January 2025 Automotive Recall News

As the new year began, January saw numerous automotive recalls from major brands, including Ford, Kia, Land Rover and Jaguar, impacting thousands of vehicles on the road.

Here, we have listed the most significant automotive recall updates for January 2025.

1. Ford Recalls Over 270,000 Bronco and Maverick Vehicles

Ford issued a significant recall for 2021-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Maverick models due to a 12-volt battery defect that could degrade suddenly while driving. This could cause the vehicle to stall or fail to restart after an auto stop/start event.

• Vehicles affected: 272,817

• Solution: Dealers will inspect and replace the battery for free. Owner notification letters were sent before February 3, 2025.

Additionally, 149,449 Ford Broncos from 2021-2024 were also recalled for potential rear shock absorber corrosion, which could result in detachment and create a road hazard. Ford is still developing a remedy for this issue.

Other Notable Ford Recalls:

• 2019 Ford Flex, Fiesta, Lincoln MKT: Rearview camera may show blank or distorted images. Remedy under development. Letters sent Feb. 3, 2025. Vehicles affected: Over 70,000.

• 2020-2024 Ford Escape, 2021-2024 Lincoln Corsair: High-voltage battery may short circuit. Free software update and battery replacement as needed. Interim letters were sent on Jan. 15, 2025. Vehicles affected: 20,000.

• 2020-2022 Super Duty Trucks: High-pressure fuel pump may fail due to biodiesel deposits. PCM software updates are offered for free. Interim letters were sent on Jan. 9, 2025. Vehicles affected: approximately 300,000.

2. Kia Recalls Vehicles Over Airbag Wiring Defect

Car manufacturer Kia is recalling their 2023-2025 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid vehicles due to wiring damage caused by repeated passenger seat adjustments. This defect can affect airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

• Vehicles affected: 80,255

• Solution: Dealers will inspect, replace and reroute the floor wiring assembly as needed. Owner notification letters will be sent by March 14, 2025.

3. Land Rover and Jaguar Rearview Camera Issues

Land Rover has recalled a large number of their 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles, due to touchscreen failure that prevents the rearview camera from displaying. Jaguar has also expanded a recall for their 2019-2020 XE models due to wiring issues affecting the rearview camera.

• Landover Vehicles affected: 28,370

• Jaguar Vehicles affected: 5,329

• Solution: Dealers are offering free software updates and camera wiring repair as needed.

4. Honda Recall Over Programming Error

American Honda is recalling approximately 295,000 vehicles due to a programming error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) that could cause the engine to hesitate, lose power, or stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall affects the following models:

• 2023-2025 Honda Pilot

• 2022-2025 Acura MDX Type S

• 2021-2025 Acura TLX Type S

• Vehicles affected: 295,000

• Solution: Honda and Acura dealers will offer free fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) software updates, with affected owners receiving notification letters starting in March.

5. General Motors Under Investigation

The U.S. government is currently investigating General Motors for engine stalling in nearly 877,710 SUVs and trucks after receiving multiple reports of connecting rod bearing failures, which in some cases have resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The investigation covers vehicles equipped with L87 6.2L V8 engines, including model years:

• 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• GMC Sierra 1500 trucks

• 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon

• Cadillac Escalade SUVs

• Vehicles affected: 877,710

Other Notable GM Recalls:

• 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Work Trucks: Insufficient pedestrian alert sound. Free body control module update. Letters sent by Feb. 3, 2025.

• 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV AWD: Adaptive cruise control may fail to engage brakes. Free software calibration update. Letters will be sent on March 3, 2025.

• 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV: Improperly tightened rear center seat belt bolt. Bolt will be tightened for free; vehicles remain in dealer inventory.

6. Other Notable Manufacturer Recalls in January 2025

• Chrysler (Ram Trucks): 2016-2020 Ram Models: Side curtain airbag inflators may rupture. Dealers will replace affected airbags for free. Letters will be sent on Feb. 13, 2025. Vehicles affected: Over 6,000

• Orange EV: 2023-2025 HUSK-e and T-Series Trucks: Various issues with lights and reflectors, obstructing visibility. Fleet owners are advised to limit on-road use until repairs are available. Letters will be sent on Feb. 17, 2025. Vehicles affected: Over 200.

• Tesla:

  • 2023-2025 Models 3, S, X, Y: Rearview camera failure due to a short circuit. Over-the-air software updates will be provided for free and hardware replacement for affected vehicles. Letters will be sent on March 7, 2025. Vehicles affected: Approximately 240,000.

  • 2024-2025 Models S and X: The driver’s airbag may tear during deployment. Tesla will replace the airbag assembly. Letters will be sent on Feb. 21, 2025. Vehicles affected: Approximately 300.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

To see if your vehicle is affected by an active recall, visit the NHTSA recall database and search using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This quick search will show any recalls associated with your vehicle.

Think You May Have a Lemon on Your Hands?

Persistent issues with your car could qualify it under California's Lemon Law and you could be due compensation.

Contact The Beck Law Office today for a free consultation and let us help you find the best solution.