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Engine Wiring Defect Raises Fire Concerns for Certain 2021–2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor

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Owners of certain 2021–2026 Ford Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles should be aware of a newly identified defect involving the engine compartment wiring harness. The problem can allow wiring to become damaged over time, potentially creating a short circuit that could lead to smoke or, in rare cases, an engine compartment fire. Approximately 565,691 vehicles in the United States are affected.

What Is the Problem?

According to Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some Broncos and Bronco Raptors were built with insufficient abrasion protection on the engine wiring harness. As the vehicle is driven, the harness can rub against nearby engine components, eventually wearing through the protective covering and exposing electrical wires.

If the wiring becomes damaged, it may create an electrical short circuit that can generate heat or sparks inside the engine compartment.

  • Drivers may notice warning signs before a more serious problem develops, including:
  • Smoke entering the cabin through the air vents
  • Dashboard warning messages
  • A burning odor while driving
  • In rare cases, flames from the passenger side of the engine compartment

Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously, as an engine compartment fire can significantly increase the risk of injury and vehicle damage.

How Was the Defect Identified?

Ford’s investigation began after receiving reports from customers who experienced smoke and engine compartment fires. Engineers determined that under certain conditions, movement of the engine wiring harness could allow it to chafe against nearby components, eventually damaging the insulation protecting the wires.

Although the vast majority of affected vehicles are not expected to develop the problem, Ford concluded that the potential safety risk warranted a nationwide safety campaign. Only about 1% of the affected vehicles are estimated to actually have the defect.

Have There Been Any Fires or Injuries?

Ford has confirmed 15 reports of engine compartment fires believed to be related to this issue.  The good news is that no crashes have been linked to the defect and no injuries have been reported.

Even so, an electrical short that develops while driving has the potential to create a dangerous situation, making it important for affected owners to have the problem addressed promptly.

How Will Ford Fix the Problem?

Ford dealers will perform the repair free of charge.

The repair involves:

  • Inspecting the engine wiring harness.
  • Installing protective abrasion-resistant sheathing.
  • Applying additional protective tape where necessary to prevent future rubbing.

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing in late August 2026, and owners can also check their VIN through NHTSA or contact a Ford dealership to determine whether their Bronco is included.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own a 2021–2026 Ford Bronco or Bronco Raptor, watch for signs such as smoke from the HVAC vents, burning odors, or unexpected dashboard warnings. While many affected vehicles will never experience the defect, these symptoms should not be ignored.

Once you receive notification that your vehicle is included, schedule the repair with your Ford dealer as soon as possible. The protective wiring upgrade is designed to prevent future damage before it can create a safety hazard.

Know Your Rights if Problems Continue

Most Broncos included in this safety campaign should be successfully repaired with Ford’s recommended fix. However, if your vehicle continues to experience repeated electrical issues, warning lights, engine compartment smoke, or other significant defects after multiple repair attempts, you may have rights under your state’s lemon law or other consumer protection statutes.

Keeping detailed records of repair visits, service invoices, and communications with the dealership can help protect your rights if the problem cannot be permanently resolved.

Honda Pilot and Passport Rear Suspension Defect

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Certain 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Honda Passport SUVs could have a manufacturing issue that could affect the rear suspension. The defect involves improperly tightened rear subframe bolts, which could compromise vehicle stability and increase the risk of a crash.  The recall affects approximately 3,933 vehicles in the United States.

What Is the Problem?

According to Honda, the rear subframe bolts may not have been tightened to the correct specification during vehicle assembly.  The rear subframe is a critical structural component that supports parts of the suspension system and helps maintain proper handling and stability. If the bolts loosen over time due to normal driving loads or an impact, the subframe can begin to move out of position.  In severe cases, the rear subframe could partially or completely detach from the vehicle, significantly increasing the risk of a collision.

What Caused the Issue?

Honda traced the problem to changes made on the production line.

