Tag Archives: blank instrument panel

2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport Instrument Panel Failure

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Ford Bronco Blank Display

Ford has announced a safety recall for certain 2025–2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport models after discovering a software defect that can cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail at startup. While the failure rate appears low so far, the issue can disable the display of critical safety information—and that creates a significant risk for drivers.

The Problem:  A Startup Timing Error That Can Blank the Instrument Panel

The Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) is responsible for displaying essential vehicle information, including speed, engine warnings, braking system alerts, and other important safety telltales.

In the affected vehicles, the IPC can fail to initialize at startup. When that happens, the screen stays completely blank.

The Root Cause

Ford traced the issue to a timing-related software fault:

  • During the IPC’s sleep-entry sequence, there is a narrow window where a CAN wake-up interrupt can occur.
  • If this interrupt happens at the wrong moment, it triggers a memory protection fault in the cluster’s control unit.
  • The result: the IPC fails to boot, leaving the driver with a blank screen.

A blank cluster means no speedometer, no warning lights, and no safety indicators, which can significantly increase the risk of a crash if the vehicle is driven in that condition.

Why This Matters for Drivers

If the IPC is blank when the vehicle starts:

  • The driver cannot see speed, engine warnings, brake indicators, turn signals, or safety alerts.
  • Important telltales required under federal safety regulations may not display.
  • The driver loses critical information needed for safe operation.

Although the vehicle can still move, driving without a functioning instrument panel is dangerous—especially in traffic, at night, or in poor weather conditions.

Ford reports no accidents or injuries linked to this defect as of November 2025, but the potential safety impact is clear.

Ford’s Internal Investigation Timeline

The issue first surfaced on September 18, 2025, when reports of blank screens in 2025–2026 Broncos and Bronco Sports were escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG). Over the next several weeks, the CCRG analyzed failure reports, warranty data, and comparisons to a similar prior recall (25S88 / 25V-540).

What they found was significant:

  • Warranty claims were low so far, but
  • 68% of connected vehicles had ignition cycles falling within the window of susceptibility to this startup timing failure—almost identical to the earlier recall population.
  • No clear factor suggested the newer vehicles were at lower risk than the previously recalled models.

The first warranty claim was logged on May 15, 2025, and by November 7, 2025, Ford had documented 12 potentially related claims.

On that same date—November 7—the Field Review Committee approved a formal field action, confirming the need for a recall.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

Ford has issued a recall for certain:

  • 2025 Ford Bronco
  • 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2026 Ford Bronco
  • 2026 Ford Bronco Sport

These vehicles are equipped with the susceptible SX2 Instrument Panel Cluster.

Ford’s recall number is 25SC3, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 25V-788.

How the Problem Will Be Fixed

Ford will correct the IPC issue through an instrument panel cluster software update, available:

  • At Ford dealerships, or
  • Through an over-the-air (OTA) update (for vehicles equipped to receive OTA updates)
  • Ford plans to begin mailing recall notices on December 8, 2025.

What Bronco and Bronco Sport Owners Should Do

If your instrument panel cluster ever boots up blank:

  1. Do not drive the vehicle until the IPC initializes correctly.
  2. If your Ford Bronco is affected, contact your Ford dealer to schedule a repair.
  3. Check for OTA update availability.
  4. Monitor for recall notifications and verify your VIN’s status on Ford’s recall lookup page.

Even if you haven’t experienced the issue yet, your vehicle may still be at risk due to the timing-related nature of the fault.

If You Continue to Experience IPC Problems

If the problem persists after the recall repair—or if Ford is unable to fix the defect—owners may be eligible for repurchase, replacement, or compensation, according to California Lemon Laws.

Toyota & Lexus Instrument Panel Failure

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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

Audi Instrument Panel Failures in A6, A7, A8, Q7 & Q8 Models May Trigger Lemon Law Claims in California

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vehicles affected include:

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

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

2024 Ford Mustang Low Voltage Problem

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The 2024 Ford Mustang has recently come under scrutiny due to a low voltage problem affecting the Remote Cluster Box (RCB). This issue can result in significant communication disruptions and software initialization problems that prevent the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) from functioning as intended. Here’s a breakdown of the problem and the potential risks.

The low voltage events impacting the 2024 Mustang can lead to the IPC failing to illuminate during vehicle startup or a drive cycle. When this occurs, the IPC goes completely dark, leaving the driver without crucial information, such as telltales and gauges. These elements are essential for the safe operation of the vehicle and are regulated under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), including:

  • FMVSS 101: Controls and displays
  • FMVSS 102: Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect
  • FMVSS 108, 126, 135, 138, and 208: Additional standards related to lighting, electronic stability control, braking, tire pressure, and occupant protection

The malfunctioning IPC means safety-related telltales and gauges, like those for speed, fuel level, or warning indicators, become unreadable. This significantly raises the risk of a crash, as the driver cannot access critical safety information.

