Automobile Safety – California Lemon Law blog

Owners of certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) should be aware of a problem involving a potential high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The recall affects vehicles equipped with specific high-voltage battery packs manufactured during a limited production period.

What Is the Problem?

According to Chrysler, some affected Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles were built with high-voltage battery cells produced on an alternative assembly line at LG Energy Solution (LGES). Engineers have determined that these battery packs may experience an internal failure that can result in thermal runaway, a condition where battery cells rapidly overheat and potentially ignite. What makes this recall particularly concerning is that the fire risk may exist even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids. The affected vehicles were manufactured between August 5, 2020, and May 2, 2022, during the period when batteries containing cells from the alternative LG Energy Solution production line were installed. Vehicles built before or after this time frame, non-hybrid Pacifica models, and vehicles equipped with battery cells from LGES’s primary production line are not included in this recall.

How Was the Issue Discovered?

Federal regulators have been investigating reports of battery fires in Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs for more than two years. The timeline includes:

January 17, 2024: NHTSA opened an investigation into battery-related thermal events in earlier model Pacifica PHEVs.
March 27, 2026: The investigation expanded to include 2017-2026 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
April 30, 2026: Chrysler launched its own internal investigation into fires involving 2020-2022 models.
May 28, 2026: Chrysler concluded that a safety defect exists and initiated a recall.

How Many Fires Have Been Reported?

As of May 15, 2026, Chrysler reported:

4 confirmed field reports of fires
3 customer assistance records
No reported injuries
No reported crashes

While Chrysler describes the incidents as occurring at a very low frequency, each reported fire involved battery cells manufactured on the alternative LG Energy Solution assembly line. Engineers have analyzed the one recovered battery pack involved in a fire, but the exact root cause has not yet been determined. Chrysler and LG Energy Solution continue to investigate.

What Should Owners Do?

Until repairs are completed, Chrysler is advising owners to take the following precautions:

Do not charge the vehicle.
Park the vehicle outside.
Park away from homes, garages, and other structures.

These temporary precautions are intended to reduce the risk should a battery failure occur.

What Is the Repair?

Chrysler dealers will perform repairs including:

Updating the high-voltage battery control module software
Inspecting the high-voltage battery pack
Replacing the battery pack if inspection determines replacement is necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing June 23, 2026.

Recall Information

Manufacturer Recall Number: 52D
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-362

If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is important to follow Chrysler’s safety recommendations and schedule repairs as soon as they become available.

At Edzant Price LLP, we encourage vehicle owners to stay informed about manufacturer recalls and to document any issues they experience with their vehicles. If a defect results in property damage or personal injury, understanding your legal rights can be an important part of protecting yourself and your family.

Owners of certain Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs should be aware of a newly announced safety defect involving the vehicle’s side airbag system. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Campaign Number 26V-328, a software issue may delay the deployment of side airbags during certain types of crashes, potentially increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

The recall affects approximately 419,035 vehicles, including:

2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

What Is the Problem?

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has determined that a software error within the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module can affect how the vehicle responds when a door airbag pressure sensor experiences a fault.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, “Side Impact Protection,” requires side airbags to deploy quickly enough to help protect occupants of different sizes in a variety of side-impact crash scenarios. According to FCA’s investigation, a faulted door airbag pressure sensor may cause the Side Air Bag (SAB) to deploy later than intended during certain crashes. While the airbags may still deploy, any delay in deployment could reduce occupant protection during a side-impact collision and increase the risk of injury.

What Causes the Issue?

The issue involves the interaction between the vehicle’s door airbag pressure sensors and the software within the Occupant Restraint Controller.

FCA first became aware of a small number of warranty incidents involving door airbag pressure sensors in February 2023. Engineers spent more than three years investigating the issue by analyzing returned components, reviewing field data, conducting extensive engineering studies, and evaluating potential failure modes involving door wiring, sensors, and software strategies. The company even modified a door wire harness in May 2024 as part of its ongoing investigation.

In June 2024, FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) group launched a formal investigation into reports that certain vehicles could experience delayed side airbag deployment during specific crash conditions. Through continued testing and analysis, FCA eventually determined that a vehicle build issue could result in a failure to comply with FMVSS No. 214.

On May 14, 2026, FCA formally concluded that a safety-related noncompliance existed in certain vehicles.

Are There Any Warning Signs?

According to recall documents, there may be no warning before the condition develops. However, once the fault is detected, drivers may notice:

The airbag warning light remains illuminated on the instrument cluster.
An audible chime sounds during each ignition cycle.

