Lemon Alert – California Lemon Law blog

Ford Motor Company has announced a safety defect affecting certain 2024–2026 Ford Ranger vehicles. Some Rangers could experience a wiring issue that can, in rare cases, lead to smoke or fire inside the vehicle.

What’s the Problem?

The issue is tied to the wiring harness connected to the sun visor and headliner. In some vehicles, this wiring may have been installed incorrectly or wrapped with excessive protective tape. These conditions can cause the wiring to become pinched or damaged as it passes through metal openings near the A-pillar, which is the structural area along the windshield. If the wiring becomes damaged and contacts metal, it can create an electrical short. This short may generate heat or sparks, potentially leading to smoke, melting components, or even a fire in the A-pillar area. Any smoke or fire inside a vehicle increases the risk of injury or a crash. Even before a fire occurs, smoke or melting materials can distract the driver or reduce visibility.

While no accidents or injuries have been reported, there has been at least one case involving flames and several others showing signs of smoke or burn damage.

What Caused It?

Ford’s investigation found two main contributing factors. First, excessive tape thickness on the wiring harness can cause it to bind or become damaged when passing through tight metal openings. Second, insufficient controls during installation may allow the wiring to be routed incorrectly, increasing the chance of contact with metal edges.

Over time, damaged wiring can become exposed. Combined with repeated resets of the Body Control Module after a fault, this can lead to ongoing electrical arcing, soot buildup, and eventually a fire risk.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Drivers may notice early warning signs before a more serious issue develops. These include flickering or non-functioning sun visor mirror lights or overhead console lights. These symptoms may indicate a problem with the circuit and should not be ignored.

Timeline of the Investigation

Ford’s investigation began on October 31, 2025, after a fire was reported in the A-pillar area of a 2024 Ranger. Early findings pointed to an electrical short in the sun visor power circuit, confirmed by a diagnostic trouble code. The issue was escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group on November 6, 2025.

Over the following months, engineers reviewed supplier specifications and installation procedures, identifying risks related to wiring thickness and routing. Testing in early 2026 confirmed that materials were not inherently flammable, but electrical system behavior could still lead to fire over time.

By March 20, 2026, Ford had identified multiple reports tied to four vehicles, including one case involving flames. On April 7, 2026, the Field Review Committee approved a field service action.

What’s the Fix?

Ford dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage, replace it if necessary, and update the Body Control Module software. he recall will be carried out in phases. Owners of 2025 model year vehicles will be notified the week of May 31, 2026. Owners of 2026 models will be notified the week of June 29, 2026, followed by 2024 model owners the week of July 27, 2026.

Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed starting April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the full repair remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026.

Ford has assigned recall number 26S29, and it is listed under NHTSA campaign number 26V-238.

Owners of certain 2021-2025 Ford Bronco SUVs should be aware of a newly announced safety defect affecting the vehicle’s powertrain. Identified under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-236, this issue impacts approximately 4,922 vehicles and centers around a potentially serious problem with the connection between the transmission and transfer case.

What’s the Problem?

The recall stems from a misalignment that can occur during previous service repairs involving the transmission or transfer case. If these components are not properly aligned when reassembled, it can lead to premature wear of critical internal splines, specifically the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.

Over time, this wear can reduce the ability of these parts to properly transfer power from the engine to the wheels.

Why This Matters

If the spline wear becomes severe, drivers may experience:

Loss of motive power while driving
Failure of the vehicle to properly engage “Park”
Vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied

These conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash, particularly if the issue occurs unexpectedly while driving or when the vehicle is parked on an incline.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Ford notes that affected drivers may notice early warning symptoms before a failure occurs, including:

Grinding noises
Clunking sounds
Unusual vibrations

If you’re experiencing any of these issues—especially after recent drivetrain service—it’s worth getting your vehicle checked immediately.

How Ford Discovered the Issue

Ford first flagged the problem in November 2025 after reviewing warranty claims on 2022–2023 Bronco models reporting noise, vibration, and drive engagement failures. By December, the issue was escalated internally, and a deeper investigation revealed similar cases across 2021-2025 models.

Engineers ultimately determined that improper alignment during past repairs was the root cause. Testing confirmed that even slight misalignment could reproduce the same wear patterns seen in failed components.

To address this, Ford updated its service procedures on February 26, 2026 to ensure proper alignment during repairs going forward.

How Many Vehicles Are Affected?

While nearly 5,000 vehicles in the U.S. had undergone relevant repairs prior to the updated procedures, only a small number of confirmed cases have been reported so far 26 vehicles globally as of March 2026.

What’s the Fix?

Dealers will:

Inspect the transmission-to-transfer case joint
Replace the transmission and/or transfer case if necessary

Recall Timeline

April 27, 2026: Interim notification letters sent to owners
July 2026 (anticipated): Final remedy available and follow-up letters sent

Ford has assigned this recall the internal number 26S26.

