safety defect – California Lemon Law blog

Volkswagen has issued two separate safety defects affecting the 2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4, its all-electric SUV. While both recalls involve safety-related defects, one affects a smaller subset of vehicles and the other impacts a much larger population of ID.4 owners.

Both recalls center on the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system, a critical and potentially dangerous component if defects arise. Battery-related issues are taken seriously by regulators due to the risk of overheating, fire, and loss of vehicle function.

For California drivers, repeated battery issues or extended repair times may also raise lemon law concerns.

Recall #1: High-Voltage Battery Overheating Risk

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V028000
Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EW

Volkswagen is recalling a large number of 2023–2025 ID.4 vehicles due to a defect that may cause the high-voltage battery to overheat.

What Is the Problem?

Volkswagen has identified an issue in which certain battery cell modules may overheat, increasing the risk of a thermal event. Battery overheating in electric vehicles can potentially lead to:

Fire risk
Damage to the battery pack
Loss of vehicle functionality
Safety hazards during or after charging

Because of the seriousness of the risk, Volkswagen has issued immediate safety instructions for affected owners.

Important Safety Instructions for Owners

Until the recall repair is completed, owners are advised to:

Park the vehicle outside immediately after charging
Do not charge the vehicle indoors overnight
Avoid using Level 3 DC fast chargers
Limit the battery’s maximum charge to 80%

These precautions are intended to reduce the risk of overheating while Volkswagen prepares the permanent remedy.

Recall Remedy

Volkswagen dealers will:

Inspect the high-voltage battery
Replace affected battery cell modules as necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 20, 2026.

Recall #2: High-Voltage Battery Software Defect

NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V030000
Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EA

A separate recall affects a smaller number of 2023–2025 Volkswagen ID.4 vehicles involving the high-voltage battery system.

What Is the Problem?

In this recall, Volkswagen identified a condition where the battery management software may not properly monitor or control battery behavior, which could contribute to overheating or other unsafe operating conditions.

Recall Remedy

To address the issue, Volkswagen dealers will:

Update the high-voltage battery software
Replace the high-voltage battery if necessary

As with the larger recall, owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 20, 2026.

Why These Recalls Matter for California ID.4 Owners

Battery defects are among the most serious problems an electric vehicle can face. In California, EVs are protected under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as the Lemon Law.

You may have a potential lemon law claim if your Volkswagen ID.4:

Has repeated battery or charging-related issues
Requires multiple repair attempts for the same safety defect
Is out of service for an extended period due to recall repairs
Suffers diminished value or safety concerns even after repairs

Notably, recalls do not cancel lemon law rights. In fact, a safety recall involving a high-voltage battery can strengthen a claim if the defect substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Bottom Line

Volkswagen’s two recalls for the 2023–2025 ID.4 highlight serious concerns involving the vehicle’s high-voltage battery system. While Volkswagen is offering repairs, owners should follow all safety guidance and carefully document any ongoing problems or time spent in the repair shop.

If your ID.4 continues to experience battery issues, charging limitations, or extended downtime, it may be worth exploring your rights under California Lemon Law.

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.

Porsche has announced a safety defect affecting several Porsche models from 2019 through 2025. The issue can cause the rear view camera image to fail to display — a serious safety concern in today’s camera-dependent vehicles.

What Is the Problem?

In certain rare cases, a software issue may prevent the rear view camera image from appearing when the vehicle is placed in Reverse.

This problem means affected vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 – Rear Visibility, which mandates that a functioning rear visibility system must be available when backing up.

If the rear view camera image does not appear, the driver loses an important visual aid, increasing the risk of backing-up accidents involving pedestrians, objects, or other vehicles.

Affected Porsche Models

The recall applies to the following vehicles:

2019–2025 Porsche Cayenne
2019–2025 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
2020–2025 Porsche 911
2020–2025 Porsche Taycan
2024–2025 Porsche Panamera
2025 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid

What Causes the Camera Failure?

Porsche has identified that the issue is related to transient signal noise between the control unit and the Surround View cameras. In rare situations, this signal disruption can interrupt the data feed from the rear view camera, causing the image not to display.

While the exact root cause is still under investigation, Porsche has confirmed that the issue is software-related.

How Will You Know If It Happens?

There is no warning light or message beforehand. If your vehicle is affected, you may notice that the rear view camera screen is blank or does not activate when shifting into Reverse.

What Is Porsche Doing to Fix It?

Porsche dealers will update the driver assistance software to resolve the issue.

Interim owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on February 16, 2026.
A second notice will be sent once the final software remedy is fully available.

Recall Reference Numbers

Porsche Recall Number: ASB2
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-896

What Should You Do Now?

If you own one of the affected vehicles:

Monitor your mail for the official Porsche recall letter.
Once notified, schedule a service appointment with your Porsche dealer.
If your rear view camera has already failed to display, avoid reversing in tight spaces and rely on mirrors and physical checks until the fix is completed.

