Electric Cars – California Lemon Law blog

Owners of certain electric vehicles from Stellantis should be aware of a newly announced safety defect involving the instrument panel display system in select 2024–2025 model year vehicles. The recall affects certain versions of the Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona electric vehicles and has been assigned NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-262. According to recall documents, approximately 20,271 vehicles may be affected.

What Is the Problem?

According to the recall report, affected vehicles may experience a software-related failure that causes the digital instrument cluster display to stop functioning properly.

Modern EVs rely heavily on digital displays for critical vehicle information, and in these vehicles the issue may prevent drivers from seeing important warnings and status indicators, including:

Brake system warning lights
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warnings
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts
Gear selection indicators
Other federally required safety information

Because these warnings may not appear, the vehicles may no longer comply with several Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), including:

FMVSS No. 108 – Lamps and reflective devices
FMVSS No. 126 – Electronic stability control
FMVSS No. 135 – Brake systems
FMVSS No. 138 – Tire pressure monitoring systems
FMVSS No. 208 – Occupant crash protection

Why This Recall Matters

Unlike cosmetic software glitches or infotainment bugs, this issue directly affects the driver’s ability to monitor the vehicle’s safety systems. If the instrument panel display fails, a driver may unknowingly continue operating the vehicle while critical systems are malfunctioning or while warning conditions exist. For example:

A braking system warning may not appear.
ESC faults may go unnoticed.
Tire pressure warnings could be hidden.
Drivers may not clearly see gear selection status.

The concern is not necessarily that the vehicle instantly becomes unsafe, but rather that drivers may lose the warning systems designed to alert them before a dangerous situation develops. Operating the vehicle without these safety warnings increases the risk of a crash.

How the Investigation Started

The issue was formally investigated by FCA US in March 2026. According to the chronology provided in recall documents:

On March 10, 2026, FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) opened an investigation into reports of inoperative instrument panel clusters in affected vehicles.
Throughout March and April 2026, engineers reviewed the issue and analyzed possible failure modes.
On April 1, 2026, FCA US identified a vehicle build-related issue connected to the instrument panel failures.
On April 16, 2026, the company officially determined that the vehicles did not comply with several federal safety standards.

The recall was then issued under FCA recall number 39D and NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-262. .

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to certain:

2024–2025 Jeep Wagoneer S models
2024–2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV models

What Is the Fix?

Fortunately, the repair appears relatively straightforward. Dealers will correct the issue by performing a software update to the instrument panel system. No hardware replacement has been announced at this time.

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on May 21, 2026.

What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected vehicles:

Watch for recall notices from FCA/Stellantis.
If your vehicle is affected, schedule the software update with your dealer once procedures are available.
Pay close attention to any unusual instrument panel behavior in the meantime.

Drivers experiencing intermittent blank screens, missing warning lights, or display glitches should consider having the vehicle inspected promptly.

A Reminder About Modern EV Complexity

This recall highlights how dependent modern electric vehicles have become on software-controlled systems and digital interfaces. In many new EVs, the instrument cluster is no longer just a speedometer — it acts as a central communication hub for safety-critical information. As automakers continue transitioning toward software-defined vehicles, recalls involving code, firmware, and digital displays are becoming increasingly common across the automotive industry. While software updates are often easier to deploy than mechanical repairs, failures involving digital dashboards can still create serious safety concerns when critical warning systems disappear from view.

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

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

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.

Volkswagen has issued two separate safety defects affecting the 2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4, its all-electric SUV. While both recalls involve safety-related defects, one affects a smaller subset of vehicles and the other impacts a much larger population of ID.4 owners.

Both recalls center on the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system, a critical and potentially dangerous component if defects arise. Battery-related issues are taken seriously by regulators due to the risk of overheating, fire, and loss of vehicle function.

For California drivers, repeated battery issues or extended repair times may also raise lemon law concerns.

Recall #1: High-Voltage Battery Overheating Risk

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V028000
Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EW

Volkswagen is recalling a large number of 2023–2025 ID.4 vehicles due to a defect that may cause the high-voltage battery to overheat.

What Is the Problem?

Volkswagen has identified an issue in which certain battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a thermal event. Battery overheating in electric vehicles can potentially lead to:

Fire risk
Damage to the battery pack
Loss of vehicle functionality
Safety hazards during or after charging

Because of the seriousness of the risk, Volkswagen has issued immediate safety instructions for affected owners.

