auto safety – California Lemon Law blog

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed a petition requesting a formal safety investigation into reports of all-wheel drive (AWD) failures affecting certain Acura TLX and MDX vehicles. While the agency acknowledged that the reported mechanical failure is real, it concluded there is currently insufficient evidence to classify it as a safety-related defect requiring a formal investigation or recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The petition involved:

2021–2023 Acura TLX equipped with Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD)
2022–2023 Acura MDX equipped with SH-AWD

According to the petition, a mechanical failure inside the drivetrain can prevent power from being sent to the rear wheels, effectively turning the vehicle into front-wheel drive only.

What Is Failing?

The reported issue involves the splined connection between the front transaxle and the Power Take-Off Unit (PTU). Over time, these splines can shear or strip, permanently disconnecting the rear drivetrain.

When this happens:

The vehicle loses all rear-wheel drive capability.
Power is sent only to the front wheels.
The failure is permanent until repaired.

Interestingly, many owners reportedly did not realize anything had failed until driving on snow, ice, or another slippery surface where AWD traction would normally be expected.

Why Did Owners Want an Investigation?

The petition argued that losing AWD could reduce directional control and create a safety risk, particularly in poor weather conditions. The concern was heightened because Acura’s SH-AWD information display may continue to indicate that torque is being delivered to the rear wheels—even after the mechanical connection has completely failed. In other words, drivers may believe their AWD system is functioning normally when it is not.

What Did NHTSA Find?

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation reviewed:

62 consumer complaints (Vehicle Owner Questionnaires)
Manufacturer field reports
Technical information about the SH-AWD system

The agency confirmed that the spline failure does occur and results in the permanent loss of torque to the rear axle.

However, investigators also found:

The vehicles continue to operate normally as front-wheel drive vehicles.
There is no loss of engine power.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and traction control remain fully operational.
The steering and braking systems continue to function normally.

Most importantly, NHTSA found no evidence that the failure causes drivers to lose control of the vehicle.

Why Was the Petition Denied?

NHTSA determined that Acura’s SH-AWD system is primarily a performance-enhancing feature rather than a critical stability system. Unlike some traditional AWD systems that are necessary for maintaining mobility after drivetrain failures, these Acura models are fundamentally designed as front-wheel drive vehicles. Because of that, the agency concluded that losing rear-wheel drive affects vehicle performance rather than basic vehicle safety.

The investigation also found:

No reported crashes linked to the failure.
No reports of loss of motive power.
No documented injuries resulting from the condition.

Without evidence that the defect creates an unreasonable safety risk, NHTSA declined to open a formal defect investigation.

Does This Mean There Isn’t a Problem?

Not necessarily. NHTSA specifically stated that closing the petition does not mean a safety defect does not exist. Instead, it means the agency currently lacks sufficient evidence that the issue presents an unreasonable safety risk under federal safety standards. The agency also noted that it may reopen the matter if future complaints, crashes, or additional evidence emerge.

What Should Acura Owners Do?

If you own one of the affected Acura models, it is worth paying attention to any changes in how your vehicle performs, particularly during wet, snowy, or icy driving conditions.

Potential warning signs may include:

Reduced traction on slippery roads
Difficulty accelerating in snow
Unexpected front-wheel spin
Service messages related to the AWD system

Because the SH-AWD display may continue to indicate normal operation even after the drivetrain has failed, routine inspections by a qualified technician may be the only way to identify the problem before winter driving exposes it.

The Bottom Line

The reported SH-AWD spline failure is a genuine mechanical issue that can disable the rear-wheel drive system in certain Acura TLX and MDX models. However, after reviewing dozens of owner complaints and technical evidence, NHTSA concluded there is not enough evidence to show that the condition creates an unreasonable safety risk warranting a formal defect investigation.

For now, no recall has been issued, but the issue remains on NHTSA’s radar. Owners experiencing AWD performance problems should have their vehicle inspected promptly and consider reporting the issue to NHTSA, as additional reports could influence future agency action.

A newly identified seat belt defect is affecting nearly 49,000 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles, raising concerns about passenger safety in the rear seats.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue involves the rear outboard seat belt retractors. Under certain conditions, the seat belts can become twisted inside the retractor mechanism, preventing them from retracting smoothly or maintaining the proper tension against the occupant.

While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system during a collision.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The safety campaign applies to:

2023-2025 Dodge Hornet
2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

In total, approximately 48,777 vehicles are included.

What Is the Problem?

The defect affects the rear seat belt retractors located on the left and right outboard rear seating positions.

If a seat belt twists internally, it may no longer retract freely after use. More importantly, it may fail to maintain the proper tension needed to keep an occupant securely restrained during certain types of crashes.

