repeated automobile problems – California Lemon Law blog

Ford Motor Company has announced a safety campaign addressing a software glitch in replacement Battery Energy Control Modules (BECMs) used in Mustang Mach-E vehicles with Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. The fix applies to both individual service components (NHTSA Equipment ID: 26E-063) and affected vehicles in the field (NHTSA Vehicle ID: 26V-582 / Ford Reference: 26S70).

The issue stems from replacement BECMs running uncalibrated software, which miscalculates long-term battery health and can result in sudden power loss or cell degradation. Here is a breakdown of what went wrong and the associated risks.

Understanding the Glitch

When a Mustang Mach-E receives a new BECM during service, the replacement module is designed to inherit the battery’s true historical State of Health (SOH). Instead, a software defect caused newly installed service parts (numbers PZ98-10B687-K* and PZ98-14C197-K*) to default to a 100% SOH reading.

This automatic reset creates a blind spot where onboard systems assume the battery is factory-fresh regardless of its actual age or condition.

The Safety Risks

An artificially inflated health metric introduces two primary hazards:

Unexpected Loss of Drive Power: Because onboard systems overestimate true energy reserves, the instrument cluster displays more remaining range than the battery possesses. Drivers face sudden power caps or complete stalls while driving, elevating collision risks.
Elevated Fire Risk: Incorrect health data throws off high-voltage charging limits. Over repeated DC Fast Charging (DCFC) sessions, this improper regulation promotes lithium plating inside the battery cells. Advanced lithium plating risks thermal venting, which can trigger a high-voltage battery fire.

Dashboard Warning Indicators

If the onboard computer detects severe power limits related to this mismatch, drivers will see specific dashboard alerts:

Wrench Icon (Service Vehicle Soon)
Turtle Icon (Reduced Power Mode)

Scope & Investigation Details

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group launched a formal probe on July 7, 2026, after internal engineers flagged the default initialization flaw. Investigation teams confirmed the vulnerability spans spare BECM inventory used for warranty swaps and over-the-counter parts sales.

Impacted Units: A highly targeted group of approximately 83 vehicles.
Real-World Impact: Ford has recorded zero accidents, injuries, or fires associated with the flaw, along with zero field reports directly reporting SOH miscalculations.
Action Approved: Ford’s Field Review Committee authorized formal service actions on September 1, 2026.

The Service Fix

Technicians at Ford dealerships will reflash the BECM software to restore accurate SOH tracking and inheritance. Official owner notification letters go out beginning November 8, 2026.

If you are driving a recent-model Jeep Grand Cherokee, you will want to pay close attention to your mail this fall. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US, LLC) has announced a safety defect impacting 328,381 vehicles. A potential design defect could cause a rear coil spring to detach while the vehicle is in motion.

This problem isn’t just a routine fix—it supersedes two previous recalls on the same issue. Even if you already had your Grand Cherokee serviced under a previous campaign, you will need to take your vehicle back to the dealer for an updated fix.

What Is the Issue?

The recall centers on the vehicle’s rear suspension system. According to safety documents, the rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed during manufacturing. As a result, the springs can detach from the vehicle while driving.

Why Is This Dangerous?

A coil spring detaching while you are driving poses severe safety hazards:

Loss of Vehicle Control: Sudden failure or loss of a rear suspension component impairs handling and stability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Road Hazard: A detached heavy steel spring becoming a high-speed projectile on the highway poses an immediate danger to drivers following behind you.

Affected Vehicles

The recall affects specific model years of the Grand Cherokee lineup equipped with rear coil springs:

2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (Plug-in Hybrid)

Note: Models equipped with the air suspension system use air bags rather than traditional coil springs and are not part of this specific structural spring defect.

Key Recall Identifiers

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-562 (replaces previous recall numbers 26V-051 and 23V-413)
FCA Recall Number: 89D
Total Affected Units: 328,381 vehicles

The Repair

To resolve the defect, authorized Jeep dealership service departments will replace the rear coil spring lower isolators to ensure the springs remain properly seated and securely positioned.