If either of these symptoms occurs, owners should have the vehicle inspected promptly.

What Is the Safety Risk?

Side airbags are designed to provide critical protection during side-impact crashes. If deployment is delayed, occupants may not receive the intended level of protection during the initial stages of a collision. As a result, the risk of injury could be higher than expected during certain crash scenarios.

What Is Chrysler’s Fix?

Chrysler dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) software free of charge. The software update is intended to correct the issue and ensure proper side airbag deployment performance in compliance with federal safety standards.

What Owners Should Do

Owners of affected vehicles should:

Watch for an illuminated airbag warning light.
Schedule recall repairs as soon as they become available.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning June 11, 2026.

Recall Information

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-328
Chrysler Recall Number: 01D
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 419,035
Component: Air Bags / Occupant Restraint Controller Software
Remedy: ORC software update performed

Owners of several popular full-size GM SUVs may soon receive a recall notice tied to a potentially serious wheel hub safety issue. General Motors has announced a new safety recall affecting certain 2025–2026 luxury and SUV models equipped with 24-inch wheels after discovering that incorrect bolts may have been installed on the front wheel hubs.

The recall has been assigned NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-304 and impacts approximately 2,464 vehicles across the United States.

What Is the Problem?

According to GM, some affected vehicles may have been serviced using incorrect front wheel hub bolts. The issue specifically involves vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels where dealers may have reused production-installed bolts during installation of an accessory brake package or while servicing front wheel hub bearings.

Over time, these incorrect bolts can loosen, deform, or potentially break.

If one bolt loosens or fails while driving, excessive stress can be transferred to the remaining bolts. In severe cases, this could lead to partial loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

GM states that the problem originated from incorrect service information and accessory brake kit instructions that failed to specify unique fasteners required for vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels.

Vehicles Included in Recall 26V-304

The following vehicles may be affected:

Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Chevrolet Suburban 1500
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL

Only certain vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels are included in the recall population.

Warning Signs Drivers May Notice

GM says drivers of affected vehicles could experience symptoms before a failure occurs, including:

Noise coming from the front wheel area
Vibration felt through the steering wheel or chassis
Unusual wheel hub movement or instability

Drivers noticing these symptoms should have their vehicle inspected immediately.

How GM Discovered the Issue

GM’s investigation began in April 2026 after a product investigator identified that accessory brake package kits (RPO 5JL) lacked separate instructions and special fasteners required for vehicles equipped with 24-inch wheels.

The automaker also discovered that its electronic parts catalog (EPC) failed to identify the proper replacement bolts during front hub bearing service procedures.

GM received seven field complaints potentially related to this condition between January 2025 and April 2026. Despite the complaints, GM reports that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the defect.

On May 7, 2026, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) approved a formal safety recall.

What Dealers Will Do

To correct the issue, GM dealers will:

Inspect affected vehicles
Replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts with the correct parts

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on June 29, 2026.

Recall Information

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-304
GM Recall Number: N262554630
Vehicles Potentially Affected: 2,464

General Motors has issued a serious safety recall and “Do Not Drive” warning affecting a small number of 4WD and AWD Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles after discovering a defect that could cause the front or rear wheels to lock up without warning while driving.

The issue centers around defective transfer case assemblies that may have been built without a critical oil pickup tube — a component necessary to properly lubricate internal bearings inside the transfer case. Without lubrication, the transfer case can fail suddenly, potentially causing wheel lock-up and increasing the risk of a crash.

Which GM Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall impacts certain:

2026 Cadillac Escalade
2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2026 Chevrolet Suburban
2026 Chevrolet Tahoe
2026 GMC Sierra 1500
2026 GMC Yukon
2026 GMC Yukon XL

The recall also includes certain 2015–2020 model year:

Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade ESV
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL

Only vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) are affected. Rear-wheel-drive-only vehicles do not use the same transfer case and are not included in the recall.

What Is Causing the Wheel Lock-Up Problem?

According to GM’s defect report, the issue stems from manufacturing errors at a supplier facility during assembly line process changes.

GM says standardized assembly procedures and quality control protocols were not properly followed, allowing some transfer case assemblies to leave the factory without the oil pickup tube installed. Normally, built-in error-proofing systems would detect and reject incomplete assemblies, but those safeguards were bypassed.

