Tag Archives: auto safety

Jeep Wrangler 4xe & Grand Cherokee 4xe Battery Fire Risk

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Certain model-year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles were manufactured with high-voltage (HV) battery packs that may contain defective cells. The defect can lead the battery to internally fail and potentially cause a vehicle fire – whether the vehicle is parked or driving.

What’s the problem?

  • On July 3, 2025, the manufacturer’s technical safety organization opened an investigation after reports of fires originating in the HV battery packs of these plug-in hybrid vehicles – including vehicles that had already undergone the earlier remedy under Recall ID 95B (NHTSA ID 24V-720).
  • The battery supplier Samsung SDI obtained a pack from a vehicle that had experienced a fire with cells manufactured outside the original recall’s scope. They found the fire was caused by the same defect identified under 95B and are working to identify additional causal factors.
  • As of October 13, 2025:
    • 9 fires reported in vehicles which had already had the 95B software remedy applied.
    • 10 fires reported in vehicles whose cells were outside the original 95B scope.
    • 19 customer-assistance records, 0 warranty claims, and 19 field reports tied to this issue (dates from Jan 27 to Sept 2, 2025).
    • 1 injury and no confirmed accidents tied to this issue.
  • On October 24, 2025, the manufacturer determined there is a defect affecting motor vehicle safety in all affected vehicles.
  • The manufacturer states that in rare cases, a battery pack may contain cells with separator damage which, combined with other complex interactions within the cell, may lead to a fire.
  • A key interim safety measure: risk is lower when the battery charge level is low or depleted, and higher when the battery is fully or highly charged.
  • Owner advice: refrain from recharging the vehicle, and park away from structures or other vehicles until the final remedy is available.
  • The recall campaign number is 68C (NHTSA campaign number 25V-741) and even vehicles previously recalled under 24V-720 or 23V-787 will need the new remedy.

Affected vehicles

  • Model year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
  • Model year 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

What should owners do now?

  1. Minimize risk until fixed:
    • Avoid charging the plug-in-hybrid battery.
    • Park the vehicle outdoors or away from other vehicles/structures (such as garages) when practicable.
    • Try to keep the battery’s state of charge as low as is reasonable for your use.
  2. Wait for the remedy: The final repair or battery replacement is under development. Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed starting December 2, 2025, with additional letters once the remedy is ready.
  3. Follow dealer instructions: Once the remedy is available, schedule service promptly. The remedy may include software updates to the battery management/control module plus potentially a full HV battery pack replacement.
  4. Stay informed: Keep track of recall updates and announcements.

Why this matters: safety & resale considerations

  • A fire originating from a plug-in hybrid’s high-voltage battery is a rare but serious risk: it can pose danger to occupants, first-responders, and bystanders, and damage property.
  • Even if your vehicle hasn’t shown signs of the defect, being part of the recall means you should treat it as a potential risk and act accordingly.
  • From a resale/ownership value perspective, vehicles under open safety recalls can be harder to sell or may need disclosure depending on local laws. Completing the remedy promptly is beneficial for overall vehicle value and peace of mind.

Bottom line

If you own a 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe or a 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, this is a recall you cannot ignore. While the risk may only affect a minority of vehicles, the potential consequence is serious. Until the permanent fix is installed, follow the safety advice strictly: no recharging, park away from buildings, and monitor for dealer communications. Once the remedy becomes available, book the service as soon as possible. Your safety – and the safety of others around your vehicle – depends on it.

2025 Tesla Model 3 & 2026 Tesla Model Y Battery Pack Contactor Failure

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(Recall: SB-25-16-005 / NHTSA Campaign 25V-690)

If you own or are considering buying a 2025 Model 3 or 2026 Model Y from Tesla, there’s a safety issue you should know about. Certain vehicles built between early March and mid-August 2025 are affected by a battery pack contactor fault that may result in an unexpected loss of drive power. This article explains what the issue is, which vehicles are affected, what the risks are, and what owners should do next.

What is the issue?

Tesla has determined that certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles are equipped with a battery pack contactor manufactured with an InTiCa solenoid that may have a poor coil termination connection.

If the contactor opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in drive, the driver loses the ability to apply torque through the accelerator pedal, resulting in a loss of propulsion. This sudden loss of drive power could increase the risk of a collision.

There is no warning prior to the failure. However, when it occurs, the driver receives an immediate visual alert on the user interface instructing them to safely pull over.

Which vehicles are affected?

  • 2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicles manufactured between March 8 and August 12, 2025.
  • 2026 Tesla Model Y vehicles manufactured between March 15 and August 15, 2025.

