General Motors Recall: What California Drivers Need to Know About the 6.2L V8 Engine Defect

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If you drive a Chevy Silverado or Tahoe, a GMC Yukon, or a Cadillac Escalade, you may have already heard some rumblings about a major recall involving General Motors’ 6.2L V8 engine. The problem is serious — and if you’re in California, it could also mean you have rights under the California Lemon Law.

What’s the issue?

GM is recalling over 600,000 vehicles from model years 2021 through 2024 because of a defect in the connecting rods and crankshafts. These parts can fail suddenly and without warning, leading to complete engine failure. It’s not the kind of thing you want to find out about when you’re halfway to Los Angeles in the summer heat.

Who’s affected?

The recall covers:

  • 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban
  • 2021–2024 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
  • 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV

Dealerships are expected to begin sending out notification letters starting June 9, 2025. GM has stated they’ll either repair or replace the engine — no cost to you.

Why it matters under California Lemon Law

California has one of the strongest Lemon Laws in the country. If your vehicle has had ongoing problems or has spent a significant amount of time in the shop, you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or compensation — especially when the issue is related to a serious safety defect like engine failure.

Even if your engine hasn’t failed yet, if you’ve had multiple repairs or long service delays related to drivability or performance, it’s worth exploring your options.

What to do now:

  • Keep an eye out for a recall notice.
  • If your vehicle has already experienced engine trouble, gather your repair records.
  • Don’t wait to talk to a Lemon Law professional if you’ve been back and forth to the dealer or you’ve lost confidence in your vehicle.

You don’t have to fight a manufacturer on your own. California’s laws are there to protect you — and in most cases, the manufacturer covers your legal costs.

If you’re concerned about your vehicle’s engine defect or have questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, Call Now for a FREE Case Review 888-395-3666 or fill in the contact form at the top of the page. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – take action today to protect your rights as a California consumer!

Lincoln Aviator Battery Short

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According to Ford’s records, certain 2020-2021 Aviator vehicles were recorded as having the repair successfully completed, but may still be at risk due to the incorrect software installation. If the correct software update remedy is not installed on the vehicle, the manufacturing defect can cause a lower capacity cell to develop an internal short circuit, leading to a battery power off and potentially resulting in a vehicle fire.

The issue was first brought to Ford’s attention in November 2024, when an audit revealed insufficient data to confirm correct software application across all field service actions (FSAs) using the FDRS service tool. A team was formed to investigate further and created templates to track software lineage part numbers. In December 2024, Ford informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the concern and discussed a plan to address the mismatched vehicles. After conducting an audit, it was found that 99.3% of the repairs conducted under recall 23S53 had the correct software installed. However, they identified specific vehicles that were recorded as receiving the remedy but still had software that did not address the safety risk.

To rectify the situation, Ford has approved a field action and will update the Battery Energy Control Module software for the affected vehicles. The company is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition. Dealers will correct the problem by updating the software with the correct version.

The recall number for this issue is 25S58, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-349. If you own a 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator vehicle equipped with a 3.0L PHEV engine, and you receive a recall notice, contact your dealer for repairs to ensure your safety on the road.

Ford Rattles And Clunks From Ball Joint Fastener Problem

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A major safety concern has been uncovered by Ford, affecting several of its 2024 and 2025 models, including the popular Bronco, Ranger, and electric F-150 Lightning. At the heart of the issue is a potentially faulty front upper control arm ball joint fastener, which may have been improperly secured or even missing altogether. This oversight could lead to a catastrophic failure, where the front upper control arm becomes detached from the knuckle assembly, compromising the vehicle’s stability and control.

The first reported incident involving the F-150 Lightning BEV occurred on March 6, 2025, when a customer’s vehicle suffered a right front wheel failure after just 634 miles on the road. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the upper control arm nut was missing, which had caused the control arm to separate from the knuckle assembly.

Further analysis revealed that the root cause of the problem lies in the manufacturing process, where inconsistencies in the alignment between the fastening tool and the fastener may have prevented the nut from being properly secured. As a result, the ball joint nut may not have been tightened to the correct torque specification, creating a risk of separation.

Drivers who experience this issue may initially notice unusual noises, such as clunks or rattles, when driving over bumps or uneven terrain. However, in more severe cases, the loss of directional control can occur without warning, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

While the exact timeline for the discovery of this issue on the Bronco and Ranger models is not publicly available, it is imperative that owners of affected vehicles take immediate action to ensure their safety on the road. Ford dealers will inspect and repair the ball joint fastener as necessary, and owner notification letters were sent out on May 23, 2025.

The recall numbers for this issue are 25S45 (Ford’s internal number) and 25V-310 (NHTSA campaign number) for the Bronco and Ranger, and 25V-341 for the F-150 Lightning BEV. If you receive a notification regarding your vehicle, it is essential to contact your local Ford dealer promptly to schedule an appointment and have the necessary repairs carried out.