Seat belts are designed to remove excess slack and hold passengers firmly in place. When that function is compromised, the risk of injury during an accident increases.

How Was the Issue Discovered?

The investigation began in April 2026, when FCA US alerted Stellantis Europe to a potential issue involving rear seat belt retractors in the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Engineers spent the following months reviewing warranty claims and investigating similar issues that had previously been identified in Europe. By July 1, 2026, the company concluded that the problem could occur under specific conditions because of a weakness in the seat belt retractor design.

As of July 30, 2026, the manufacturer had received:

484 warranty claims
0 reported accidents
0 reported injuries
0 field reports

Although no injuries have been linked to the defect, manufacturers often address safety issues before they result in serious crashes.

What Will Dealers Do?

To correct the problem, dealers will replace the affected rear seat belt retractors .

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on September 24, 2026.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own a 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet or 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale, watch for your notification letter.

Campaign Information

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-510
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 84D
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

If your vehicle is included, scheduling the repair promptly will help ensure your rear seat belts provide the protection they were designed to deliver.

Ford has announced an expanded safety campaign affecting nearly 388,000 vehicles after discovering that a defect involving the second-row easy-entry seats could allow them to tip or slide unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.

The issue affects certain 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2026 Ford Explorer models equipped with second-row easy-entry seats. The expanded campaign carries Ford reference number 26S52 and NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-451, building upon an earlier action that addressed the same concern.

What Is the Problem?

According to Ford, the easy-entry switch used to access the third row can bind or become stuck in the pressed position. When this happens, the second-row outboard seat may unexpectedly unlatch, tip forward, or slide while driving. The issue is believed to occur when the plastic bezel surrounding the easy-entry switch becomes misaligned. If the bezel interferes with the switch button, it may prevent the button from returning to its normal position after being pressed. While the investigation into the exact root cause is still ongoing, Ford says broken or misaligned bezel tabs may develop over time during normal vehicle use, even on some vehicles that previously received repairs.

Why This Matters

A seat that unexpectedly moves while driving creates an obvious safety concern. Occupants may suddenly lose their seating position, increasing the risk of injury—especially if a collision occurs.

Drivers may also notice warning signs before the problem becomes more serious, including:

Difficulty using the easy-entry feature.
The seat failing to return to its normal locked position.
The easy-entry button appearing stuck or remaining depressed.
Unexpected seat movement after the switch has been used.

If any of these symptoms appear, owners should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

Why Is Ford Expanding the Campaign?

Ford previously launched a safety action in 2025 (NHTSA Campaign 25V-393, Ford 25S67) after identifying incorrectly installed switch bezels at a seat supplier. Dealers were instructed to inspect the switch bezel and replace damaged or improperly installed components.

After those repairs were implemented, Ford continued monitoring field reports.

In the spring of 2026, engineers identified additional reports involving:

Vehicles built after the original production changes had been implemented.
Vehicles that had already received the earlier repair.

By June 2026, Ford had documented 14 reports of unintended second-row seat movement caused by a stuck switch:

8 reports involved vehicles not covered by the original campaign.
6 reports involved vehicles that had already received the previous repair.

As a result, Ford expanded the population of affected vehicles to include models produced through June 24, 2026, when the original switch bezel design was permanently removed from production.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The campaign includes certain:

2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator
2020-2026 Ford Explorer

Only vehicles equipped with the second-row easy-entry seating system are affected.

Approximately 387,911 vehicles are included in the expanded campaign.

How Will Ford Fix the Problem?

Ford dealers will inspect the easy-entry switch bezel and replace the bezel and related components as necessary.

Because the final repair procedure is still being finalized:

Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety concern are expected to begin mailing July 27, 2026.
A second notification will be sent once the permanent repair is available, which Ford currently expects to be around January 2027.

Repairs will be performed free of charge.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own a 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator or 2020-2026 Ford Explorer, watch for a notification from Ford and pay attention to any unusual operation of the second-row seats.

If a seat unexpectedly tips, slides, or fails to lock into position, it is recommended that the vehicle be inspected promptly. Even if your vehicle was previously repaired under Ford’s earlier campaign (25V-393 / 25S67), it may still be included in this expanded action.

Owners can verify whether their vehicle is affected by searching their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or by contacting their local Ford or Lincoln dealership.

Campaign Information

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Ford Campaign Number: 26S52
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-451
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 387,911
Affected Models:
- 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator
- 2020-2026 Ford Explorer
Defect: Second-row easy-entry seat switch may stick, allowing the seat to unlatch, tip, or slide unexpectedly.
Repair: Inspection and replacement of the switch bezel and related components as necessary.