Without the oil pickup tube:

Transfer case bearings may not receive proper lubrication.
Internal components can overheat or seize.
The transfer case can fail suddenly.
Front and/or rear wheels may lock up while driving.

Drivers May Hear Grinding Noises Before Failure

GM says some drivers may notice a grinding sound before the wheels lock up. However, the wheel lock-up could also occur with little or no warning. A sudden wheel lock-up at highway speeds could result in loss of vehicle control and significantly increase the risk of a crash.

How GM Discovered the Problem

The issue first came to light on April 14, 2026, when a GM engineer submitted a report through the company’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program after reviewing a failed transfer case from a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that experienced wheel lock-up in a parking lot.

A teardown inspection revealed the transfer case was missing the oil pickup tube entirely.

GM officially opened a product investigation on April 17, 2026.

Using supplier end-of-line torque testing data, GM identified:

68 suspect transfer case assemblies
46 assemblies installed in 2026 production vehicles
1 suspect service replacement transfer case shipped for repairs involving older 2015–2020 vehicles
54 dealerships that may have received the suspect replacement parts
21 vehicles that may have received defective replacement transfer cases during service repairs

GM’s investigation identified four field complaints potentially related to the defect. At this time, GM says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the issue. GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority approved the recall on April 30, 2026.

What Owners Should Do

GM is urging affected owners not to drive their vehicles until the recall inspection and repair have been completed. Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on June 22, 2026.

Recall Information

GM Recall Number: N262557620
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-289

Owners of certain 2021-2025 Ford Bronco SUVs should be aware of a newly announced safety defect affecting the vehicle’s powertrain. Identified under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-236, this issue impacts approximately 4,922 vehicles and centers around a potentially serious problem with the connection between the transmission and transfer case.

What’s the Problem?

The recall stems from a misalignment that can occur during previous service repairs involving the transmission or transfer case. If these components are not properly aligned when reassembled, it can lead to premature wear of critical internal splines, specifically the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.

Over time, this wear can reduce the ability of these parts to properly transfer power from the engine to the wheels.

Why This Matters

If the spline wear becomes severe, drivers may experience:

Loss of motive power while driving
Failure of the vehicle to properly engage “Park”
Vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied

These conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash, particularly if the issue occurs unexpectedly while driving or when the vehicle is parked on an incline.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Ford notes that affected drivers may notice early warning symptoms before a failure occurs, including:

Grinding noises
Clunking sounds
Unusual vibrations

If you’re experiencing any of these issues—especially after recent drivetrain service—it’s worth getting your vehicle checked immediately.

How Ford Discovered the Issue

Ford first flagged the problem in November 2025 after reviewing warranty claims on 2022–2023 Bronco models reporting noise, vibration, and drive engagement failures. By December, the issue was escalated internally, and a deeper investigation revealed similar cases across 2021-2025 models.

Engineers ultimately determined that improper alignment during past repairs was the root cause. Testing confirmed that even slight misalignment could reproduce the same wear patterns seen in failed components.

To address this, Ford updated its service procedures on February 26, 2026 to ensure proper alignment during repairs going forward.

How Many Vehicles Are Affected?

While nearly 5,000 vehicles in the U.S. had undergone relevant repairs prior to the updated procedures, only a small number of confirmed cases have been reported so far 26 vehicles globally as of March 2026.

What’s the Fix?

Dealers will:

Inspect the transmission-to-transfer case joint
Replace the transmission and/or transfer case if necessary

Recall Timeline

April 27, 2026: Interim notification letters sent to owners
July 2026 (anticipated): Final remedy available and follow-up letters sent

Ford has assigned this recall the internal number 26S26.

What Should You Do?

If you own a 2021–2025 Bronco:

Watch your mail for official recall notifications
Pay attention to any unusual drivetrain noises or behavior
Always use your parking brake when parked (especially on inclines)
Contact your local Ford dealer if you have concerns

Final Thoughts

This recall highlights how even routine service work can introduce issues if not performed precisely—especially in complex drivetrain systems. While the number of confirmed cases is relatively small, the potential safety risks make this an important issue for Bronco owners to take seriously.

If you own certain Ford or Lincoln vehicles, a newly announced recall raises serious concerns about the reliability of key safety systems. A defect in the vehicle’s can cause critical features—including the rearview camera and driver-assistance systems to suddenly stop working.

What’s the Problem?

The issue affects the Image Processing Module A (IPMA), which is responsible for powering several important safety features.