Tesla estimates roughly 13,000 vehicles in total are affected, including around 5,000 Model 3s and nearly 8,000 Model Ys produced within those date ranges.

Timeline of Investigation & Recall

  • August 8, 2025: Tesla’s Field Reliability team began investigating service cases where vehicles were unable to enter drive and high coil resistance was detected in the pack contactor.
  • August 8 – September 26, 2025: Tesla collected contactors from the field and performed detailed failure analysis.
  • September 29 – October 2, 2025: Tesla reviewed the failure analysis results, along with repair and production records.
  • October 3, 2025: Tesla completed its investigation and determined the scope of affected vehicles, initiating a voluntary recall.
  • December 9, 2025: Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed to customers.

As of early October 2025, Tesla had identified 36 warranty claims and 26 field reports related to this issue, with no known injuries, collisions, or fatalities.

What is the remedy?

Tesla Service will correct the problem by replacing the high-voltage battery pack contactor.  The updated parts do not include the defective InTiCa solenoid and have improved coil termination connections. The repair takes approximately one hour to complete, and Tesla will notify all affected owners by mail.

Why this matters

Safety risk

A sudden loss of propulsion without warning can be dangerous, especially when driving at highway speeds or in traffic. While no injuries have been reported, Tesla’s recall emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue promptly.

Financial and resale considerations

Unresolved recalls can affect resale value, financing, and insurance. Ensuring the recall repair is completed not only improves safety but also helps preserve the vehicle’s long-term value.

What owners should do if their Tesla vehicle is affected.

  • Schedule a service appointment through the Tesla app or by contacting your nearest Tesla Service Center.
  • Pay attention to alerts while driving. If a visual warning or loss of power occurs, pull over safely and contact Tesla support immediately.
  • Keep documentation of the recall repair for future reference or resale.
  • If buying used, confirm with the seller that any open recalls have been completed.

This recall serves as a reminder that even advanced electric vehicles like Tesla are not immune to hardware issues. While Tesla can often fix software defects through over-the-air updates, mechanical components such as contactors and solenoids require physical inspection and replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does this recall affect all 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles?
A: No. Only vehicles built between March and August 2025 with the affected InTiCa solenoid contactor are included.

Q: My car feels fine — do I still need the repair?
A: Yes. The failure can occur without warning, so even if your car shows no symptoms, Tesla recommends completing the replacement.

Q: How long will the repair take?
A: The contactor replacement typically takes about one hour and is performed free of charge.

Q: Can I continue driving before the repair?
A: Tesla advises that owners continue driving normally but schedule service as soon as possible. If your vehicle shows a propulsion loss alert, pull over safely and contact Tesla.

Conclusion

If you drive a 2025 Tesla Model 3 or 2026 Model Y, this recall deserves your attention. The contactor defect can cause sudden loss of drive power, posing a potential safety risk. Tesla is replacing the affected parts at no cost to owners, with notifications beginning December 2025.

BMW Relay Defect Could Lead To Fire

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BMW of North America has announced another significant recall related to the electrical system, this time involving more than 145,000 vehicles. This latest action, filed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-644, highlights the risk of a starter motor overheating due to an electrical overload after repeated starting attempts. The issue poses a serious fire hazard and requires immediate attention from affected owners.

What’s the Problem?

BMW reports that in certain vehicles, the starter relay can overload the starter motor, leading to overheating. Overheating of electrical components within the starter can increase the risk of a fire, whether the vehicle is in operation or parked.

The recall affects the following BMW models:

  • 2020 BMW 340i
  • 2019-2020 BMW X5
  • 2020 BMW X6
  • 2020–2025 BMW 840i
  • 2020–2022 BMW 740Li
  • 2019–2020 BMW X7

BMW Engine Starter Replacement

BMW dealers will correct the problem by replacing the engine starter.. Importantly, this recall also applies to vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 24V-576—owners of those vehicles will need to have their cars repaired again.  

  • Owner Notification Letters: Scheduled to begin mailing on November 17, 2025.
  • If your vehicle is affected, schedule an appointment with your BMW dealer for the repair.
  • Be aware of potential warning signs such as difficulty starting, electrical smells, or unusual sounds from the engine bay.
  • As a precaution, consider parking your vehicle outdoors until repairs are complete.

BMW’s repeated starter relay recalls underscore the importance of taking electrical issues seriously. Even if you’ve had a previous recall repair completed, your vehicle may still be affected and require another fix. Safety should come first—make sure your BMW is repaired promptly once recall notifications are issued.