A new rear subframe pallet was introduced during manufacturing, but the torque settings used to tighten the subframe bolts were not properly evaluated before production began. The investigation also found several additional factors that reduced the effectiveness of the tightening process, including:

  • Incorrect torque specifications applied during assembly
  • Inadequate grease application on the tightening equipment
  • Improper gearbox adjustments
  • An incorrectly adjusted subframe pallet clamp

Together, these issues resulted in some vehicles leaving the factory with rear subframe bolts that were not tightened sufficiently.

Warning Signs Owners May Notice

Owners of affected vehicles may experience:

  • Abnormal noises coming from the rear of the vehicle.
  • Reduced vehicle stability while driving.

If either symptom develops, owners should have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.

How Honda Discovered the Problem

Unlike many recalls that begin with customer complaints, this issue was identified during Honda’s own quality control process.

The timeline of the investigation includes:

  • May 15, 2026: Honda identified insufficiently torqued rear subframe bolts during a production line sampling inspection.
  • May 20, 2026: All vehicles remaining in inventory were inspected.
  • June 8, 2026: Honda completed an investigation to identify the affected vehicle population.
  • June 25, 2026: Honda determined a safety defect existed and initiated a voluntary recall.

As of June 25, 2026, Honda reported no warranty claims, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue in the United States.

Recall Remedy

Honda dealers will:

  • Inspect the rear subframe bolts
  • Replace the bolts if necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning August 24, 2026.

Recall Information

  • Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
  • Affected Vehicles: Certain 2026 Honda Pilot and 2026 Honda Passport models
  • Recall Number: OOY
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-424

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2026 Honda Pilot or Passport, watch for a recall notification from Honda.  Although Honda has not received any reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue, prompt inspection and repair will help ensure the rear suspension remains securely attached and your vehicle continues to operate safely.

Safety Alert:  2025–2026 Ford Bronco Sport & Maverick Passenger Airbag Issue

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If you own or are considering purchasing a 2025–2026 Ford Bronco Sport or Ford Maverick, there is an important safety defect you need to be aware of.  Ford Motor Company has issued recall #26C19 (NHTSA campaign number: 26V-201) due to a defect that could impact how the front passenger airbag functions.

What’s the Problem?

The issue centers around the Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) system and the component responsible for determining whether a passenger (adult, child, or none) is sitting in the front seat.

In affected vehicles:

  • A faulty OCS bladder port may break.
  • This can cause the system to incorrectly detect passengers.
  • As a result, the passenger airbag may be disabled when it should deploy.

This creates a non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, which governs occupant crash protection.

Why This Matters

In a crash scenario:

  • The front passenger airbag may not deploy.
  • This significantly increases the risk of injury.

Even though only a small number of cases have been confirmed so far, airbags are critical safety systems and failure to deploy properly is a serious concern.

What Causes the Issue?

Ford’s investigation points to:

  • A mechanical separation in the OCS system (pressure hose disconnecting from a fitting)
  • This leads to a dielectric fluid leak, disrupting sensor accuracy

The issue appears to be:

  • Limited to a specific production window.
  • Linked to a tier-2 supplier component.
  • Unique to Bronco Sport and Maverick due to design interaction between parts.

Importantly:

  • The problem was not detected during factory testing.
  • It likely occurs after assembly, affecting only certain vehicles.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Drivers may notice:

  • SRS (airbag) warning light illuminated.
  • A dashboard message indicating a restraint system issue.
  • “Passenger Airbag OFF” displayed unexpectedly.

If you see these warnings, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected promptly.

What Ford Has Reported

  • 6 confirmed cases (as of March 16, 2026)
  • Includes 5 warranty claims + 1 factory detection
  • No reported injuries or accidents linked to the issue

While the number is small, recalls are issued proactively to prevent future risk.  If you own one of these vehicles, Ford Motor Company will have dealers replace the passenger seat Occupant Classification Sensor at no cost. Owners are expected to receive initial notification letters starting April 13, 2026, with the final repair solution anticipated to be fully available by November 2026. In the meantime, you should watch your mail for recall notices, keep an eye on your dashboard for any warning lights or messages, contact your local Ford dealer to confirm whether your vehicle is affected, and schedule the repair as soon as parts become available.