Why This Matters

A non-functional rear view camera may seem minor, but it significantly increases the risk of accidents – especially in crowded parking lots, residential areas, and driveways. Modern vehicles are designed with these systems as critical safety features, and Porsche is taking appropriate steps to correct the issue.

If you drive a Cayenne, 911, Taycan, or Panamera from the affected model years, stay alert and be ready to book your software update when the recall becomes active.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing has announced a safety recall affecting certain 2022–2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. A software error in the Parking Assist ECU — the electronic control unit responsible for displaying the rearview image — may cause the camera image to freeze or fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This issue means the affected vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111 for rear visibility.

What’s Causing the Problem?

The Parking Assist ECU software can experience two types of malfunctions:

Rearview image freezing: The image may freeze for up to 1.8 seconds if the vehicle is shifted into reverse within 0.7 to 2.6 seconds after ignition is turned on.
Rearview image not displaying: If the vehicle’s power is turned off during a brief data-writing process within the first 12.5 seconds after startup, the camera’s alignment data can become corrupted, preventing the image from displaying during the next ignition cycle.

These failures may occur under specific timing conditions and could increase the risk of an accident during backing maneuvers, especially if a pedestrian or object is behind the vehicle.

Timeline of Discovery

Between April 2024 and December 2024, Toyota engineers discovered the issue while reviewing software used in Japan-spec models. Bench testing confirmed that interruptions during image processing or data writing could cause temporary or complete loss of the rearview image. Subsequent testing through October 2025 confirmed that the same software error could affect global models, including those sold in the U.S. On October 24, 2025, Toyota decided to issue a safety recall.

Recall and Remedy Information

Dealers will update the parking assist software. Interim notification letters alerting owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 16, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final software remedy is available.

The recall identification numbers are as follows:

Toyota: 25TB13 and 25LB06
Subaru: WRE25
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-744

Vehicles Included in This Recall

2022 Lexus Lx
2022 Lexus Nx
2022 Lexus Nx Hybrid
2023 Lexus Es
2023 Lexus Es Hybrid
2023 Lexus Ls
2023 Lexus Ls Hybrid
2023 Lexus Nx Plug-in Hybrid
2023 Lexus Rx
2023 Lexus Rx Hybrid
2023 Lexus Rz
2024 Lexus Gx
2024 Lexus Lc
2024 Lexus Lc Hybrid
2024 Lexus Tx
2024 Lexus Tx Hybrid
2024 Lexus Tx Plug-in Hybrid
2024 Lexus Rx Plug-in Hybrid
2025 Lexus Lx Hybrid
2023 Subaru Solterra
2023 Toyota Bz4x
2023 Toyota Crown
2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2023 Toyota Mirai

2023 Toyota Prius
2023 Toyota Prius Prime
2023 Toyota Rav4
2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid
2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime
2023 Toyota Venza Hybrid
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2025 Toyota Crown Signia
2025 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
2025 Toyota Rav4 Plug-in Hybrid
2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid
2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2026 Toyota Crown
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
2026 Toyota Rx Plug-in Hybrid
2026 Toyota Tx
2026 Toyota Tx Hybrid
2026 Toyota Tx Plug-in Hybrid

What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected Toyota, Lexus, or Subaru models, until the software is updated, owners should exercise extra caution when backing up and verify surroundings visually.

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

Certain 2025 Acura RDX vehicles may have a problem with the electric power steering (EPS) system software. The software may not be properly calibrated, which can cause the EPS system to enter fail-safe mode and result in a sudden loss of power steering assist.

This issue can make steering more difficult, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

What Causes the Power Steering Problem

During the development of the 2025 Acura RDX EPS software to meet California Idle Stop OBD requirements, Honda’s Tier 2 supplier mistakenly set the EPS target returnability Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) gain to an incorrect value.

This mis-calibration can trigger the problem under specific conditions:

When the driver makes a sharp steering input during a turn
When IDS is in Comfort mode
When the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) is active

In these scenarios, the EPS target returnability output may exceed the system’s safety threshold, causing the system to falsely detect a fault and enter fail-safe mode—cutting off power steering assist.

Timeline of Discovery

October 2024: Honda received the first complaint and began investigating.
March 2025: Investigation efforts continued with further analysis.
May 29, 2025: A dealership review revealed that the customer’s driving mode could be a factor.
July 2025: Honda and its supplier continued in-depth testing and analysis.
August 19, 2025: Honda determined the issue could present a safety risk.
August 28, 2025: Honda confirmed a safety defect and announced a recall.

Between August 2024 and August 2025, Honda received 84 warranty claims related to the issue but reported no injuries or deaths.

The Fix

Honda dealers will reprogram the EPS software on affected Acura RDX vehicles.

