Automobile Safety – California Lemon Law blog

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?

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.
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.
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.
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.

(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.

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for certain 2025 Ford Ranger trucks due to a potential problem with the passenger airbag system. According to the automaker, a manufacturing error could prevent the airbag from deploying properly in the event of a collision, creating an increased risk of injury for passengers.

While the issue affects only a limited number of vehicles, Ford is taking immediate action to ensure compliance with federal safety standards and to protect customer safety.

The Issue: Faulty Instrument Panel Scoring

The concern originates from the instrument panel (IP) assembly—specifically the laser scoring process used on the underside of the IP topper. The scoring defines the precise way the airbag deploys through the dashboard surface.

Ford discovered that the supplier, Yanfeng (YF), had unintentionally altered the laser scoring parameters during production. This seemingly small change resulted in a deviation from the approved design, affecting the scoring pattern in certain 2025 Ford Ranger vehicles.

This flaw may cause the passenger airbag to deploy more slowly or not fully deploy at all, especially during cold-temperature conditions or low-output deployments. During internal safety testing, Ford observed that in some cases, the airbag cushion failed to completely exit the panel surface, creating a potential hazard and violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 208, which govern occupant crash protection performance.

Timeline of Events

The airbag concern was identified and escalated through Ford’s quality and safety review process over the course of several weeks:

September 10, 2025: Supplier Yanfeng notifies Ford of an unintended change to the laser scoring process.
September 18, 2025: Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launches a detailed investigation into the issue.
September 9, 2025: The supplier revises the laser scoring process to match the original specifications and validates the fix.
October 3, 2025: Ford’s Field Review Committee reviews the findings, confirms non-compliance with FMVSS 208, and authorizes a field action.

Although Ford is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or customer complaints linked to the problem, the company has decided to act out of caution and replace affected components.

What Ford Owners Need to Know

Owners of affected 2025 Ford Ranger trucks will be contacted directly by Ford. Here’s what you should know about the recall:

Recall Number: 25C54
NHTSA Campaign ID: 25V-678
Remedy: Ford dealers will replace the instrument panel assembly.
Notification Schedule:
- Interim owner letters were mailed on October 24, 2025, to inform customers of the issue.
- Final remedy letters will be mailed once replacement parts are available and the repair process begins.

Toyota has announced a safety recall involving the instrument panel in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles from model years 2023–2025. The issue stems from a software error that may cause the 12.3-inch instrument panel monitor to fail at vehicle startup, leaving drivers without critical information such as vehicle speed, brake system warnings, and tire pressure alerts.

This recall covers some of Toyota and Lexus’ most popular models, including the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Venza, Toyota Camry, Toyota 4Runner, and Lexus LS, RX, and TX.

What’s Causing the Instrument Panel Failure?

The affected vehicles use a 12.3-inch combination meter display in the instrument panel to show gauges, warning lights, and important driver information. Toyota discovered that the system’s software was improperly programmed, causing unnecessary data to be repeatedly written to its memory device.

Over time, this accelerated memory wear can cause the monitor to go blank at startup and remain in that state. If this happens, drivers may miss critical warnings—such as brake system malfunctions or tire pressure alerts—if they don’t notice the redundant notifications displayed on the center multimedia screen.

Driving without these visual warnings increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Which Toyota and Lexus Models Are Affected?

The recall includes the following models equipped with the 12.3-inch combination meter:

2024–2025 Lexus TX
2024–2025 Lexus LS
2025 Lexus RX
2023–2024 Toyota Venza
2023–2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime
2023–2025 Toyota RAV4
2023–2025 Toyota Highlander
2023–2025 Toyota GR Corolla
2023–2025 Toyota Crown
2024–2025 Toyota Tacoma
2024–2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
2025 Toyota Crown Signia
2025 Toyota Camry
2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
2025 Toyota 4Runner

Timeline of Toyota’s Investigation

February 2024: Toyota received reports of blank instrument panels and began investigating.
July 2025: Toyota concluded that redundant warnings in the center multimedia display reduced safety risks, so it launched a Customer Satisfaction Campaign and notified NHTSA.
September 2025: Following discussions with NHTSA, Toyota decided to issue a voluntary safety recall.

As of September 2025, Toyota had confirmed 14 field technical reports and 381 warranty claims related to the issue.