Due to a software-related problem, the module may:

Unexpectedly reset
Lose functionality temporarily or permanently
Fail repeatedly over multiple drive cycles

When this happens, drivers may experience:

Loss of rearview camera image
Failure of pre-collision assist
Disabled lane-keeping assist
Malfunctioning blind-spot monitoring

In some cases, repeated resets can lead to a persistent loss of these features altogether.

Why This Is Dangerous

The most immediate safety concern is the loss of the rearview camera, which is required for safe backing. Without a working rearview camera, the risk of a crash during reversing increases significantly. Even more concerning is the loss of multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) at the same time—features that drivers rely on to prevent collisions and stay in their lane. This is not a minor glitch—it’s a system-wide safety failure.

What’s Causing the Issue?

Ford has identified the root cause as a computational overload in the IPMA system.

When the vehicle is in dense traffic environments
With many moving objects (cars, pedestrians, etc.)
The system becomes overwhelmed

This overload can trigger a reset of the module, and repeated resets can eventually cause the system to stop functioning altogether.

Warning Signs Drivers May See

If your vehicle is affected, you may notice warning messages such as:

“Front Camera Fault”
“Pre-Collision Assist Not Available”
“Lane-Keeping System Off”

Additionally:

Blind-spot indicator lights may illuminate unexpectedly

These warnings are a strong indication that the system is not functioning properly.

How the Problem Was Discovered

The issue first surfaced through an increase in warranty claims, particularly involving fleet vehicles like the Lincoln Aviator used in livery services.

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launched a detailed investigation, including:

Simulation testing
Real-world driving evaluations
Analysis of warranty and connected vehicle data

Although the issue was initially difficult to reproduce, patterns began to emerge:

Higher occurrence in urban environments
Greater impact on livery and fleet vehicles
Strong link to vehicles with specific sensor configurations (5 radar sensors)

After further review and discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford reopened the investigation in March 2026 and ultimately approved a recall.

Affected Vehicles

This issue may affect certain:

2022–2025 Lincoln Navigator
2024–2025 Lincoln Nautilus
2025 Lincoln Aviator
2025 Ford Explore

Recall Details

Ford Recall Number: 26S21
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-165
Fix: Software update to the IPMA system
- Performed at a dealer or via over-the-air (OTA) update
Owner Notification: Expected March 30, 2026

Ford has stated that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue—but that does not reduce the seriousness of the defect.

Is This a California Lemon Law Case?

This type of defect may qualify under the California Lemon Law, especially if:

The issue affects vehicle safety systems
Repairs fail to permanently fix the problem
The vehicle requires multiple dealer visits
The defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle

What Should You Do?

If you own one of these vehicles:

Watch for warning messages
Document every issue and repair visit
Schedule service as soon as possible
Follow up if the issue persists after repair

If the problem continues, it may be time to explore your legal options.

Final Thoughts

Modern vehicles depend heavily on advanced electronics to keep drivers safe. But when those systems fail – especially unpredictably – it creates a serious risk. A vehicle that cannot reliably detect hazards or even show you what is behind you is not functioning as intended. If your Ford or Lincoln is experiencing these issues, do not ignore the warning signs. This is exactly the type of defect California lemon law was designed to address.

Volkswagen has decided that a safety defect may exist in certain 2025–2026 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles. A potentially serious electrical defect may increase the risk of a vehicle fire.

The recall, identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-138 and Volkswagen recall 97TC, impacts approximately 48,165 vehicles across the United States and Canada.

What Is the Problem?

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from a transmission ground wire that may not have been properly connected during vehicle assembly.

This seemingly small oversight can create a much bigger problem.

If the ground wire is not connected:

The electrical system may develop an open circuit.
This can lead to unexpected current flow.
Excessive current may cause overheating of components.

Ultimately, this increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Why This Defect Is Dangerous

Electrical grounding is critical for safely managing current flow in a vehicle. Without a proper ground:

Electrical energy has no safe path to dissipate.
Components may overload or melt.
Heat buildup can occur in wiring or connectors.

Volkswagen has confirmed that in some cases:

Wiring and connectors have melted.
Engine compartment fires have occurred.

While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, the risk is real and should not be ignored.

Real-World Incidents Reported

Volkswagen has identified:

6 confirmed cases (USA and Canada)
- 3 involved melted wires/connectors
- 3 involved engine compartment fires
1 additional unconfirmed report

All incidents were limited to vehicle damage, but the potential for more serious consequences exists.

What Causes the Issue?

The root cause has been identified as human error during the assembly process.