Owner notification letters will be mailed starting October 20, 2025.
Honda Recall Number: GMS
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-582

If you drive a Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Yukon, or Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine (RPO L87), your vehicle may be at risk of sudden engine failure due to defective engine components. (Safety Recall N252494001 and NHTSA campaign number 25V-274)

Vehicles Affected by the Recall

Chevrolet: Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe (2021–2024)
GMC: Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL (2021–2024)
Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV (2021–2024)

Over 600,000 GM vehicles are included in this recall.

The Engine Defect Explained

The recall stems from manufacturing defects in the connecting rods and crankshaft, which may include:

Sediment in connecting rods and crankshaft-oil galleries
Crankshaft dimension issues
Improper surface finishing

These defects can lead to engine failure, posing a serious safety risk.

Potential Dangers and Symptoms

According to GM, drivers may notice warning signs before total engine failure, including:

Unusual Engine Noises – Knocking, banging, or metallic sounds
Check Engine Light – Illumination of the dashboard warning light
Performance Problems:
- Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
- High or unusual RPMs
- Abnormal or rough shifting
- Reduced propulsion or loss of power
- No-start condition (engine fails to start)

If the engine fails while driving, drivers may lose propulsion, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. GM has already linked the defect to 12 potential crashes and 12 reported injuries in the U.S.

The Official GM Remedy

General Motors dealers will inspect affected vehicles. Depending on results, remedies include:

Higher Viscosity Oil – Offers added protection against component wear
New Oil Fill Cap & Oil Filter Replacement
Owner’s Manual Insert – Updated guidance for owners

Is My Vehicle Safe to Drive?

While GM notes that the condition does not affect braking or cause an abrupt stop, an engine failure during operation will cause a loss of propulsion, requiring drivers to coast and maneuver to the side of the road. This can create a serious safety hazard.

Until recall repairs are complete, GM advises owners to stay alert for unusual engine noises, warning lights, and changes in performance.

California Lemon Law: Your Rights as a Consumer

If you’re a California resident and your Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac has been in the shop multiple times for the same issue, or if you’ve lost significant time without your vehicle, you may qualify for relief under the California Lemon Law.

Lemon law protections may entitle you to a:

Buyback (refund)
Vehicle replacement
Cash compensation

Our experienced California Lemon Law attorneys can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What to Do If Your Vehicle is Affected

Schedule a Dealer Inspection – Don’t wait until your engine fails; get ahead of the issue.
Document All Repairs and Symptoms – Keep records for potential lemon law claims.
Call for a Free Case Review – If you’ve had repeated problems, call 1-866-785-4477 for a free California Lemon Law consultation.

Final Thoughts

The 6.2L V8 engine defect in GM vehicles is a serious safety concern affecting hundreds of thousands of drivers. If you own a 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Yukon, or Cadillac Escalade, don’t wait for the engine to fail — take action now to protect your safety and your rights.

✅ Free Case Review: Contact our California Lemon Law attorneys today at 1-866-785-4477 or fill out our online form at the top of the page to learn if your GM vehicle qualifies for a buyback, replacement, or compensation.

If you’ve recently purchased a Tesla Cybertruck, you’re probably enjoying the attention it brings — but there’s something new owners need to be aware of. Tesla has issued a recall affecting about 46,000 2024-2025 Cybertrucks due to a faulty exterior trim panel that could detach while driving.

This isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a real safety issue and could raise serious Lemon Law concerns here in California.

What’s the defect?

The problem lies in a trim piece along the windshield, called the cantrail panel. Tesla says it may have been attached using the wrong adhesive. As a result, the panel could come loose and separate from the vehicle while you’re on the road.

If you’ve already noticed unusual wind noise or seen Cybertruck owners post about missing trim — this might explain it.

What’s Tesla doing about it?

Tesla has already started performing repairs, which involve replacing the entire cantrail assembly. Owners aren’t expected to pay out of pocket for the fix, but the availability of parts — and service appointments — can vary widely.

Why Lemon Law applies here in California

Tesla has had a mixed track record when it comes to customer service and timely repairs. If this defect has left your vehicle in the shop for a long period, or if your Cybertruck has other unresolved issues, you could be protected under California’s Lemon Law.

You may qualify if:

You’ve experienced repeated or serious safety-related issues
Tesla can’t fix the defect within a reasonable number of attempts
Your vehicle has been out of service for 30+ total days under warranty

It doesn’t matter if your truck is new or leased — what matters is whether it’s safe, reliable, and performing the way it should.

What you can do right now:

Check your paperwork to see if you’ve already reported trim or body issues
Schedule your repair as soon as possible — and keep all documentation
If you’ve already had problems with build quality or multiple repair visits, it may be time to explore your legal options

Don’t assume you have to live with poor fit and finish. California law is on your side, and in most cases, you can pursue a Lemon Law claim without paying anything out of pocket. If your Cybertruck has already spent more time in the shop than on the road, let’s talk. You may be entitled to a replacement or refund — and we can walk you through what that looks like. Call Now for a FREE Case Review at 888-395-3666 or fill in the contact form at the top of the page. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – take action today to protect your rights as a California consumer!