repeated automobile problems – California Lemon Law blog

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.

Owners of certain electric Mercedes-Benz EQB models are now facing a serious safety defect involving the high-voltage battery. According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an internal battery defect may lead to a thermal event and potential vehicle fire — whether the vehicle is parked or being driven.

If you own one of the following models, your vehicle may be affected:

2023–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+
2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC
2022–2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC

The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-073 and replaces earlier recalls 25V-050 and 25V-894.

What Is the Safety Risk?

Mercedes has acknowledged that certain battery cells produced during an early production period may not be sufficiently robust. Under certain production and usage conditions, an internal short circuit can develop within the high-voltage battery.

If that occurs:

A thermal event may result
There is an increased risk of vehicle fire
The fire could occur while driving or while parked

If the event occurs while driving, drivers may see a high-voltage battery malfunction warning message in the instrument cluster. If the event occurs while the vehicle is parked, there may be no warning at all. That lack of warning is particularly concerning — especially for vehicles parked inside garages or near structures.

What Caused the Problem?

Mercedes-Benz identified deviations in the battery supplier’s production process. Certain battery cells from an early production range were found to be:

Less resistant to stress factors over time
More vulnerable at high state-of-charge (SoC)
Potentially susceptible to short circuiting — especially when combined with:
- Charging infrastructure influences
- External damage
- Environmental stress

The risk appears elevated when the battery is charged to high capacity levels.

Chronology of Events

The recall began on January 31, 2025, when Mercedes-Benz filed an initial safety notice with NHTSA and later implemented a global software update in April 2025 to reduce the risk of battery-related thermal events. After additional incidents were reported outside the United States in May 2025, the recall was expanded, with a supplemental notice filed in October 2025. In November 2025, two fire incidents in Europe involving vehicles that had already received the software update raised concerns about the remedy’s effectiveness, prompting further investigation and discussions with regulators. Extensive testing and analysis conducted between December 2025 and January 2026 ultimately led Mercedes to conclude that the software update could not reliably eliminate the risk in all affected vehicles. As a result, on January 30, 2026, the company launched a new recall requiring full high-voltage battery replacement for certain vehicles, now identified as NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-073.

Fires Reported in the United States

Mercedes reports:

Two fire incidents in the United States
Both vehicles were part of the original recall scope
No U.S. fires have been reported after the software update
Approximately 74% of affected U.S. vehicles have completed the original recall repair

However, because the software update’s effectiveness cannot be fully confirmed, Mercedes is now requiring battery replacement.

What Owners Are Being Told to Do

Until repairs are completed, owners are advised to:

Park outside and away from structures
Limit charging to 80% battery capacity
Await official notification letters (interim letters expected February 27, 2026)

Importantly:

Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V-050 or 25V-894 must still undergo the new repair.

Lemon Law Implications

Battery replacement is not a minor repair. It is one of the most expensive and critical components of an electric vehicle.

If your Mercedes EQB:

Experienced a fire or thermal event
Has been out of service for extended periods
Required multiple repair attempts
Is subject to repeat recalls
Has diminished value due to safety concerns

You may have rights under your state’s Lemon Law.

Even if the manufacturer ultimately offers a repair, repeated safety recalls involving fire risk may qualify the vehicle as defective.

Final Thoughts

Electric vehicles depend entirely on battery integrity. When the manufacturer acknowledges that a software update may not be sufficient — and ultimately requires full battery replacement — that is a serious development.

If you own a 2022–2024 Mercedes EQB and have concerns about:

Safety
Repair delays
Diminished value
Buyback eligibility

It may be time to speak with an attorney experienced in automotive defect and lemon law claims. Safety recalls are meant to protect consumers. But when defects involve fire risk, the legal and financial consequences can be significant. If you believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, you do not have to navigate this alone.

The Ford Transit is one of the most widely used vans in California, serving everyone from small business owners and contractors to delivery fleets and shuttle operators. While it is commonly viewed as a commercial vehicle, many Ford Transit owners are surprised to learn that California Lemon Law protections may still apply, especially when serious safety defects or recalls are involved.

Recent recalls affecting 2023–2024 Ford Transit models and certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles raise important questions about owner rights and warranty protections under California law.