BMW and Toyota Supra Fire Risk

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BMW and Toyota have announced a voluntary safety recall affecting certain 2019–2022 BMW models and 2020–2022 Toyota Supra vehicles due to a potential fire risk involving the engine starter relay. The issue arises when water makes contact with the relay, which over time may corrode and compromise the electrical connection. While corrosion can make it difficult or impossible to start the engine, in more severe cases it can cause the relay to short-circuit and overheat. This overheating poses a significant fire hazard, as a thermal event could occur not only while the vehicle is being driven but also when it is parked with the ignition off.

BMW launched an engineering investigation in July 2024 after reports of thermal events in certain vehicles. Over the following year, engineers analyzed field cases, conducted parts tear-downs, and tested water ingress scenarios in an attempt to replicate the failure. Although no single cause was definitively confirmed, BMW identified production periods that may be at risk. On September 16, 2025, the automaker initiated a recall. Toyota conducted its own review of records and confirmed no U.S. reports of Supra incidents to date, but vehicles remain included in the recall as a precaution.

Owners of affected vehicles are strongly advised to park outdoors and away from buildings until repairs are complete. Dealers will address the issue by replacing the engine starter at no cost to customers. Interim recall notices will begin mailing on November 14, 2025, with a follow-up notice sent once replacement parts are available. The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-636.

Affected Vehicles Include:

  • 2019–2021 BMW 330i
  • 2021–2022 BMW 430i
  • 2021–2022 BMW 430i Convertible
  • 2020–2022 BMW 530i
  • 2020–2022 BMW X3
  • 2020–2022 BMW X4
  • 2019–2022 BMW Z4

If you own one of these vehicles, stay alert for recall notifications, and in the meantime, take the precaution of parking your vehicle outside until the remedy is performed.

Ford Super Duty Steering Problem: F-250, F-350, and F-450

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steering Ford SD

If you drive a 2020 or 2021 Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, or F-450, there’s a new recall you should know about. Ford has confirmed a steering defect that could cause you to suddenly lose control of your truck while driving.

And here’s the bigger issue: these trucks already have a long history of recalls. If your Super Duty keeps going back to the dealership for repairs, it may be more than just bad luck — your truck could be a lemon.

What’s the Problem?

The recall centers on the steering column upper shaft. In certain trucks, the part doesn’t meet Ford’s own strength requirements. That means it can actually separate while driving, causing you to lose the ability to steer.

  • Safety Risk: Loss of steering control makes a crash much more likely.
  • No Warning Signs: There are no dashboard messages or alerts — the failure can happen without warning.
  • Affected Trucks: Ford believes the defect affects trucks built at the Kentucky Truck Plant before October 1, 2020.

How Ford is Handling the Recall

Ford has issued recall number 25S94 (NHTSA 25V-626). Here’s what they’re telling owners:

  • Notices in the Mail: Letters started going out in October 2025 to warn owners.
  • Dealer Inspections: Dealers will check your steering column.
    • If it fails inspection → the part will be replaced.
    • If it passes → it will be modified to improve durability.
  • Final Fix: A long-term repair solution is expected by December 2025.

Ford Super Duty: Too Many Recalls?

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Super Duty owners have faced recalls. The 2020–2021 lineup has been hit with recalls for:

  • Driveshaft separations
  • Brake system problems
  • Electrical issues

When you add the steering shaft defect to the list, it paints a troubling picture. For owners, these repeated issues can mean frustration, downtime, and serious safety worries.

Could Your Truck Be a Lemon?

Here’s the bottom line: If you’ve had to bring your F-250, F-350, or F-450 back to the dealer again and again for serious repairs, you may not just have a bad truck — you may have a lemon.

  • Lemon Law Basics: If a defect affects your truck’s safety, value, or reliability, and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of tries, you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement.
  • Why Steering Defects Matter: Because steering is critical to safe driving, repeated failures or incomplete fixes could make your case even stronger.

What Should You Do Now?

  1. Keep Records: Save every repair order, recall notice, and warranty claim. Documentation is key if you ever need to pursue a claim.
  2. Pay Attention to Repeat Repairs: If you’ve had the same issue fixed more than once, or your truck keeps going back to the dealer, you may have lemon law rights.
  3. Get Help if Needed: Don’t wait until you’re out of patience (or warranty). Talk to a lemon law professional if you suspect your Super Duty qualifies.

FAQ: Ford Super Duty Steering Recall & Lemon Law

Q: Is it safe to drive my truck before the repair?
A: Because there are no warning signs before the steering defect happens, it’s risky to keep driving an affected truck. Schedule a dealer inspection as soon as possible.

Q: What if the dealer already repaired my steering issue once, but the problem came back?
A: If the same issue keeps happening after repairs, that’s a red flag. Repeated failures may qualify your truck as a lemon under state or federal law.

