Electric Cars – California Lemon Law blog

A safety issue has surfaced for General Motors electric vehicle owners. GM has issued a safety warning affecting over 67,000 electric vehicles due to a software flaw that can lead to a temporary loss of braking ability at low speeds. If you own a recently purchased Cadillac or Chevrolet EV, here is what you need to know about the defect, the vehicles impacted, and your legal rights under state Lemon Laws.

The Defect: What Causes the Loss of Braking?

The issue stems from a defect in the vehicle’s Brake System Control Module (BSCM) software. According to safety documentation:

The Trigger: The issue occurs when the driver lightly applies the brakes at low speeds while executing a sharp turn and hitting a bump or dip in the road (such as pulling out of a driveway).
The Glitch: The software’s slip calculation misinterprets wheel movement under these specific conditions, causing a momentary release of the brakes and a temporary loss of stopping power.
Vehicles Affected: The phenomenon specifically impacts models equipped with Performance All-Wheel Drive (pAWD, RPO X0E).

Although stopping power can be restored by re-applying the brake pedal, a sudden failure at a critical moment creates an extreme risk of a collision. GM has already identified 24 field complaints, including 20 minor accidents and two reported injuries linked to this exact issue.

Interestingly, this flaw persists even after GM attempted to fix a similar issue in a previous safety campaign (NHTSA 24V-589). A company safety report was triggered after a 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ struck a garage wall despite having received the earlier remedy.

GM estimates 67,380 units are potentially affected by this safety action. The impacted models include:

Cadillac LYRIQ (2023–2027)
Cadillac CELESTIQ (2025–2026)
Cadillac VISTIQ (2026–2027)
Chevrolet Blazer EV (2024–2027)

Safety Campaign Details & The Remedy

GM Action Number: N262570900
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-717
Official Remedy: GM will update the BSCM software via an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or through a dealership service visit.
Owner Notifications: GM expects to mail official notification letters to affected owners beginning December 14, 2026.

Does Your EV Qualify Under the Lemon Law?

A defective braking system is a primary safety concern. Under state Lemon Laws, vehicle owners are protected when a manufacturer cannot fix a substantial safety defect after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

You may have a valid Lemon Law claim if:

Multiple Repair Attempts: Your vehicle has been back to the dealer multiple times for braking glitches, software failures, or service fixes without a permanent resolution.
Excessive Days Out of Service: Your EV has spent a cumulative total of 30 or more days at the dealership for repairs.
Substantial Safety Hazard: The defect impairs the use, value, or safety of your vehicle (a brake failure directly fits this definition).

If your vehicle qualifies as a “lemon,” you could be entitled to a full repurchase/refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation—and in most states, the manufacturer is required to cover your attorney’s fees.

What Should You Do Next?

Document Everything: Keep copies of all dealership repair orders, safety notices, and service logs. Note every instance where your brakes lag or feel unresponsive.
Get the Fix Applied: Contact your local GM dealer to ensure your software is updated as soon as the patch is available.
Consult a Lemon Law Attorney: If your vehicle has experienced repeated brake issues or spent extended time in the shop, speak with a consumer protection attorney to explore your legal options.

When El Niño brings atmospheric rivers and king tides across California’s coastlines and valley basins, most drivers worry about stalled engines, washed out roads, or hydroplaning. For electric vehicle (EV) drivers, severe flooding presents a hidden risk that often surfaces after the floodwaters recede: saltwater induced battery fires. While gas powered cars typically suffer mechanical failure when submerged, high-voltage battery packs react to floodwaters, especially saltwater, in a completely different way.

Why Saltwater and EV Batteries Don’t Mix

Modern EV batteries are insulated, sealed, and engineered to meet high weather-resistance standards to handle rain and puddle splashes safely. However, storm surges and tidal flooding introduce salt into the equation.

The Chemistry of Corrosion: Saltwater is a potent electrical conductor. When submerged, saltwater can breach secondary seals or collect around high-voltage connectors and module wiring.
Delayed Thermal Runaway: As the saltwater evaporates, it leaves behind salt bridge deposits. These deposits create short circuits within the high-voltage pack. This can trigger thermal runaway, a chain reaction where battery cells rapidly overheat and ignite days or weeks after the vehicle has dried out.

Key Warning Signs After Water Exposure

If your vehicle was exposed to deep floodwaters or high coastal surges, watch for the following red flags:

Audible Cues: Popping, gurgling, or unusual hissing coming from underneath the chassis.
Visual Clues: Smoke, sudden moisture condensation inside light housings, or persistent dashboard electrical warnings.
Thermal Signals: Noticeable heat emanating from the floorboards or battery enclosure while the car is parked or off.

What to Do If Your EV Is Flooded

Never Attempt to Start or Charge the Vehicle If high water reached the undercarriage or battery pack level, do not turn on the ignition or connect a charging cable. High-voltage energy stored in the cells can arc if circuits are compromised.
Park Outside and Away from Structures Tow or move the vehicle to an open outdoor space away from garages, homes, or adjacent cars. If a thermal event occurs, battery fires burn intensely hot and can easily spread to nearby structures. Maintain at least a 50-foot safety buffer.
Inform Emergency Responders and Towing Operators Notify tow truck operators and first responders immediately that the vehicle was submerged in floodwaters. Standard flatbed recovery protocols require extra distance and specialized handling for flooded EVs.
Schedule a Professional Diagnostic Inspection Do not assume the car is safe because it looks dry. Have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician equipped to conduct high-voltage insulation tests and check the battery pack enclosure integrity before attempting to drive or charge it.