Important Safety Instructions for Owners

Until the recall repair is completed, owners are advised to:

Park the vehicle outside immediately after charging
Do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight
Avoid using Level 3 DC fast chargers
Limit the battery’s maximum charge to 80%

These precautions are intended to reduce the risk of overheating while Volkswagen prepares the permanent remedy.

Recall Remedy

Volkswagen dealers will:

Inspect the high-voltage battery
Replace affected battery cell modules as necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 20, 2026.

Recall #2: High-Voltage Battery Software Defect

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V030000
Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EA

A separate recall affects a smaller number of 2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles involving the high-voltage battery system.

What Is the Problem?

In this recall, Volkswagen identified a condition where the battery management software may not properly monitor or control battery behavior, which could contribute to overheating or other unsafe operating conditions.

Recall Remedy

To address the issue, Volkswagen dealers will:

Update the high-voltage battery software
Replace the high-voltage battery if necessary

As with the larger recall, owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 20, 2026.

Why These Recalls Matter for California ID.4 Owners

Battery defects are among the most serious problems an electric vehicle can face. In California, EVs are protected under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as the Lemon Law.

You may have a potential lemon law claim if your Volkswagen ID.4:

Has repeated battery or charging-related issues
Requires multiple repair attempts for the same safety defect
Is out of service for an extended period due to recall repairs
Suffers diminished value or safety concerns even after repairs

Notably, recalls do not cancel lemon law rights. In fact, a safety recall involving a high-voltage battery can strengthen a claim if the defect substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Bottom Line

Volkswagen’s two recalls for the 2023–2025 ID.4 highlight serious concerns involving the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system. While Volkswagen is offering repairs, owners should follow all safety guidance and carefully document any ongoing problems or time spent in the repair shop.

If your ID.4 continues to experience battery issues, charging limitations, or extended downtime, it may be worth exploring your rights under California Lemon Law.

Volvo Cars has decided that there may be a safety defect affecting a small number of 2025 Volvo EX30 vehicles. The potential issue involved the high-voltage battery. Although there have been no reported incidents, warranty claims, or service reports in the United States, the company is taking precautionary steps to reduce any possible safety risk while a permanent repair is developed.

The concern centers on the vehicle’s high-voltage battery cells. According to Volvo, a manufacturing process deviation may result in the formation of lithium plating growth inside certain battery cells. Over time, this condition can increase the risk of an internal short circuit, which in rare circumstances could cause the battery to overheat.

If such a short circuit were to occur, it could lead to a thermal event, meaning excessive heat and, in extreme cases, the possibility of fire. While this scenario is considered unlikely, Volvo determined the issue warranted a safety recall out of an abundance of caution.

Drivers may receive a warning if a problem develops. In affected vehicles, a battery overheating message would appear in the Driver Information Module, alerting the driver to the condition.

Volvo first became aware of the issue in July 2025, after receiving a report of potential high-voltage battery cell overheating outside the United States. The company launched an internal investigation, which was later escalated to its Critical Concern Action Process. After technical analysis and risk assessment by the Critical Concern Management Team, Volvo concluded that the issue could present an increased risk to motor vehicle safety. On December 26, 2025, the decision was made to issue a safety notification recall.

While the investigation continues, Volvo has issued interim guidance for affected owners. Customers are being advised to limit battery charging to a maximum of 70 percent state of charge and to avoid parking their vehicles indoors or near structures. These recommendations are intended to reduce battery stress and minimize potential risk until a final remedy is available.

Volvo is currently developing a permanent service solution. Future production has already been updated to include a new high-voltage battery variant designed to eliminate the condition. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning February 23, 2026, at which point dealers will provide further instructions.

This recall is identified by Volvo recall number R10355 and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign number 26V-001.

If you own a 2025 Volvo EX30 and receive a recall notice, following the interim guidance and staying in contact with your dealer is the best course of action while the final repair is completed.

Stellantis has determined that a safety defect could affect certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The automaker has confirmed that the brake pedal arm in these vehicles may collapse, leading to a sudden and dangerous loss of braking ability.

If you own or lease one of these vehicles, here is everything you need to know about the defect, the remedy, and your potential rights under the Lemon Law.

The Problem: Brake Pedal Collapse

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the specific defect involves the brake pedal assembly. In affected vehicles, the pedal arm is susceptible to collapsing under the pressure of braking. If the pedal collapses, the driver may lose the ability to activate the service brakes. As stated in the safety report, “The inability to activate the service brakes while driving can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.”