The Kawasaki Teryx H2 is one of the most powerful side-by-sides on the market, but some owners have experienced serious problems involving the vehicle’s CVT clutch system. These issues eventually led to a stop-ride notice and recall affecting certain Teryx H2 models.

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 has been sidelined by clutch failures, repair delays, or recall-related downtime, you may have rights under California Lemon Law.

What Is the Kawasaki Teryx H2 Recall?

Kawasaki recalled certain Teryx H2 models after discovering that a component within the primary clutch assembly, known as the drive converter sheave, could crack or fail during operation.

A failed clutch component can damage the CVT system and may create safety concerns. As a result, Kawasaki instructed affected owners not to operate their vehicles until repairs could be completed.

The recall repair includes replacement of affected clutch components, installation of additional protective hardware, and a software update.

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Owners have reported:

Clutch failures
Excessive vibration
Belt damage and abnormal wear
Loss of power
Extended repair delays
Vehicles parked for weeks or months awaiting parts

For many consumers, the biggest issue is not simply the defect itself, but the loss of use caused by a stop-ride notice or repeated dealership visits.

Can a Recalled Kawasaki Teryx H2 Qualify as a Lemon?

Yes, in some situations.

California Lemon Law may apply when a manufacturer cannot repair a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Your Teryx H2 may qualify if:

The clutch or CVT system required multiple repair attempts
The vehicle was out of service for an extended period
The defect continues after repairs
The recall prevented normal use of the vehicle

A recall does not automatically make a vehicle a lemon, but it can be important evidence that a serious defect exists.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 qualifies under California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to:

A vehicle buyback
A replacement vehicle
A cash settlement
Recovery of attorney fees

Speak With a California Lemon Law Attorney

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 has suffered clutch problems, repeated repairs, or lengthy downtime, you may have legal options. An experienced California Lemon Law attorney can review your repair history, explain your rights, and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Don’t assume that a recall solves the problem. If your Teryx H2 has spent more time at the dealership than on the trail, it may be time to explore your Lemon Law rights.

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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.

Subaru has decided that a safety defect could affect certain 2026 Subaru Forester vehicles. According to Subaru, some vehicles were built with an incorrect or improperly oriented rear gate stay bracket, which could cause the rear hatch support stay to suddenly detach — without any warning to the driver or passengers.

What Is the Defect?

The problem involves the rear gate stay bracket, a component that helps support the rear hatch when it is open. Affected vehicles may have:

An incorrect rear gate stay bracket, or
A bracket that was installed in the wrong orientation

Either condition can cause the rear gate stay to detach unexpectedly during use.

Why This Is Dangerous

If the rear gate stay detaches without warning, the rear hatch can suddenly lose support. This creates a serious risk of:

Head and upper-body injuries
Crush injuries to hands or arms
Potential injuries to children, passengers, or anyone loading cargo

How Subaru Discovered the Problem

October 28, 2025: During in-process inspection, Subaru found a vehicle built with an incorrect rear gate stay bracket.
Additional inspections revealed more vehicles with either:
- Incorrect brackets, or
- Brackets installed backwards or in the wrong orientation.
October 29 – December 10, 2025: Subaru launched a formal investigation and conducted repeated open/close cycle testing.
While initial tests did not show failures, Subaru concluded that longer-term real-world use could lead to stay detachment without warning.
December 11, 2025: Out of caution, Subaru decided to issue a safety recall.

Subaru admitted the root cause was a faulty work instruction process that failed to ensure the correct bracket was installed in the proper orientation.

Vehicles Affected

Model: 2026 Subaru Forester
Recall Number: WRG-25
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-889
Owner Notification Letters: Expected to be mailed February 16, 2026

What Will Dealers Do?

Subaru dealerships will:

Inspect the rear hatch support bracket
Replace the rear gate stay and support bracket if any defect or mis-installation is found

Repairs are expected to be performed at no cost to owners.

What This Means for Lemon Law Claims

Even though Subaru says no injuries have occurred, this defect involves a safety-critical system and was serious enough to justify a federal recall.

You may have a valid Lemon Law claim if:

Your vehicle experiences repeat repair attempts
The rear hatch detaches or becomes unsafe
Your vehicle is out of service for an extended period
The defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of your Forester

Lemon laws protect consumers when manufacturers are unable to permanently fix serious safety defects within a reasonable number of attempts.

What Owners Should Do Now

Watch for Subaru’s recall letter in mid-February 2026
Schedule your inspection as soon as possible
Keep all repair orders and service records
If problems continue after repair, contact a Lemon Law attorney immediately

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Subaru Forester rear hatch recall highlights how even a small manufacturing error can create a serious safety hazard. A rear gate stay that detaches without warning is not a minor inconvenience — it is a potential injury-causing defect.