In conclusion, the safety of drivers and passengers is paramount, and it is crucial that owners of affected Ford vehicles take swift action to address this critical issue. By doing so, they can ensure a safe and reliable driving experience, and minimize the risk of accidents caused by this potentially hazardous fault.

2025 Nissan Frontier and Kicks Blank Center Information Display (CID)

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A potential safety concern has been identified in certain 2025 Nissan Frontier and Kicks vehicles, prompting a recall by the Japanese automaker. The issue revolves around the Center Information Display (CID) unit, which may display a blank screen when the transmission is shifted into reverse. This malfunction could lead to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for rear visibility, as the rear view camera image may not be displayed on the screen.

The problem was first reported in October 2024, when a field report alleged that a 2025 Kicks vehicle’s CID screen showed a blank screen at startup. Nissan investigated the issue and conducted various tests, including cold starts and placing the vehicle in reverse. The results revealed that the rear view image was not displayed on the screen, and the “Camera” button did not display the Around View Monitor image. Further analysis, including bench testing, was conducted to determine the root cause of the problem.

After collecting additional field reports and inspecting the affected parts, Nissan concluded that an intermittent communication error could exist between the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system and the CID modules. This error may result in a blank screen, rendering the rear view camera intermittently inoperable. The company worked with its supplier to develop software to address the concern and identified a similar issue on specific Japan market models equipped with the same IVI system.

To rectify the problem, Nissan has decided to conduct a recall for vehicles equipped with the subject CID in the U.S. market. Dealers will update the software on the vehicle’s center information display to correct the issue. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 1, 2025. The manufacturer numbers for this recall are PD152 and PMA48, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-324. Vehicle owners who receive notification letters should schedule an appointment with their local dealer to have the software update performed as soon as possible.

Software Error Causes Rear View Camera Issues In Ford and Lincoln Vehicles

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A software error has been identified as the cause of rear view camera problems in certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles, prompting a field action to update the affected systems. The issue can cause the rear view camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) first contacted Ford about the problem in January 2025, after receiving 37 vehicle owner questionnaires (VOQs) regarding rear-view camera complaints on 2021-2023 Model Year Ford F-150 vehicles. An investigation by Ford’s Automotive Safety Office revealed that 15 of these complaints alleged a frozen rear-view camera image while in reverse, with an additional 18 related to SYNC and/or APIM concerns.

Further review by Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) and the SYNC engineering team led to the identification of the causal factors as specific SYNC4 software variants between 1.7 and 1.9. A read-across analysis revealed that other vehicle lines also utilized the affected software versions, resulting in a total of 232 warranty claims in North America.

The affected vehicles include various Ford models, such as the Bronco, F-150, Edge, Escape, and Expedition, as well as Lincoln models like the Nautilus, Navigator, and Corsair. The issue is caused by a software error in the accessory protocol interface module (APIM), which will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update.

According to Ford, one minor crash resulting in property damage has been reported, but no injuries have been linked to this concern. To address the issue, Ford will be conducting a field action, with interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk expected to be mailed on June 16, 2025. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated for the third quarter of 2025.

Vehicle owners can identify this recall by Ford’s number, 25S49, and the NHTSA campaign number, 25V-315. It is essential for affected vehicle owners to take note of this issue and follow the instructions provided by Ford to ensure their rear view camera system is updated and functioning correctly to minimize the risk of accidents.

The vehicles affected include:

  • 2021-2024 Ford Bronco
  • 2021-2024 Ford F-150
  • 2021-2024 Ford Edge
  • 2023-2024 Ford Escape
  • 2023-2024 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2023-2024 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2023-2024 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2023-2024 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2023-2024 Ford F-600 SD
  • 2022-2024 Ford Expedition
  • 2022-2025 Ford Transit
  • 2021-2023 Ford Mach-E
  • 2024 Ford Ranger
  • 2024 Ford Mustang
  • 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus
  • 2022-2024 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2023-2024 Lincoln Corsair

In summary, a software error has been identified as the cause of rear view camera problems in certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and a field action has been initiated to update the affected systems. Vehicle owners are advised to be aware of this issue and take necessary steps to ensure their safety on the road.

2025 Ford F-150 Lower Intermediate Shaft Fastener Problem

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F-150 Lower Steering Shaft

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for certain 2025 model year F-150 vehicles due to a potential problem with the lower intermediate shaft fasteners. The issue affects the attachment of the lower intermediate shaft to the steering gear, which may not have been properly secured during the assembly process.

According to Ford, the problem was first identified on March 28, 2025, when a warranty claim was filed for a vehicle that exhibited “excessive steering play” during a pre-delivery inspection. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a lower intermediate shaft fastener was missing. Although an initial yard campaign did not reveal any additional vehicles with loose or missing fasteners, further review by Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) determined that the assembly plant’s labor rebalance operation may have caused the error proofing process control to be misaligned with the assembly station tool.

As a result, the error proofing system may have recorded a successful joint secure for vehicles that did not actually have a properly secured fastener. This means that some affected vehicles may have been released from the factory with a loose or missing lower intermediate shaft fastener, which could lead to separation of steering system components and a loss of steering control.