Recent Ford Transit Recalls

2023–2024 Ford Transit – Engine Cross-Member Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S04
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-061

Ford has issued a safety recall affecting certain 2023–2024 Ford Transit vehicles related to the engine cross-member. According to the recall, a defect in the cross-member may compromise vehicle structural integrity. Depending on the severity, this type of defect can impact vehicle safety, drivability, and long-term reliability.

Structural or frame-related defects are particularly serious because they can:

Affect vehicle stability
Increase the risk of component failure
Reduce the vehicle’s overall safety in everyday driving conditions

2026 Ford E-Transit – High-Voltage Battery Hardware Recall

Ford Recall Number: 26S05
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-062

Ford has also issued a recall impacting certain 2026 Ford E-Transit vehicles involving the high-voltage battery pack. The issue stems from missing washers on internal battery bolts, which may lead to:

High electrical resistance
Electrical arcing
Potential battery system malfunction

Defects involving high-voltage battery systems are especially concerning in electric vehicles, as they can affect vehicle performance, charging reliability, and overall safety.

Is the Ford Transit Considered a Commercial Vehicle Under California Lemon Law?

While the Ford Transit is often used for business purposes, commercial use alone does not automatically exclude a vehicle from California Lemon Law coverage.

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commercial vehicles may qualify for Lemon Law protection if specific criteria are met.

Key Factors That Determine Eligibility

A Ford Transit may be covered under California Lemon Law if:

The vehicle is new or used but still under the manufacturer’s warranty
The defect substantially affects use, value, or safety
The manufacturer or dealer is unable to repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts
The vehicle is registered in California

For commercial vehicles, two additional factors are especially important:

1. Vehicle Weight

Many Ford Transit models fall under 10,000 pounds GVWR, which keeps them within the scope of Lemon Law protections for commercial vehicles.

2. Fleet Size

Small business owners are often covered if they own or lease no more than five commercial vehicles registered in California. Larger fleets may be subject to different rules.

Why Recalls Matter in Lemon Law Claims

A recall alone does not automatically qualify a vehicle as a lemon. However, recalls can be strong supporting evidence when:

The defect is safety-related
Repairs are unsuccessful or temporary
The vehicle spends excessive time out of service
The issue continues after recall repairs are completed

For owners of 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans or 2026 E-Transit vehicles, repeated issues related to the engine crossmember or high-voltage battery system may strengthen a Lemon Law claim if the problem cannot be permanently resolved.

What Ford Transit Owners Should Do

If your Ford Transit or E-Transit is experiencing ongoing problems related to a recall or warranty defect:

Keep copies of all repair orders and service records
Document how long the vehicle is out of service
Note whether the same issue continues after repairs
Confirm whether the vehicle is still under factory warranty

California Lemon Law may entitle eligible owners to a buyback, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation, depending on the circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The Ford Transit is not automatically excluded from California Lemon Law protections simply because it is commonly used as a commercial vehicle. Owners of affected 2023–2024 Ford Transit vans and 2026 E-Transit vehicles should be aware that recurring defects — especially those involving structural components or high-voltage battery systems — may give rise to legal remedies under California law.

If recall-related problems persist despite multiple repair attempts, it may be time to explore your rights under the California Lemon Law.

Owners of certain 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may be facing a serious suspension-related safety defect involving the rear coil springs. According to federal safety investigations and manufacturer findings, rear coil springs on some vehicles may have been incorrectly installed during a prior recall repair, allowing the spring to detach and come out of position.

This defect has prompted a new safety recall and may raise important lemon law concerns for affected owners—especially those who already had recall repairs performed.

What Is the Problem?

The issue traces back to recall 64A, which addressed an earlier safety concern. Some vehicles that underwent the 64A repair—or had an incomplete recall status—may have had the rear coil spring incorrectly installed. As a result, the spring can shift or detach from its proper position.

A displaced rear coil spring can affect:

Vehicle stability
Ride height and handling
Suspension integrity
Overall driving safety

Even more concerning, vehicles previously repaired under the earlier recall may still be defective, requiring an additional remedy.

Vehicles Potentially Affected

The suspect vehicles were produced between December 5, 2020, and May 31, 2023, based on production and recall status records.