Important Note for Previously Repaired Vehicles

Because this recall replaces two earlier campaigns (23V-413 and 26V-051), prior repairs are no longer considered sufficient. If you took your Jeep in for a spring fix under either of those earlier notices, you will still need to have this new final remedy performed.

Timeline & Next Steps

Interim Notifications: FCA expects to begin mailing interim notification letters to registered owners starting September 29, 2026. These letters will outline the safety risk.
Remedy Notifications: A second letter will be mailed as soon as the final remedy parts are fully available at local dealerships to schedule your service appointment.

If you hear unusual clunking noises coming from the rear suspension or notice an uneven ride height in the rear of your Jeep, contact an authorized service center immediately to have the vehicle inspected. Be sure to check all invoices for accuracy upon completion and keep detailed records of all repairs made to your vehicle. Maintaining accurate documentation creates an official paper trail that proves repeated repair attempts, establishes vehicle downtime, and protects your rights under warranty and lemon laws should the issue persist.

A newly identified seat belt defect is affecting nearly 49,000 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles, raising concerns about passenger safety in the rear seats.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue involves the rear outboard seat belt retractors. Under certain conditions, the seat belts can become twisted inside the retractor mechanism, preventing them from retracting smoothly or maintaining the proper tension against the occupant.

While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system during a collision.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The safety campaign applies to:

2023-2025 Dodge Hornet
2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale

In total, approximately 48,777 vehicles are included.

What Is the Problem?

The defect affects the rear seat belt retractors located on the left and right outboard rear seating positions.

If a seat belt twists internally, it may no longer retract freely after use. More importantly, it may fail to maintain the proper tension needed to keep an occupant securely restrained during certain types of crashes.

Seat belts are designed to remove excess slack and hold passengers firmly in place. When that function is compromised, the risk of injury during an accident increases.

How Was the Issue Discovered?

The investigation began in April 2026, when FCA US alerted Stellantis Europe to a potential issue involving rear seat belt retractors in the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Engineers spent the following months reviewing warranty claims and investigating similar issues that had previously been identified in Europe. By July 1, 2026, the company concluded that the problem could occur under specific conditions because of a weakness in the seat belt retractor design.

As of July 30, 2026, the manufacturer had received:

484 warranty claims
0 reported accidents
0 reported injuries
0 field reports

Although no injuries have been linked to the defect, manufacturers often address safety issues before they result in serious crashes.

What Will Dealers Do?

To correct the problem, dealers will replace the affected rear seat belt retractors .

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on September 24, 2026.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own a 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet or 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale, watch for your notification letter.

Campaign Information

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-510
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 84D
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

If your vehicle is included, scheduling the repair promptly will help ensure your rear seat belts provide the protection they were designed to deliver.

The Kawasaki Teryx H2 is one of the most powerful side-by-sides on the market, but some owners have experienced serious problems involving the vehicle’s CVT clutch system. These issues eventually led to a stop-ride notice and recall affecting certain Teryx H2 models.

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 has been sidelined by clutch failures, repair delays, or recall-related downtime, you may have rights under California Lemon Law.

What Is the Kawasaki Teryx H2 Recall?

Kawasaki recalled certain Teryx H2 models after discovering that a component within the primary clutch assembly, known as the drive converter sheave, could crack or fail during operation.

A failed clutch component can damage the CVT system and may create safety concerns. As a result, Kawasaki instructed affected owners not to operate their vehicles until repairs could be completed.

The recall repair includes replacement of affected clutch components, installation of additional protective hardware, and a software update.

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Owners have reported:

Clutch failures
Excessive vibration
Belt damage and abnormal wear
Loss of power
Extended repair delays
Vehicles parked for weeks or months awaiting parts

For many consumers, the biggest issue is not simply the defect itself, but the loss of use caused by a stop-ride notice or repeated dealership visits.

Can a Recalled Kawasaki Teryx H2 Qualify as a Lemon?

Yes, in some situations.

