protection if specific criteria are met.

Key Factors That Determine Eligibility

A Ford Transit may be covered under California Lemon Law if:

The vehicle is new or used but still under the manufacturer’s warranty
The defect substantially affects use, value, or safety
The manufacturer or dealer is unable to repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts
The vehicle is registered in California

For commercial vehicles, two additional factors are especially important:

1. Vehicle Weight

Many Ford Transit models fall under 10,000 pounds GVWR, which keeps them within the scope of Lemon Law protections for commercial vehicles.

2. Fleet Size

Small business owners are often covered if they own or lease no more than five commercial vehicles registered in California. Larger fleets may be subject to different rules.

Why Recalls Matter in Lemon Law Claims

A recall alone does not automatically qualify a vehicle as a lemon. However, recalls can be strong supporting evidence when:

The defect is safety-related
Repairs are unsuccessful or temporary
The vehicle spends excessive time out of service
The issue continues after recall repairs are completed

For owners of 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans or 2026 E-Transit vehicles, repeated issues related to the engine crossmember or high-voltage battery system may strengthen a Lemon Law claim if the problem cannot be permanently resolved.

What Ford Transit Owners Should Do

If your Ford Transit or E-Transit is experiencing ongoing problems related to a recall or warranty defect:

Keep copies of all repair orders and service records
Document how long the vehicle is out of service
Note whether the same issue continues after repairs
Confirm whether the vehicle is still under factory warranty

California Lemon Law may entitle eligible owners to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation, depending on the circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The Ford Transit is not automatically excluded from California Lemon Law protections simply because it is commonly used as a commercial vehicle. Owners of affected 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans and 2026 E-Transit vehicles should be aware that recurring defects — especially those involving structural components or high-voltage battery systems — may give rise to legal remedies under California law.

If recall-related problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, it may be time to explore your rights under the California Lemon Law.

Owners of certain 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may be facing a serious suspension-related safety defect involving the rear coil springs. According to federal safety investigations and manufacturer findings, rear coil springs on some vehicles may have been incorrectly installed during a prior recall repair, allowing the spring to detach and come out of position.

This defect has prompted a new safety recall and may raise important lemon law concerns for affected owners—especially those who already had recall repairs performed.

What Is the Problem?

The issue traces back to recall 64A, which addressed an earlier safety concern. Some vehicles that underwent the 64A repair—or had an incomplete recall status—may have had the rear coil spring incorrectly installed. As a result, the spring can shift or detach from its proper position.

A displaced rear coil spring can affect:

Vehicle stability
Ride height and handling
Suspension integrity
Overall driving safety

Even more concerning, vehicles previously repaired under the earlier recall may still be defective, requiring an additional remedy.

Vehicles Potentially Affected

The suspect vehicles were produced between December 5, 2020, and May 31, 2023, based on production and recall status records.

Affected models include:

2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Vehicles not included in this recall generally fall into one of the following categories:

Did not receive a 64A recall repair
Were built outside the suspect production period
Were equipped with an air suspension system

How the Issue Came to Light

June 1, 2023 – FCA US LLC determined a safety defect existed related to recall 64A
September 30, 2025 – NHTSA contacted FCA US after receiving 20 complaints involving rear coil spring separation after recall repairs
October 14, 2025 – FCA US reported 70 potentially related internal claims
November 20, 2025 – FCA US opened a formal investigation into coil spring detachment after recall repairs
November 2025 – January 2026 – Engineering and safety teams reviewed failure modes and customer records

As of January 9, 2026, FCA US reported:

20 customer assistance records
284 warranty claims
No reported accidents or injuries

On January 22, 2026, FCA US again determined that a safety defect exists, leading to a new recall.

The New Recall: What Owners Should Know

Recall number: FCA US LLC 20D; NHTSA campaign number 26V-051
Replaces: NHTSA recall 23V-413
Important: Vehicles already repaired under the prior recall must still receive the new remedy

What Dealers Will Do

Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary.

Owner Notification Timeline

Interim safety letters: Expected February 12, 2026
Final remedy letters: Anticipated March 2026

Why This Matters for Lemon Law Claims

This recall may be especially significant for lemon law cases because:

The defect involves a critical safety component
The issue may persist after a prior recall repair
Owners may experience repeated service visits or unresolved defects
Vehicles already “fixed” may still be unsafe to drive

Under many state lemon laws, a vehicle that cannot be properly repaired after multiple attempts—or that remains unsafe—may qualify for repurchase, replacement, or compensation.

What Owners Should Do Now

If you own a 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L or a 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Do not ignore suspension noises, uneven ride height, or handling changes
Document all repairs, recall notices, and service visits
Schedule the recall inspection as soon as notified
Consult a lemon law attorney if:
- The issue persists after repair
- Your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times
- You feel the vehicle is unsafe or unreliable