Affected models include:

2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Vehicles not included in this recall generally fall into one of the following categories:

Did not receive a 64A recall repair
Were built outside the suspect production period
Were equipped with an air suspension system

How the Issue Came to Light

June 1, 2023 – FCA US LLC determined a safety defect existed related to recall 64A
September 30, 2025 – NHTSA contacted FCA US after receiving 20 complaints involving rear coil spring separation after recall repairs
October 14, 2025 – FCA US reported 70 potentially related internal claims
November 20, 2025 – FCA US opened a formal investigation into coil spring detachment after recall repairs
November 2025 – January 2026 – Engineering and safety teams reviewed failure modes and customer records

As of January 9, 2026, FCA US reported:

20 customer assistance records
284 warranty claims
No reported accidents or injuries

On January 22, 2026, FCA US again determined that a safety defect exists, leading to a new recall.

The New Recall: What Owners Should Know

Recall number: FCA US LLC 20D; NHTSA campaign number 26V-051
Replaces: NHTSA recall 23V-413
Important: Vehicles already repaired under the prior recall must still receive the new remedy

What Dealers Will Do

Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary.

Owner Notification Timeline

Interim safety letters: Expected February 12, 2026
Final remedy letters: Anticipated March 2026

Why This Matters for Lemon Law Claims

This recall may be especially significant for lemon law cases because:

The defect involves a critical safety component
The issue may persist after a prior recall repair
Owners may experience repeated service visits or unresolved defects
Vehicles already “fixed” may still be unsafe to drive

Under many state lemon laws, a vehicle that cannot be properly repaired after multiple attempts—or that remains unsafe—may qualify for repurchase, replacement, or compensation.

What Owners Should Do Now

If you own a 2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L or a 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Do not ignore suspension noises, uneven ride height, or handling changes
Document all repairs, recall notices, and service visits
Schedule the recall inspection as soon as notified
Consult a lemon law attorney if:
- The issue persists after repair
- Your vehicle has been in the shop multiple times
- You feel the vehicle is unsafe or unreliable

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

What Is the Defect?

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

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

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

Why This Is Dangerous

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

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

How Subaru Discovered the Problem

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

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

Vehicles Affected

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

What Will Dealers Do?

Subaru dealerships will:

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

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

What This Means for Lemon Law Claims

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

You may have a valid Lemon Law claim if:

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

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

What Owners Should Do Now

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

Stellantis has determined that a safety defect could affect certain 2024 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The automaker has confirmed that the brake pedal arm in these vehicles may collapse, leading to a sudden and dangerous loss of braking ability.

If you own or lease one of these vehicles, here is everything you need to know about the defect, the remedy, and your potential rights under the Lemon Law.

The Problem: Brake Pedal Collapse

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the specific defect involves the brake pedal assembly. In affected vehicles, the pedal arm is susceptible to collapsing under the pressure of braking. If the pedal collapses, the driver may lose the ability to activate the service brakes. As stated in the safety report, “The inability to activate the service brakes while driving can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.”

This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-846) is an expansion of a previous recall (24V-752) issued in October 2024. Despite earlier efforts, Stellantis Europe Control Tower received new field complaints in late 2025 regarding collapsed pedals in both North America and Europe, prompting this new, expanded campaign.

Accident Reports and Investigation

October & November 2025: Field complaints were received regarding pedals collapsing during normal driving.
November 24, 2025: Stellantis identified one warranty claim and one customer assistance record related to the issue.
Safety Risk: As of late November 2025, the automaker is aware of one accident related to this defect. Fortunately, zero injuries have been reported so far.

What to Do If Your Brakes Fail

Stellantis has provided specific emergency instructions for drivers who experience a brake pedal collapse while driving. If your pedal hits the floor or snaps and you cannot stop the car:

Use the Electronic Park Brake: Located on the center console, this switch can be pulled up and held while driving. This will override the failure and slow the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): If your AEB system is active (not manually deactivated), it is designed to intervene automatically if it detects an imminent collision, even if the brake pedal is broken.

Recall Details and Remedy

Owners of affected vehicles should contact their dealerships immediately.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-846
FCA US Recall Number: D0C
Notification Date: Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 13, 2026.
The Fix: Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arm to prevent collapse.

Can I File a Lemon Law Claim?

The Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased defective vehicles. If your car has a substantial safety defect that the manufacturer has failed to fix within a reasonable number of attempts or a reasonable amount of time, you could be eligible for:

A vehicle repurchase (buyback).
A replacement vehicle.
Cash compensation.
Payment of your attorney’s fees.

Do not wait until an accident happens. If you are unsafe in your vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation regarding your rights.