California Lemon Law may apply when a manufacturer cannot repair a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Your Teryx H2 may qualify if:

The clutch or CVT system required multiple repair attempts
The vehicle was out of service for an extended period
The defect continues after repairs
The recall prevented normal use of the vehicle

A recall does not automatically make a vehicle a lemon, but it can be important evidence that a serious defect exists.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 qualifies under California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to:

A vehicle buyback
A replacement vehicle
A cash settlement
Recovery of attorney fees

Speak With a California Lemon Law Attorney

If your Kawasaki Teryx H2 has suffered clutch problems, repeated repairs, or lengthy downtime, you may have legal options. An experienced California Lemon Law attorney can review your repair history, explain your rights, and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Don’t assume that a recall solves the problem. If your Teryx H2 has spent more time at the dealership than on the trail, it may be time to explore your Lemon Law rights.

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Owners of certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles may be facing a serious drivetrain issue that could lead to sudden loss of power while driving. Chrysler parent company FCA US LLC has officially recalled certain 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee models due to potential failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU).

The issue has been under investigation for years and has now resulted in multiple recalls, government inquiries, warranty claims, and at least one reported accident and injury.

What Is the Jeep Cherokee PTU Problem?

According to FCA, some 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles were built with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that may fail internally. The PTU is a critical drivetrain component used in four-wheel-drive systems. When the PTU fails, it can cause:

Sudden and unrecoverable loss of motive power
Vehicle rolling while in PARK
Unexpected drivability problems at any speed

FCA warns that these failures can occur without warning and may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Symptoms of a Failing PTU

Drivers may notice warning signs before complete failure occurs. FCA says symptoms can include:

Service 4WD Warning Message: A “Service 4WD” message may appear on the dashboard.
Noise or Vibration: Some owners report grinding noises, vibration, or unusual drivetrain sounds.
Changes in Drive Quality: Drivers may notice hesitation, jerking, binding, or inconsistent power delivery.

However, FCA also warns that some failures may happen suddenly without significant warning.

The suspect production period began on December 12, 2018 and continued through February 24, 2023.

Vehicles outside the recall population may:

Use a different PTU design
Not have a PTU installed
Have been manufactured before the suspect period

A Problem Years in the Making

The PTU issue did not appear overnight. FCA and government safety agencies have been investigating similar Jeep Cherokee drivetrain failures for years.

Recall History Timeline

The Jeep Cherokee PTU issue has been developing for several years through multiple recalls and investigations. In June 2020, FCA issued Recall W47 (NHTSA 20V-343) for certain 2014–2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles due to PTU input spline failures. The problem expanded in April 2023 when FCA launched Recall 45A (NHTSA 23V-302), adding more 2016–2017 models to the recall population. In January 2025, FCA issued Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011) for certain 2017–2019 Jeep Cherokees involving improperly seated PTU snap rings that could also lead to drivetrain failure. By January 2026, FCA had opened yet another investigation into PTU failures affecting 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles, further widening concerns surrounding the reliability and safety of the PTU system.

FCA launched another investigation into PTU failures affecting 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

By April 2026, FCA reported:

387 warranty claims
9 customer assistance records
5 field reports
16 service records
1 reported accident
1 reported injury

On April 30, 2026, FCA officially determined that a safety defect exists in certain affected vehicles.

Recall Information

The current recall identifiers are:

FCA Recall Number: 40D
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-290

At this time, the final repair solution is still under development. FCA says interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning June 25, 2026. Additional notices will be sent once a permanent remedy becomes available.

What Should Jeep Cherokee Owners Do?

If you own a 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee, especially a four-wheel-drive model, it may be wise to:

Watch for warning lights or drivetrain symptoms.
Do Not ignoring vibration or unusual noises.

Because the defect can potentially cause sudden loss of motive power or vehicle movement while parked, owners should take any PTU-related symptoms seriously.

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Cherokee PTU issue has evolved from isolated drivetrain complaints into a major multi-year safety investigation involving NHTSA, and FCA US. With hundreds of reported incidents and multiple recall expansions over several model years, affected owners should stay informed and monitor recall updates closely as FCA develops a final repair solution.

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

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.