Final Thoughts

Even though this issue currently affects a limited number of vehicles, it involves a core safety system. Ford’s recall is a precautionary step to ensure drivers and passengers remain protected.  If you’re driving a Bronco Sport or Maverick from this model year range, staying informed and taking action when notified.

VW ID.4 Battery May Catch Fire

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Recall Reference: VW Campaign 93EV / NHTSA Campaign 25V-836

If you are the owner of a 2023 or 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, please take a moment to review this critical safety warning. Volkswagen has issued a recall for specific vehicles in this model range due to a high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire.

Because the risk involves the potential for a thermal event (fire) while the car is parked or driving, Volkswagen has issued specific “Park Outside” instructions while they prepare the remedy.

The Issue With The VW ID.4 Battery

The problem lies within the High Voltage (HV) battery. According to the defect report, a production deviation at a battery supplier resulted in misaligned electrodes within certain battery cell modules.  Specifically, the cathode inside the battery cell may have shifted. When these electrodes are not aligned correctly, it increases the risk of a short circuit inside the cell, which can lead to a fire.

Warning Signs

While a battery fire can happen suddenly, there are performance indicators you should watch for. If your vehicle has this defect, you may experience:

  • A noticeable loss of driving range.
  • A reduction in vehicle performance.

If you notice these issues, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer immediately for diagnosis.

Critical Safety Instructions for Owners

Until the recall repair is performed, Volkswagen is advising owners of affected vehicles to follow these strict precautions to minimize risk:

  1. Park Outside: Park the vehicle away from structures and other cars immediately after charging.
  2. No Overnight Indoor Charging: Do not leave the vehicle charging indoors overnight.
  3. Limit Charge to 80%: Adjust your charging settings to stop at an 80% state of charge.
  4. Avoid Fast Charging: Do not use Level 3 DC Fast Chargers.

Timeline: How the Defect Was Discovered

The investigation into this issue spanned nearly two years. Here is a summary of the events that led to this recall:

  • January 2024 (Illinois): Volkswagen was notified of the first thermal event involving a vehicle connected to a Level 3 DC charger. The battery was analyzed, confirming the fire started in the HV battery.
  • July & October 2024 (California): Two separate fires occurred in parked vehicles that were not charging. Inspections confirmed the origin was the HV battery, but initial analysis (including CT scans by the supplier in June 2025) failed to identify the root cause.
  • December 2024 (Utah): A fourth thermal event occurred while a vehicle was being driven.
  • Summer 2025: With CT scans appearing inconclusive, VW and the supplier investigated other potential causes outside the battery but found nothing. The focus returned to the battery.
  • August 2025 (Colorado): A fifth event occurred while a vehicle was using a DC fast charger.
  • September 2025 (The Breakthrough): The supplier performed a physical “tear-down” analysis of damaged cell modules. They discovered the “shifted” electrode condition. By comparing this physical evidence back to the previous CT images, they realized the defect was visible in the scans but had been previously unrecognized.
  • November 2025: The supplier identified the specific batch of bad modules, allowing VW to isolate which vehicles were affected. On November 26, VW officially decided to issue a recall.

The Remedy

Dealers will resolve this issue by replacing the high-voltage battery cell modules as necessary. Owner Notification: Notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 30, 2026.

  • Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EV
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-836

Kia Telluride Recall: Fire and Rollaway Risks Affect Over 400,000 SUVs

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Kia’s popular SUV, the Telluride, is now under recall — again. This time, the issues are far more serious than a glitchy infotainment system or a faulty sensor. Kia has confirmed two separate safety defects that could put drivers and passengers at risk of vehicle fires or unintended rollaways.

If you’re a California driver, and especially if your Telluride is still under warranty, these problems could also qualify you for protection under the California Lemon Law.