Recall Remedy: What Owners Should Expect

Toyota and Lexus dealers will correct the problem at no cost to owners:

Non-PHEV vehicles: Dealers will update the instrument panel software.
PHEV vehicles: Dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly and either replace it or update the software as needed.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting October 27, 2025.

Toyota recall numbers: 25TB08 and 25TA08
Lexus recall numbers: 25LB05 and 25LA05
NHTSA campaign number: 25V-595

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US LLC) has identified a serious issue affecting certain 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) can result in a sudden loss of drive power, creating potential safety risks for drivers and passengers.

What’s the Problem?

The issue stems from the Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) microprocessor. In some vehicles, the microprocessor may become overloaded and reset. During specific reset events, the HCP may misinterpret signals from the BPCM, causing the system to incorrectly shut down propulsion.

This defect could lead to a loss of drive power while operating, increasing the risk of a crash if drivers are unable to maintain control of their vehicles.

When Were the Vehicles Built?

The suspect period began on July 23, 2021, when the faulty HCP software was introduced into production, and ended on August 29, 2025, when FCA placed affected vehicles under plant control. Engineering records and assembly plant data were used to define this production window.

Chronology of Events

The chronology of events surrounding the discovery of the software problem in certain 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles began on May 1, 2025, when FCA US LLC received a Preliminary Information Request from NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations, followed by FCA’s response on May 23, 2025. A supplemental request from NHTSA arrived on June 23, 2025, with FCA responding on July 14, 2025. Meanwhile, on June 24, 2025, FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) team opened an investigation into loss of propulsion complaints in Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEVs. Between June and August 2025, FCA US TSRC worked with FCA US Engineering to review the issue, analyze possible failure modes, and identify the suspect vehicle population. By August 18, 2025, FCA had recorded 96 customer assistance records, 110 field reports, and 320 service records related to the issue, though no accidents or injuries had been reported. Finally, on August 28, 2025, FCA’s Vehicle Regulations Committee concluded that a defect affecting motor vehicle safety potentially exists in all affected vehicles.

Recall Information

Chrysler Recall Number: 73C
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-576
Affected Vehicles: Certain 2022–2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV)

At this time, the remedy is still under development. FCA US expects to begin mailing owner notification letters on October 23, 2025.

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV recall highlights the challenges of integrating advanced hybrid technology with complex vehicle software systems. While no accidents or injuries have been reported, the risk of propulsion loss makes this a critical safety concern.

Owners are encouraged to stay informed, act quickly once notifications arrive, and ensure their vehicles are repaired as soon as the remedy becomes available.

Ford Motor Company has announced a safety defect affecting several 2025 Ford and Lincoln models due to a potential braking issue. Certain vehicles may experience a loss of power brake assist, which could extend stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash—particularly when Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features are in use.

Which Ford And Lincoln Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall involves specific 2025 models, including:

Ford F-150
Ford Expedition
Ford Bronco
Ford Ranger
Lincoln Navigator

Ford’s investigation found that the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) module may malfunction while driving or when ADAS features are active.

What’s the Problem?

The issue was first detected on May 14, 2025, when the Expedition/Navigator Rapid Response Team identified a Ford Management Lease Vehicle with a loss of brake boost. The malfunction triggered a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), prompting Ford to review connected vehicle data, driver reports, and incident logs.

Customers reported a sudden loss of brake boost, along with extended brake pedal travel and longer stopping distances. While Ford confirmed that affected vehicles still meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 135, 105, and 126), the unexpected nature of the issue poses a safety risk.

Incident Reports

Between March 13 and June 26, 2025, Ford received 37 warranty claims related to this problem.
As of July 14, 2025, there has been one alleged low-speed crash potentially linked to the defect.
No injuries or fires have been reported.

The Recall Process

On July 18, 2025, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action.

The fix involves an Electronic Brake Booster software update, which can be delivered over-the-air (OTA) or performed at a dealership.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on August 25, 2025.
Ford recall number: 25S77
NHTSA campaign number: 25V-488

What Owners Should Do If Their Ford Or Lincoln Is Affected

If you own one of the affected vehicles:

Schedule a dealer visit or wait for the OTA update if applicable.
Monitor your braking performance, especially when using ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking. If you experience unusual brake feel or extended stopping distances, seek service immediately.