What Should You Do?

If you own a 2021–2025 Bronco:

Watch your mail for official recall notifications
Pay attention to any unusual drivetrain noises or behavior
Always use your parking brake when parked (especially on inclines)
Contact your local Ford dealer if you have concerns

Final Thoughts

This recall highlights how even routine service work can introduce issues if not performed precisely—especially in complex drivetrain systems. While the number of confirmed cases is relatively small, the potential safety risks make this an important issue for Bronco owners to take seriously.

Mercedes-Benz has determined that there is a safety defect affecting over 24,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The problem is related to an issue with the drive shaft universal joint. This part plays a critical role in how power is delivered to your wheels, and when it fails, the consequences can be serious.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-216) applies to select 2018–2020 Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC models, including:

E-Class (Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, Cabriolet)
S-Class (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible)
Maybach S 560 4MATIC

Specifically, models like the E 400, E 450, S 450, S 560, and Maybach S 560 are included.

What’s the Problem?

Mercedes-Benz has identified that increased wear may occur in the universal joint (U-joint) on the drive shaft. This is due to insufficient production parameters from a supplier, which can lead to premature degradation over time.

The real issue begins when:

The U-joint loses lubrication.
Wear accelerates.
The joint can fracture under load.

At that point, the connection between the transfer case and front axle transmission may fail entirely.

Why This Matters (Safety Risk)

If the universal joint fails, the vehicle can experience a sudden loss of propulsion—meaning it may stop delivering power to the wheels without warning.

That creates a dangerous situation:

Loss of acceleration in traffic.
Reduced ability to maneuver.
Increased risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz notes that while some warning signs may appear, they are not guaranteed to be noticed before failure.

Warning Signs to Watch For

In some cases, drivers may notice early symptoms such as:

Unusual noises from underneath the vehicle.
Vibrations while driving, especially under acceleration.

However, these signs can be subtle—or completely absent—making this issue particularly concerning.

What Caused the Issue?

The root cause traces back to a supplier manufacturing process that did not meet optimal parameters. Over time, this can result in:

Improper wear patterns.
Reduced durability of the U-joint.
Increased likelihood of failure under normal driving conditions.

What Mercedes-Benz Will Do

Mercedes-Benz dealers will:

Inspect the drive shaft.
Replace it if necessary.
Perform all repairs free of charge.

This recall highlights how even a single component failure within the drivetrain can have major safety implications. If your vehicle is affected, it is worth addressing promptly—even if you have not noticed any symptoms. A quiet drivetrain today does not guarantee it will stay that way tomorrow. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning June 2, 2026.

If you own a newer Chevrolet Corvette, there’s an important safety defect you should be aware of. General Motors has issued a recall affecting nearly 33,000 vehicles over a software issue that could prevent drivers from being alerted when a rear turn signal fails.

What’s the Problem?

The issue centers around a software defect in the exterior lighting control module. In affected vehicles, a failed rear turn signal may not trigger a warning to the driver. This creates a compliance issue with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, which requires that drivers be notified when exterior lighting, like turn signals, fail. Turn signals are critical for communication on the road. If a rear signal fails and the driver isn’t alerted, it increases the risk of miscommunication with other drivers, lane-change or turning accidents, and reduced overall safety.

Vehicles Affected

This recall applies to select 2025 and 2026 Corvette models, including:

2026 Corvette ZR1X Coupe and Convertible
2026 Corvette E-Ray Coupe and Convertible
2026 Corvette Coupe and Convertible
2025 Corvette E-Ray Coupe and Convertible
2025 Corvette Coupe and Convertible

What Caused the Issue?

The root cause traces back to a software change made in October 2024 by a supplier working on the rear lamp assembly. The update was intended to help technicians during a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) learning process, but it had an unintended side effect. It interfered with the system responsible for detecting rear turn signal failures, meaning that under certain conditions the system does not recognize when a signal is out. The issue was discovered during internal testing for the upcoming 2027 Corvette model.

Timeline of Events

The issue traces back to a software change introduced by a supplier in October 2024. It was not identified until December 9, 2025, when a GM employee reported the problem through the company’s internal safety system following validation testing. GM officially opened an investigation on January 27, 2026, which ultimately led to the recall being approved on March 26, 2026. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning May 18, 2026. GM has stated that there have been no known accidents or injuries related to this issue.

How the Problem Will Be Fixed

The solution is a software update to the exterior lighting control module. Owners have two options. Vehicles equipped with over-the-air capability can receive the update remotely if the owner has accepted GM’s update terms. Alternatively, all owners can have the update performed at an authorized GM dealership at no cost.

Recall Details

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-213
GM Recall Number: N252541250
Component: Exterior Lighting
Affected Units: 32,988

What Corvette Owners Should Do

If you own a 2025 or 2026 Corvette, watch for your official recall notice starting May 18, 2026. Check whether your vehicle supports over-the-air updates, and if not, schedule a visit with your dealer. Even if you have not noticed any issue, it is important to have the update completed.