Problem Chronology

The timeline of events provides insight into how Ford discovered and began addressing the issue:

  1. August 20, 2024: The Flat Rock Assembly Plant’s Plant Vehicle Team (PVT) identified the IPC illumination problem during an analysis of warranty claims. The issue was escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for a thorough review.
  2. August to October 2024: The CCRG conducted an extensive warranty claims analysis, examining whether similar problems affected other Ford vehicle lines using the same type of IPC. Fortunately, no other models showed the same failure.
  3. June 11 to October 7, 2024: Ford identified 58 warranty claims related to this issue in Mustang vehicles. Notably, there were no Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reported for this condition.
  4. October 18, 2024: The concern was presented to Ford’s Field Review Committee, which approved a field action to address the defect.

Although Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to the low voltage problem, the malfunction poses a significant safety risk. A non-illuminated IPC can make it impossible for drivers to monitor vital vehicle functions, potentially leading to hazardous situations on the road. The inability to see essential gauges or receive visual warnings compromises the driver’s ability to respond appropriately to changing vehicle conditions.

Ford dealers will update the IPC software to ensure the cluster functions correctly, eliminating the risk of low voltage events causing display failures.

  • Owner Notifications: Ford plans to mail notification letters to affected Mustang owners starting November 11, 2024.
  • Recall Information: The recall is identified by Ford as 24C35 and registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under campaign number 24V-802.

If you own a 2024 Ford Mustang, it is crucial to stay informed about this recall and ensure your vehicle receives the necessary software update. This simple fix will help keep your Mustang safe and compliant with federal safety regulations.

Jeep Gladiator And Wrangler Instrument Panel Failure

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Jeep Instrument Panel FailureFiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US have decided that there is a safety related problem affecting certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The recall was prompted by an issue that could cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail, leading to a blank display. This defect may occur due to an internal short circuit, which could compromise the instrument panel’s functionality and cause the vehicle to fall out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, which governs controls and displays in vehicles.

The problem was first identified by FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization, which had received reports of blank IPCs in affected models. Following this, the TSRC conducted a detailed analysis, including reviewing patterns of IPC failures and performing warranty part return inspections. After collaborating with suppliers and conducting rigorous testing, it was determined that the IPCs in certain vehicles might experience an internal short circuit, causing the display to go blank unexpectedly.

A non-functional instrument panel cluster is a serious concern, as it can result in drivers losing access to critical vehicle information such as speed, fuel levels, and warning indicators. This increases the risk of accidents and reduces the driver’s ability to make informed decisions while operating the vehicle.

On August 30, 2024, FCA US decided, through its Vehicle Regulations Committee, to issue a safety recall for the affected vehicles. The recall applies to Jeep Wrangler models manufactured between 2018 and 2024, as well as Jeep Gladiator models produced from 2020 to 2024. To address the issue, FCA will replace the faulty instrument panel cluster in affected vehicles.

The recall is identified as FCA campaign number 30B, and the corresponding National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-652.

Blank Instrument Display in Select 2024 Buick and Chevrolet Vehicles

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Owners of certain 2024 Buick and Chevrolet models should be aware of a critical software issue affecting their vehicles. This concern, primarily impacting the Buick Encore GX, Buick Envista, and Chevrolet Trax, has prompted a safety recall due to the risk of instrument panel displays going blank, either at startup or while driving.

In August 2023, General Motors’ Safety and Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) initially addressed this issue through a service update bulletin. The bulletin aimed to update the Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) software in the affected models. However, this measure escalated to a safety recall after an intervention by the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI).

During a meeting in September 2023 between GM Korea representatives and KATRI officials, KATRI determined that the issue warranted a safety recall rather than a mere service update. This decision was influenced by the potential danger posed by the software malfunction.

To date, GM has received 255 global complaints regarding the instrument panel blackout, though, fortunately, there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to this issue. Nonetheless, the risk cannot be understated. A blackout of the instrument panel while driving can dangerously divert the driver’s attention, escalating the risk of a crash.

Affected vehicle owners will be notified about the recall, identified by GM’s number A232424320 and the NHTSA campaign number 23V-744. To resolve the issue, owners can opt for a dealer visit to update the VCU software or choose an over-the-air (OTA) update.

The initiative to convert the service update into a safety recall underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in the automotive industry. The issue of the blank instrument displays in select 2024 Buick and Chevrolet vehicles is concerning and vehicle owners are encouraged to respond promptly to the notice to ensure their safety on the road.