What’s going wrong?

There are two major defects involved in this recall, both affecting 2020 through 2024 Kia Tellurides:

  1. Fire risk: The power seat motor may overheat and catch fire. The problem is linked to the seat adjustment knob, which can become stuck and cause the motor to continue running even when it shouldn’t. This can lead to electrical overheating and a real risk of interior fires — even when the vehicle is parked.
  2. Rollaway risk: In a separate issue, improperly assembled driveshaft components can cause the vehicle to roll away while in park, especially if the parking brake isn’t engaged. This is clearly a serious safety hazard.

What is Kia doing about it?

Kia dealerships will:

  • Install protective brackets around the seat switches and replace adjustment knobs where needed
  • Inspect and replace intermediate shafts related to the rollaway issue

Repairs are currently ongoing. Kia has not yet indicated widespread part delays, but given the scope of the recall, some wait times are possible.

What to know about California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law doesn’t just cover cars that have persistent engine problems — it also applies to major safety issues like these. If your Telluride has:

  • Been in the shop multiple times for the same defect
  • Been out of service for 30 or more days total
  • Or if the fire or rollaway problems persist after attempted repairs

You may be eligible for a buyback, replacement vehicle, or financial compensation. You also don’t have to pay legal fees — manufacturers are required to cover them if your case qualifies.

What you should do:

  • Review your repair history — especially any seat or drivetrain work
  • Contact your dealership to complete the recall repair if you haven’t already
  • Document everything — repair orders, communication with service staff, even photos if you’ve noticed unusual smells or damage
  • Reach out to a Lemon Law professional if your Telluride has been unreliable or unsafe

It doesn’t matter how new your SUV is — if it puts you or your family at risk, California law is there to protect you. If you’re tired of dealing with safety concerns or have lost trust in your Telluride, we’re here to help you understand your rights — and take the next step if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Call us at 888-395-3666 or fill in the free Lemon Law case review form at the top of this page.

Audi Q5 Quattro Fire Risk: Improperly Tightened Cylinder Head Cover Screws

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Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) has issued a recall for certain 2022-2024 Audi Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles due to a potential problem with the cylinder head cover screws. The screws may have been improperly tightened, which can cause them to loosen over time, leading to engine oil leaks from the cylinder head cover screw holes.

According to the defect report, the issue is attributed to varying tightening torques during the screwing process of the cylinder head cover, resulting in a potentially insecure screw connection and compromised sealing of the cylinder head cover. If engine oil comes into contact with hot parts of the engine, it can cause a fire. Owners are advised to be vigilant for signs of smoke in the engine compartment and to safely park their vehicle immediately if they notice any unusual odors or smoke.

The recall was prompted by customer complaints received by Audi in May 2023, which reported oil leaking from cylinder head covers of Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI vehicles. An investigation was launched, and a root cause analysis suggested that screws with burrs caused during the manufacturing process may have damaged the cylinder head cover surface, leading to oil leakage and potential torque reduction over time.

Despite implementing manufacturing improvements, Audi continued to monitor the field and recognized an increase in oil leak claims in early 2024. In response, the company issued a Technical Service Bulletin instructing dealers to inspect the cylinder head cover screws and replace any loose screws. Further analysis by the engine plant revealed the potential for improperly torqued cylinder head cover screws, leading Audi to review the screwing process with its supplier and implement changes.

However, despite these efforts, the U.S. market reported an increase in field claims of oil leakage and thermal event incidents between November and December 2024. Audi inspected and analyzed these cases, evaluating potential root causes and contributing factors. The company’s Product Safety Committee ultimately decided to conduct a safety recall for the affected vehicles on April 30, 2025.

To date, Audi has received 2,539 potentially related warranty claims of oil leaks in the U.S. and eleven thermal event cases. Early engine oil leaks can be difficult to detect, but advanced cases may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor or smoke in the engine compartment when the engine is hot.