Specifically:

The transmission ground wire was not connected properly
This resulted in an open electrical circuit
The system may still partially ground through other components (such as the Oil Pressure Unit), creating unsafe current conditions.

Warning Signs? None.

One of the most concerning aspects of this recall is that: There are NO warning indicators for drivers

That means:

No dashboard lights
No error messages
No early symptoms

The issue can exist without any visible sign, making it especially important to address proactively.

Timeline of the Recall

December 2025: First field cases reported and investigated.
February 19, 2026: Volkswagen confirms fire risk due to open circuit.
February 26, 2026: Escalated to Product Safety Committee.
March 4, 2026: Official recall decision made.

What Should Owners Do?

Volkswagen dealers will:

Inspect the transmission ground wire.
Repair or properly connect it if necessary.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 8, 2026.

If you own a 2025 or 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, you should:

Watch for your recall notice.
Contact your local Volkswagen dealer.
Schedule a free inspection and repair.

Your Rights Under Lemon Law

If your vehicle has experienced:

Electrical issues
Burning smells
Smoke or fire damage
Multiple repair attempts

You may be entitled to compensation under your state’s Lemon Law.

Final Thoughts

This recall highlights how even a small assembly error can lead to serious safety risks. With no warning signs and confirmed fire incidents, affected owners should take immediate action.

If you drive a 2025–2026 Volkswagen Jetta, do not delay—schedule your inspection as soon as possible after receiving your notification.

If your vehicle’s backup camera suddenly flips, goes black, or fails when you shift into reverse, you are not alone. Ford Motor Company have identified two major safety defects affecting more than 1.7 million vehicles due to rearview camera failures that increase the risk of accidents.

Recall #1 — Rearview Image Flips or Inverts

NHTSA Campaign: 26V123000
Vehicles Affected: 889,950

Affected Models

2020–2022 Ford Escape
2020–2022 Lincoln Corsair
2020–2024 Lincoln Aviator
2020–2024 Ford Explorer

What’s the Problem?

The image displayed on the center screen may flip or invert when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Drivers may see a distorted or incorrect rear view, making it difficult to judge distance or detect obstacles. This defect violates federal rear visibility requirements and significantly increases the risk of a crash when backing up.

Safety Standard Involved

The vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111 (Rear Visibility), which requires a clear and accurate rear camera image while reversing.

Recall Status

Fix: Still under development
Owner notification letters: Begin April 17, 2026
Final repair notice: Expected Q2 2026
Ford Recall Number: 26C11

Recall #2 — Rearview Camera May Shut Down Completely

NHTSA Campaign: 26V124000
Vehicles Affected: 849,310

Affected Models

2021–2026 Ford Bronco
2021–2024 Ford Edge

What’s the Problem?

The vehicle’s Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shut down. When this happens, the rearview camera image may not appear at all.

A blank camera screen when reversing can prevent drivers from seeing pedestrians, vehicles, or objects behind them.

Recall Status

Fix: Software update
Repair method:
- Dealer service
- Over-the-air (OTA) update
Owner notification letters: Begin March 30, 2026
Ford Recall Number: 26S09

Why These Recalls Matter

Rearview cameras are not just convenience features — they are federally mandated safety systems designed to prevent:

Backover pedestrian accidents
Collisions with objects or vehicles
Injuries in parking lots and driveways

When these systems malfunction, drivers lose a critical safety tool.

Both recalls involve failures of the same safety function:

Drivers cannot reliably see what is behind the vehicle while reversing.

California Lemon Law — When a Recall Becomes a Legal Case

A recall alone does not automatically qualify a vehicle as a lemon. However, you may have a California Lemon Law claim if:

✔ The camera problem continues after multiple repair attempts
✔ The defect substantially impairs vehicle safety
✔ The manufacturer cannot fix the issue within a reasonable time
✔ Your vehicle is still under warranty

Backup camera failures are often considered serious safety defects, especially when they affect visibility and accident risk.

Free Legal Help for California Drivers

If your recalled Ford continues to have rearview camera problems, you do not have to fight the manufacturer alone.

California Lemon Law attorneys can:

Review your repair history
Determine eligibility
Handle the claim process
Negotiate directly with Ford

Most claims are handled at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Get a Free Case Review Today

Rearview camera defects can put you and your family at risk. If your Ford vehicle has ongoing camera issues related to these recalls, you may qualify for compensation under California law.

Contact us today for a free Lemon Law case evaluation.