This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-846) is an expansion of a previous recall (24V-752) issued in October 2024. Despite earlier efforts, Stellantis Europe Control Tower received new field complaints in late 2025 regarding collapsed pedals in both North America and Europe, prompting this new, expanded campaign.

Accident Reports and Investigation

October & November 2025: Field complaints were received regarding pedals collapsing during normal driving.
November 24, 2025: Stellantis identified one warranty claim and one customer assistance record related to the issue.
Safety Risk: As of late November 2025, the automaker is aware of one accident related to this defect. Fortunately, zero injuries have been reported so far.

What to Do If Your Brakes Fail

Stellantis has provided specific emergency instructions for drivers who experience a brake pedal collapse while driving. If your pedal hits the floor or snaps and you cannot stop the car:

Use the Electronic Park Brake: Located on the center console, this switch can be pulled up and held while driving. This will override the failure and slow the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): If your AEB system is active (not manually deactivated), it is designed to intervene automatically if it detects an imminent collision, even if the brake pedal is broken.

Recall Details and Remedy

Owners of affected vehicles should contact their dealerships immediately.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-846
FCA US Recall Number: D0C
Notification Date: Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 13, 2026.
The Fix: Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm to prevent collapse.

Can I File a Lemon Law Claim?

The Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased defective vehicles. If your car has a substantial safety defect that the manufacturer has failed to fix within a reasonable number of attempts or a reasonable amount of time, you could be eligible for:

A vehicle repurchase (buyback).
A replacement vehicle.
Cash compensation.
Payment of your attorney’s fees.

Do not wait until an accident happens. If you are unsafe in your vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation regarding your rights.

Recall Reference: VW Campaign 93EV / NHTSA Campaign 25V-836

If you are the owner of a 2023 or 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, please take a moment to review this critical safety warning. Volkswagen has issued a recall for specific vehicles in this model range due to a high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire.

Because the risk involves the potential for a thermal event (fire) while the car is parked or driving, Volkswagen has issued specific “Park Outside” instructions while they prepare the remedy.

The Issue With The VW ID.4 Battery

The problem lies within the High Voltage (HV) battery. According to the defect report, a production deviation at a battery supplier resulted in misaligned electrodes within certain battery cell modules. Specifically, the cathode inside the battery cell may have shifted. When these electrodes are not aligned correctly, it increases the risk of a short circuit inside the cell, which can lead to a fire.

Warning Signs

While a battery fire can happen suddenly, there are performance indicators you should watch for. If your vehicle has this defect, you may experience:

A noticeable loss of driving range.
A reduction in vehicle performance.

If you notice these issues, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer immediately for diagnosis.

Critical Safety Instructions for Owners

Until the recall repair is performed, Volkswagen is advising owners of affected vehicles to follow these strict precautions to minimize risk:

Park Outside: Park the vehicle away from structures and other cars immediately after charging.
No Overnight Indoor Charging: Do not leave the vehicle charging indoors overnight.
Limit Charge to 80%: Adjust your charging settings to stop at an 80% state of charge.
Avoid Fast Charging: Do not use Level 3 DC Fast Chargers.

Timeline: How the Defect Was Discovered

The investigation into this issue spanned nearly two years. Here is a summary of the events that led to this recall:

January 2024 (Illinois): Volkswagen was notified of the first thermal event involving a vehicle connected to a Level 3 DC charger. The battery was analyzed, confirming the fire started in the HV battery.
July & October 2024 (California): Two separate fires occurred in parked vehicles that were not charging. Inspections confirmed the origin was the HV battery, but initial analysis (including CT scans by the supplier in June 2025) failed to identify the root cause.
December 2024 (Utah): A fourth thermal event occurred while a vehicle was being driven.
Summer 2025: With CT scans appearing inconclusive, VW and the supplier investigated other potential causes outside the battery but found nothing. The focus returned to the battery.
August 2025 (Colorado): A fifth event occurred while a vehicle was using a DC fast charger.
September 2025 (The Breakthrough): The supplier performed a physical “tear-down” analysis of damaged cell modules. They discovered the “shifted” electrode condition. By comparing this physical evidence back to the previous CT images, they realized the defect was visible in the scans but had been previously unrecognized.
November 2025: The supplier identified the specific batch of bad modules, allowing VW to isolate which vehicles were affected. On November 26, VW officially decided to issue a recall.

The Remedy

Dealers will resolve this issue by replacing the high-voltage battery cell modules as necessary. Owner Notification: Notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 30, 2026.

Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EV
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-836