Q: How many repairs does it take before my Ford is considered a lemon?
A: It depends on your state. In many states, two or more failed repair attempts for a serious safety issue (like steering) may be enough. In others, it may take three or four attempts.

Q: Can I get a buyback or replacement if my truck is a lemon?
A: Yes. Lemon laws can entitle you to a buyback of your vehicle or a replacement truck, if the manufacturer can’t fix the defect after a reasonable number of tries.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a lemon law claim?
A: While not required, most lemon law cases are easier with legal help. Many lemon law attorneys work on a no-cost-to-you basis, since the law requires the manufacturer to pay legal fees if you win.

Final Thoughts

The 2020–2021 Ford Super Duty trucks are built to tackle tough jobs, but repeated recalls and a dangerous steering defect have many owners concerned. If your F-250, F-350, or F-450 is spending more time in the shop than on the road, don’t ignore it.  Your truck may qualify as a lemon, and knowing your rights could help you get the compensation or replacement you deserve.


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.

Braking Safety Concern In 2025 Nissan And Infiniti Vehicles

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Nissan has issued a recall for certain 2025 model year Murano, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 vehicles due to a potential braking safety issue. The problem affects the front brake caliper assemblies, which may have reduced strength and could break, leading to reduced braking performance.

The issue was discovered in January 2025 during a routine production brake test on a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder. A technician reported a failure of the front right-hand brake caliper assembly, prompting Nissan to quarantine the defective part and launch an investigation. Further analysis revealed that the suspect brake caliper had been produced with a common supplier production lot code (51A), which was found to have an inadvertent modification to an internal parameter setting. This modification reduced the material’s strength, making it more prone to failure.

The supplier’s investigation confirmed that a total of 3,115 caliper castings were produced in the affected lot and shipped to Nissan for assembly into vehicles. Through traceability records, Nissan identified 2,341 vehicles that may have received a potentially affected brake caliper. Of these vehicles, 711 were held for inspection, while 200 had been exported and 1,430 had previously been shipped to the US.

According to Nissan, if one or both of the front brake calipers fail, it can result in reduced braking performance and may not comply with certain performance requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 135. This could increase the risk of a crash, particularly if drivers are unable to stop their vehicles in time. Affected customers may notice uneven braking performance, and the “Low Brake Fluid” warning light may illuminate in certain cases.

To address the issue, Nissan will be recalling affected vehicles and asking owners to return to their dealerships for an inspection and replacement of the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 9, 2025. The recall is identified as Nissan’s numbers PD137 and PD138, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-173. This issue highlights the importance of rigorous testing and quality control measures in ensuring the safety of vehicles on the road.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Adaptive Cruise Control Issue

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A critical safety concern has been identified in some 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV all-wheel drive vehicles. The problem affects the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system which may fail to engage the brakes as expected. This defect, acknowledged by General Motors (GM), poses a significant risk of accidents and underscores the importance of timely corrective actions.

Discovery and Investigation

GM first became aware of the issue in October 2024 when a GM engineer reported an incident involving a test vehicle through the company’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program. The report indicated that the ACC system on a 2025 Equinox EV failed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop as anticipated. Following this, GM initiated an investigation, which revealed a software calibration issue in the brake system control module (BSCM) specific to all-wheel drive models not equipped with Super Cruise.

The investigation found that the incorrect software calibration prevented the BSCM from properly receiving commands from the ACC feature to apply brakes. This critical malfunction can lead to situations where the vehicle does not sufficiently slow down or stop when adaptive cruise control is engaged, relying on the driver’s timely intervention to avoid potential collisions.

While GM has confirmed five field complaints related to this condition, fortunately, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with it. However, the potential for increased risk due to delayed or insufficient braking when relying on the ACC feature is a serious safety concern that necessitates immediate attention.

Symptoms and Driver Action

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice instances where the vehicle does not slow down adequately when adaptive cruise control is engaged. In such cases, it is crucial for drivers to manually apply the brakes to safely slow or stop the vehicle, mitigating the risk of a crash.

Corrective Measures and Recall

To address this safety issue, GM dealers will update the software calibration in the brake system control module of affected vehicles. This corrective action aims to ensure that the adaptive cruise control functions as designed, providing drivers with the expected level of safety and performance. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on March 3, 2025 , outlining the necessary steps and information for vehicle owners.

This recall is identified by GM’s reference number N242481530 and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-012. Vehicle owners can use this identifier to verify if their vehicle is included in the recall and to track the progress of the corrective actions.

If you are an owner of a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV all-wheel drive vehicle, it is essential to be aware of this safety issue and to take proactive steps. Stay informed about any communications from GM regarding this recall.