If your Forester has this issue and Subaru cannot repair it properly, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon.

If you drive a 2025-2026 Ford Escape or Lincoln Corsair, it is time to check your mailbox and your rear seats. Ford has issued a safety recall affecting these popular SUVs due to a critical issue with the rear seat belt retractors. While safety technology has evolved rapidly, the seat belt remains your primary line of defense in an accident. Here is everything you need to know about the problem and the warning signs.

The Problem: Loose Retractors

The core of the issue lies in the left and right rear passenger seat belt retractors. According to the defect report, the bolts securing these retractors may not have been properly tightened during assembly. If the retractor isn’t securely fastened to the vehicle’s body (specifically the D-Pillar), it cannot do its job properly. In the event of a crash, a loose retractor may fail to adequately restrain the passenger, significantly increasing the risk of injury.

How Did This Happen?

Ford’s investigation traced the issue back to the Louisville Assembly Plant. It wasn’t a failure of the main assembly line, but rather an error that occurred at off-line repair stations. Vehicles that were pulled aside for unrelated repairs may not have had their retractor bolts properly secured upon completion. This procedural lapse resulted in the potential for loose hardware in the final customer vehicles.

Warning Signs: What to Listen For

Unlike some mechanical issues that remain silent until they fail, this defect often gives an auditory warning. Owners should look out for:

Rattling Noises: You may hear a metallic rattle coming from the rear pillar area while driving.
Seat Belt Binding: The seat belt may feel like it is “sticking,” making it difficult to pull out or retract smoothly.

The Timeline

Nov 6, 2025: Team members at the assembly plant noticed 5 warranty claims related to noisy or binding rear seat belts on vehicles with low mileage.
Nov 12, 2025: Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened a formal investigation.
Dec 5, 2025: A field action (recall) was approved.

As of December 8, 2025, Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. The recall is proactive to ensure it stays that way.

What Should Owners Do?

If you receive a notice for your 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair or Ford Escape, do not ignore this recall.

The Fix:
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractor bolts. If they are loose, they will be properly secured. If the bolts or assembly are damaged, the dealer will replace the seat belt retractor entirely.

Important Details:

Owner Notification Date: Ford expects to mail letters to affected owners starting December 19, 2025.
Ford Recall Number: 25C68
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-862

If you own a model year 2024 or 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid, you need to be aware of a significant safety recall affecting your vehicle’s backup camera system.

Hyundai Motor America has determined that a defect exists in certain vehicles where the rear view camera image may fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This issue has triggered a noncompliance recall because the affected vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111 regarding “Rear Visibility.”

Here is everything owners need to know about why the cameras are failing, the safety risks involved, and how Hyundai plans to fix the problem.

What is Causing the Santa Fe Camera Failure?

It is frustrating when a new car feature stops working. In this case, the problem isn’t necessarily a defective camera lens, but rather how the camera system was installed at the factory.

According to investigations by Hyundai’s Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory (STIL), the root cause stems from improper installation of the rear view camera wiring harness.

During the manufacturing process, variations in how the “end-of-line” wire harnesses were packaged allowed for inconsistencies in cable routing. In some vehicles, the camera wiring harnesses were installed with a “twist.” This twisting creates increased tension on the wires.

Over time, this tension can cause physical damage to the wiring, including solder cracks near terminal connections and damage to the wire’s shield line. Once these wires are compromised, the connection becomes unstable, leading to a flickering image or a completely blank screen on your dashboard display.

Why This Is a Safety Issue

A functional rear view camera is vital for safe reversing. It helps drivers spot pedestrians, obstacles, and other vehicles in their blind spots.

When the camera fails to display an image, the driver loses this critical view. This noncompliance with FMVSS No. 111 increases the risk of a crash or backup collision.

The Investigation Timeline

Hyundai began looking into this issue between March and June 2025 after routine monitoring of warranty claims showed a spike in inoperative cameras. They analyzed 21 different camera assemblies, discovering the solder cracks and wiring damage. Following extensive review with the supplier and Hyundai’s North America Safety Decision Authority in November 2025, the decision was made to issue a recall.

The Fix: What Hyundai Will Do

Replace the rear view camera assembly entirely.
Reposition the wiring harness correctly to ensure there is no tension causing damage to the new unit.

Important Dates and Next Steps for Owners

If you own a 2024-2025 Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid, keep an eye on your mail.

Owner Notification: Hyundai expects to mail notification letters to affected owners beginning January 19, 2026.

If your camera is currently not working, you do not need to wait for the letter to contact your dealer.

Essential Recall Reference Numbers

When speaking with your dealer or searching the NHTSA database, use these reference numbers to identify this specific issue:

Hyundai Recall Number: 288
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-808