Safety Reminder

Even with this issue, Ford states the braking systems remain functional, but stopping distances may be longer without power brake assist. Extra caution is advised until the repair is complete.

If you drive a 2021 Audi A6, A7, A8, Q7, or Q8 — including performance models like the S6, RS7, or SQ8 — there’s a recall that could affect your vehicle’s instrument panel display. Audi has confirmed a software defect that may cause the digital gauge cluster to go completely blank while driving.

This isn’t just frustrating — it’s a potential safety issue. And if you’re in California, this might also be a qualifying condition under the California Lemon Law.

What’s the issue?

Audi says a software error in the instrument panel can cause the entire display to fail without warning. That includes:

Your speedometer
Warning lights
Fuel level
Navigation prompts
And other critical driving data

In a digital-only dash setup, losing your display means flying blind — and that’s a safety risk Audi is now acknowledging.

Which vehicles are affected?

2021 Audi A6, A7, A8
2021 Audi S6, S7, S8, RS6, RS7, RS8
2021 Audi Q7, Q8, SQ7, SQ8

In total, around 44,000 vehicles are involved in the recall. Audi dealerships are offering a software update to resolve the problem, and repairs are already underway.

What if this has already happened to you?

If your dash has glitched, gone dark, or needed multiple visits to the dealer for software issues, your experience might not be a one-off. Under California’s Lemon Law, you could be eligible for:

A replacement vehicle
A buyback or refund
Reimbursement for related expenses, like towing or rentals

Lemon Law doesn’t require the problem to occur dozens of times — just that the manufacturer has been given a reasonable chance to fix it, and it hasn’t been resolved.

What should you do?

If you’ve noticed display problems — even intermittently — make sure they’re documented at the dealership
Get the recall repair as soon as possible, and keep all paperwork
If the issue recurs after repair, or your vehicle has had multiple electronic issues, talk to a Lemon Law attorney

Digital dashboards are a modern convenience — but when they fail, they become a safety risk. If Audi hasn’t resolved the issue quickly and effectively, you may be entitled to more than just another software patch.

If you’re driving an Audi with repeated problems, let’s talk. You may be entitled to compensation or a replacement vehicle under California’s Lemon Law, and there’s no cost to have your case reviewed.

If you drive a 2025 RAM 1500, a 2023–2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale, or a 2023–2025 Dodge Hornet, there’s a good chance your vehicle is under recall. Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) has announced a range of issues affecting these models — some of which involve critical safety systems.

For California drivers, especially those still under warranty, this could qualify for protection under the California Lemon Law.

What are the issues?

There are two major recalls currently underway:

2025 RAM 1500 – A software defect in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may cause it to display incorrect or missing tire pressure readings. That’s more than a dashboard annoyance — tire pressure is essential for safe driving.
2023–2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale & Dodge Hornet – These vehicles may have a faulty rearview camera system, which can result in a black screen when reversing. This isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a safety hazard.

Are repairs available?

Yes, but timelines and availability may vary:

RAM dealers are performing a software update to resolve the TPMS problem.
Tonale and Hornet repairs involve replacing rearview camera components — which may depend on parts availability.

As always, it’s important to document every service visit, especially if you experience delays, repeat repairs, or temporary fixes.

Why this matters under California Lemon Law

If your RAM, Tonale, or Hornet has been in for multiple repairs, or if it’s been out of service for extended periods, California’s Lemon Law might apply. This law gives you powerful rights, including:

A vehicle buyback or replacement
Reimbursement of payments or repair-related expenses
Legal fees covered by the manufacturer, not you

Even a single safety-related issue that isn’t fixed promptly can be enough to trigger Lemon Law protections in California.

What to do next:

If your vehicle has been affected by either of these recalls, contact your dealership for the latest repair schedule.
If you’ve already had issues with TPMS, your backup camera, or other electrical systems, gather your service records.
Don’t assume this is “just another recall” — you may have a legitimate Lemon Law claim.

You shouldn’t have to settle for a vehicle that can’t safely tell you your tire pressure or show you what’s behind you.

If your Stellantis vehicle has been unreliable, frustrating, or unsafe, we’re here to help you understand your rights. In California, you don’t need to tolerate a lemon — and you don’t have to pay to find out if your case qualifies. Call Now for a FREE Case Review at 888-395-3666 or fill in the contact form at the top of the page.