If the fastener securing the lower intermediate shaft to the steering gear is loose or missing, drivers may hear a rattle noise coming from the steering system while driving or experience excessive steering play prior to separation. In the worst-case scenario, this could result in a crash. Fortunately, Ford has reported only one warranty claim related to this concern and is not aware of any accidents or injuries.

To address the issue, dealers will inspect and replace the lower intermediate shaft fasteners as necessary. Vehicle owners can identify their vehicle’s recall status by checking Ford’s website or contacting their local dealership. The recall number for this issue is 25S46, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 25V-309.

Ford’s ability to trace lower intermediate shaft production to the specific vehicle in which it is installed has allowed the company to identify the affected population and take corrective action. By inspecting and replacing the lower intermediate shaft fasteners, Ford aims to prevent any potential accidents or injuries related to this concern.

Vehicle owners who receive a notice about their F-150’s safety should contact their local dealership to schedule an inspection and repair if necessary. With prompt attention, Ford can ensure that all affected vehicles are brought up to standard and provide safe and reliable transportation for drivers.

Audi Q5 Quattro Fire Risk: Improperly Tightened Cylinder Head Cover Screws

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Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) has issued a recall for certain 2022-2024 Audi Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles due to a potential problem with the cylinder head cover screws. The screws may have been improperly tightened, which can cause them to loosen over time, leading to engine oil leaks from the cylinder head cover screw holes.

According to the defect report, the issue is attributed to varying tightening torques during the screwing process of the cylinder head cover, resulting in a potentially insecure screw connection and compromised sealing of the cylinder head cover. If engine oil comes into contact with hot parts of the engine, it can cause a fire. Owners are advised to be vigilant for signs of smoke in the engine compartment and to safely park their vehicle immediately if they notice any unusual odors or smoke.

The recall was prompted by customer complaints received by Audi in May 2023, which reported oil leaking from cylinder head covers of Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI vehicles. An investigation was launched, and a root cause analysis suggested that screws with burrs caused during the manufacturing process may have damaged the cylinder head cover surface, leading to oil leakage and potential torque reduction over time.

Despite implementing manufacturing improvements, Audi continued to monitor the field and recognized an increase in oil leak claims in early 2024. In response, the company issued a Technical Service Bulletin instructing dealers to inspect the cylinder head cover screws and replace any loose screws. Further analysis by the engine plant revealed the potential for improperly torqued cylinder head cover screws, leading Audi to review the screwing process with its supplier and implement changes.

However, despite these efforts, the U.S. market reported an increase in field claims of oil leakage and thermal event incidents between November and December 2024. Audi inspected and analyzed these cases, evaluating potential root causes and contributing factors. The company’s Product Safety Committee ultimately decided to conduct a safety recall for the affected vehicles on April 30, 2025.

To date, Audi has received 2,539 potentially related warranty claims of oil leaks in the U.S. and eleven thermal event cases. Early engine oil leaks can be difficult to detect, but advanced cases may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor or smoke in the engine compartment when the engine is hot.

To address the issue, dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 8, 2025. The recall is identified by Audi’s number 15ZK and the NHTSA campaign number 25V-294. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to contact their local dealership for further information and to schedule an inspection and repair if necessary.

Hyundai Palisade Electric Oil Pump Issue

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Hyundai Motor America has announced a safety recall affecting a limited number of 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles due to a potential problem with the controller for the electric oil pump (EOP). The issue, which may cause an electrical short and increase the risk of a vehicle fire, is attributed to an insufficient seal on the EOP controller housing.

According to Hyundai, the problem was first identified in March 2025, when the company was notified of a potential issue involving the electric oil pump installed on a model year 2025 Palisade produced in Ulsan. An investigation revealed that a damaged spring in the tooling used during manufacturing may have compromised the hermetic sealing of the EOP controller housing, allowing moisture to accumulate on the printed circuit board and increasing the risk of electrical shorting.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was informed of the issue, and after reviewing the findings, Hyundai decided to conduct a safety recall of all affected model year 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles in the U.S. The recall aims to replace the EOP controller and associated wiring harness, if necessary, to prevent any potential fires.

Symptoms and Precautions

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice a burning or melting odor or an illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light. While owners can continue driving their vehicles, Hyundai recommends parking them outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed as a precautionary measure.

Recall Remedy and Notification

Hyundai will notify all owners of the subject vehicles by first-class mail, instructing them to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer for replacement of the EOP controller. The recall remedy is expected to begin on July 4, 2025. Owners can contact Hyundai’s customer service or visit the NHTSA website for more information on the recall.

The recall number assigned by Hyundai is 278, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-291. Affected owners are encouraged to follow the instructions provided in the notification letter to ensure their vehicle is repaired promptly and safely.

In conclusion, while the electric oil pump issue affects only a small number of 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles, it is essential for owners to be aware of the potential problem and take necessary precautions to prevent any accidents. By following the recommended steps and cooperating with Hyundai’s recall efforts, owners can ensure their vehicle is safe to drive and minimize any risks associated with this issue.