Preparing Your EV Before the Next Storm Hits

Move to Higher Ground: Park on elevated terrain or higher parking garage decks if high tides or atmospheric river warnings are issued for your area.
Avoid Standing Floodwaters: Resist the urge to drive through deep water. Submerged road debris or hidden currents can crack battery shields even if the car has no air intake.
Keep Emergency Contacts Ready: Know your roadside assistance numbers and keep your local fire department’s non-emergency line saved in case you observe localized overheating or smoke while parked.

Volkswagen Group of America has launched a safety action affecting 22,524 model-year 2023–2026 Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicles due to a hazard involving high-voltage battery fires. If you drive an affected ID.4, there is a simple setting you need to change in your touchscreen charging menu immediately while Volkswagen works on a permanent fix.

What Is Causing the Issue?

According to NHTSA Campaign 26V-630 (Volkswagen internal code 93EX), specific high-voltage battery packs installed in these vehicles can experience thermal propagation, a process where excessive heat in one battery cell spreads to neighboring cells, creating a potential fire hazard.

While Volkswagen and its battery cell supplier continue to investigate the root cause, preliminary engineering studies conducted between June and September 2026 revealed key risk factors:

Overheating occurs when specific charging profiles are used while holding the battery at a State of Charge (SoC) above 80%.
Data suggests a correlation between specific isolation-resistance values and DC fast-charging ratios.
A total of 22 field incidents were reported in the U.S. between January 18, 2024, and August 7, 2026.

What Should ID.4 Owners Do Right Now?

Because an official repair is still being developed by Volkswagen engineers, the automaker strongly advises all affected drivers to follow an immediate safeguard: limit your vehicle’s maximum charging threshold to 80% battery capacity. Do not top off your ID.4 to 100% until official service updates are performed at a dealership.

Timeline and Next Steps

June 17, 2026: Volkswagen ordered detailed examinations of complete high-voltage battery systems after preliminary data flagged potential risks linked to isolation-resistance values and DC fast-charging ratios.
September 21, 2026: Field study results confirmed that certain charging profiles paired with a state of charge over 80% could trigger thermal events. Additional technical analysis was requested from the battery supplier.
September 23, 2026: The Product Safety Committee formally authorized a voluntary safety action for all affected U.S. vehicles.
November 27, 2026: Official warning notifications explaining the safety risk and temporary charging limits are expected to reach owners by mail.

Quick Reference Summary

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-630
VW Campaign Code: 93EX
Affected Population: 2023–2026 Volkswagen ID.4 (22,524 units)
Affected System: Electrical System (High-Voltage Battery)
Primary Safety Hazard: Thermal propagation / Vehicle Fire
Temporary Precaution: Cap battery charging capacity at 80%
Interim Notice Date: November 27, 2026

If you are driving a recent-model Jeep Grand Cherokee, you will want to pay close attention to your mail this fall. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US, LLC) has announced a safety defect impacting 328,381 vehicles. A potential design defect could cause a rear coil spring to detach while the vehicle is in motion.

This problem isn’t just a routine fix—it supersedes two previous recalls on the same issue. Even if you already had your Grand Cherokee serviced under a previous campaign, you will need to take your vehicle back to the dealer for an updated fix.

What Is the Issue?

The recall centers on the vehicle’s rear suspension system. According to safety documents, the rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing. As a result, the springs can detach from the vehicle while driving.

Why Is This Dangerous?

A coil spring detaching while you are driving poses severe safety hazards:

Loss of Vehicle Control: Sudden failure or loss of a rear suspension component impairs handling and stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Road Hazard: A detached heavy steel spring becoming a high-speed projectile on the highway poses an immediate danger to drivers following behind you.

Affected Vehicles

The recall affects specific model years of the Grand Cherokee lineup equipped with rear coil springs:

2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (Plug-in Hybrid)

Note: Models equipped with the air suspension system use air bags rather than traditional coil springs and are not part of this specific structural spring defect.

Key Recall Identifiers

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-562 (replaces previous recall numbers 26V-051 and 23V-413)
FCA Recall Number: 89D
Total Affected Units: 328,381 vehicles

The Repair

To resolve the defect, authorized Jeep dealership service departments will replace the rear coil spring lower isolators to ensure the springs remain properly seated and securely positioned.

Important Note for Previously Repaired Vehicles

Because this recall replaces two earlier campaigns (23V-413 and 26V-051), prior repairs are no longer considered sufficient. If you took your Jeep in for a spring fix under either of those earlier notices, you will still need to have this new final remedy performed.

Timeline & Next Steps

Interim Notifications: FCA expects to begin mailing interim notification letters to registered owners starting September 29, 2026. These letters will outline the safety risk.
Remedy Notifications: A second letter will be mailed as soon as the final remedy parts are fully available at local dealerships to schedule your service appointment.

If you hear unusual clunking noises coming from the rear suspension or notice an uneven ride height in the rear of your Jeep, contact an authorized service center immediately to have the vehicle inspected. Be sure to check all invoices for accuracy upon completion and keep detailed records of all repairs made to your vehicle. Maintaining accurate documentation creates an official paper trail that proves repeated repair attempts, establishes vehicle downtime, and protects your rights under warranty and lemon laws should the issue persist.

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.

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