Final Thoughts

This recall highlights how modern vehicles rely heavily on software systems. Even a small change can have unintended consequences for safety features.

If you own or are considering purchasing a 2025–2026 Ford Bronco Sport or Ford Maverick, there is an important safety defect you need to be aware of. Ford Motor Company has issued recall #26C19 (NHTSA campaign number: 26V-201) due to a defect that could impact how the front passenger airbag functions.

What’s the Problem?

The issue centers around the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system and the component responsible for determining whether a passenger (adult, child, or none) is sitting in the front seat.

In affected vehicles:

A faulty OCS bladder port may break.
This can cause the system to incorrectly detect passengers.
As a result, the passenger airbag may be disabled when it should deploy.

This creates a non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, which governs occupant crash protection.

Why This Matters

In a crash scenario:

The front passenger airbag may not deploy.
This significantly increases the risk of injury.

Even though only a small number of cases have been confirmed so far, airbags are critical safety systems and failure to deploy properly is a serious concern.

What Causes the Issue?

Ford’s investigation points to:

A mechanical separation in the OCS system (pressure hose disconnecting from a fitting)
This leads to a dielectric fluid leak, disrupting sensor accuracy

The issue appears to be:

Limited to a specific production window.
Linked to a tier-2 supplier component.
Unique to Bronco Sport and Maverick due to design interaction between parts.

Importantly:

The problem was not detected during factory testing.
It likely occurs after assembly, affecting only certain vehicles.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Drivers may notice:

SRS (airbag) warning light illuminated.
A dashboard message indicating a restraint system issue.
“Passenger Airbag OFF” displayed unexpectedly.

If you see these warnings, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected promptly.

What Ford Has Reported

6 confirmed cases (as of March 16, 2026)
Includes 5 warranty claims + 1 factory detection
No reported injuries or accidents linked to the issue

While the number is small, recalls are issued proactively to prevent future risk. If you own one of these vehicles, Ford Motor Company will have dealers replace the passenger seat Occupant Classification Sensor at no cost. Owners are expected to receive initial notification letters starting April 13, 2026, with the final repair solution anticipated to be fully available by November 2026. In the meantime, you should watch your mail for recall notices, keep an eye on your dashboard for any warning lights or messages, contact your local Ford dealer to confirm whether your vehicle is affected, and schedule the repair as soon as parts become available.

Final Thoughts

Even though this issue currently affects a limited number of vehicles, it involves a core safety system. Ford’s recall is a precautionary step to ensure drivers and passengers remain protected. If you’re driving a Bronco Sport or Maverick from this model year range, staying informed and taking action when notified.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB was marketed as a luxury electric SUV combining practicality, performance, and cutting-edge technology. But for many California drivers, ownership has been anything but smooth—especially when it comes to serious battery-related defects. If you own or lease an EQB and are experiencing issues, you could have rights under California’s Lemon Law.

The Biggest Issue: High-Voltage Battery Defects

The most significant problem affecting the EQB is its high-voltage battery system—the core component of any electric vehicle. Recent recalls reveal that certain EQB models (primarily 2022–2024) may contain defective battery cells that can:

Overheat
Short circuit internally
Increase the risk of fire—even when parked

In fact, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 12,000 EQB vehicles in the U.S. due to this issue, with regulators warning that internal battery faults could lead to fires without warning. Even more concerning, 100% of the affected vehicles were believed to contain the defect, meaning this was not an isolated problem. Mercedes-Benz attempted to fix the problem through software updates designed to monitor battery performance and reduce risk. However, those fixes proved insufficient.

Vehicles were recalled multiple times
Software updates did not fully resolve the issue
Mercedes ultimately had to replace entire battery packs

Nearly 12,000 EQB vehicles are now receiving full battery replacements, an unusually drastic measure that highlights the seriousness of the defect.

Safety Restrictions Placed on Owners

While waiting for repairs, EQB owners have been given strict safety instructions:

Do not charge the battery above 80%
Park the vehicle outside and away from structures
Watch for warning messages or sudden malfunctions

These limitations significantly reduce the usability and convenience of the vehicle—especially in a state like California where EV range and charging flexibility are critical.

Other Battery-Related Complaints

Beyond recalls, many drivers report ongoing battery and electrical system problems, including:

Sudden loss of power or “limp mode”
Unexpected battery drain
Warning messages related to high-voltage systems
Vehicle shutdowns while driving

Some reports even describe vehicles becoming unsafe or unreliable for daily use—raising serious concerns about long-term dependability.

Why This Matters Under California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law protects consumers when a vehicle:

Has substantial defects that impair use, value, or safety
Cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts
Spends excessive time in the repair shop

Battery defects—especially those involving fire risk or loss of power—are exactly the type of issues that qualify.

Mercedes EQB Battery Fire Warning

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.