To address the issue, dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 8, 2025. The recall is identified by Audi’s number 15ZK and the NHTSA campaign number 25V-294. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to contact their local dealership for further information and to schedule an inspection and repair if necessary.

Hyundai Palisade Electric Oil Pump Issue

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Hyundai Motor America has announced a safety recall affecting a limited number of 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles due to a potential problem with the controller for the electric oil pump (EOP). The issue, which may cause an electrical short and increase the risk of a vehicle fire, is attributed to an insufficient seal on the EOP controller housing.

According to Hyundai, the problem was first identified in March 2025, when the company was notified of a potential issue involving the electric oil pump installed on a model year 2025 Palisade produced in Ulsan. An investigation revealed that a damaged spring in the tooling used during manufacturing may have compromised the hermetic sealing of the EOP controller housing, allowing moisture to accumulate on the printed circuit board and increasing the risk of electrical shorting.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was informed of the issue, and after reviewing the findings, Hyundai decided to conduct a safety recall of all affected model year 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles in the U.S. The recall aims to replace the EOP controller and associated wiring harness, if necessary, to prevent any potential fires.

Symptoms and Precautions

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice a burning or melting odor or an illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light. While owners can continue driving their vehicles, Hyundai recommends parking them outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed as a precautionary measure.

Recall Remedy and Notification

Hyundai will notify all owners of the subject vehicles by first-class mail, instructing them to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer for replacement of the EOP controller. The recall remedy is expected to begin on July 4, 2025. Owners can contact Hyundai’s customer service or visit the NHTSA website for more information on the recall.

The recall number assigned by Hyundai is 278, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-291. Affected owners are encouraged to follow the instructions provided in the notification letter to ensure their vehicle is repaired promptly and safely.

In conclusion, while the electric oil pump issue affects only a small number of 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles, it is essential for owners to be aware of the potential problem and take necessary precautions to prevent any accidents. By following the recommended steps and cooperating with Hyundai’s recall efforts, owners can ensure their vehicle is safe to drive and minimize any risks associated with this issue.

Engine Failure Problem Affects Certain GM Vehicles

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General Motors LLC (GM) has determined that certain 2021-2024 GM vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engines could experience engine failure problems. The issue is caused by manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components, which can lead to engine damage and failure.

Affected Vehicles

The following GM vehicles are affected by this recall:

  • Cadillac Escalade (2021-2024)
  • Cadillac Escalade ESV (2021-2024)
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2021-2024)
  • Chevrolet Suburban (2021-2024)
  • Chevrolet Tahoe (2021-2024)
  • GMC Sierra 1500 (2021-2024)
  • GMC Yukon (2021-2024)
  • GMC Yukon XL (2021-2024)

The Problem

GM’s investigation found that the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects, including:

  1. Rod-bearing damage from sediment on connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries
  2. Out of specification crankshaft dimensions and surface finish

These issues can cause or contribute to bearing damage, leading to loss of propulsion and engine failure.

Warning Signs

Drivers may be alerted to the condition prior to failure by:

  • Unusual engine noises (knocking, banging, etc.)
  • Illumination of the check engine light
  • Engine-performance issues, including:
    • Hesitation
    • High RPMs
    • Abnormal shifting
    • Reduced propulsion
    • No-start condition

Consequences of Engine Failure

If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. In fact, GM has identified 12 potentially related alleged crashes and 12 potentially related alleged injuries in the U.S.

Recall Repair

Dealers will inspect the engine and, as necessary, repair or replace it. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will:

  • Add higher viscosity oil
  • Install a new oil fill cap
  • Replace the oil filter
  • Update the owner’s manual

Recall Details

  • GM’s recall number: N252494000
  • NHTSA campaign number: 25V-274
  • Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on June 9, 2025

If you receive a notice saying your vehicle is affected, it is essential to take immediate action and contact your local dealer to schedule a repair. Remember to always monitor your vehicle’s performance and watch for any warning signs of engine failure.