From faulty emergency braking systems to rollaway SUVs, malfunctioning panoramic roofs, Takata inflators, seatbelts and software glitches, May saw several major vehicle recalls in the US, highlighting potential safety hazards on our roads. Here is a quick roundup of the major recalled vehicles, and advice on how to check if your car is affected.
Which Vehicles Were Recalled in May?
In May, several vehicle recalls were issued in America. These include:
➡️ Rivian:
Rivian is recalling 2,334 R1S SUVs, R1T pickups and EDV vans from model years 2023 and 2024 because their headlights might be misaligned and not meet safety standards. This is a manufacturing issue, not a software problem.
This manufacturer has also recalled 127 of their 2024 electric vehicles because they are missing a dashboard airbag warning label. This label is required by federal safety standards to warn occupants about the dangers of airbags to infants and children.
➡️ Tesla:
There is a recall on 125,227 Tesla Model 3, Y, S and X vehicles from 2012 to 2024 because the seatbelt chime and light might not warn drivers when they are not buckled up. This is due to a software glitch, not a hardware problem, which Tesla can fix with a free software update.
➡️ Ford:
This manufacturer had a busy month in May, recalling several makes and models from its fleet.
Lincoln Aviator SUVs: There is a recall on 109,283 Lincoln Aviator SUVs from 2020 to 2024 because cell phones can interfere with the rearview camera. This can cause the camera image to flicker or distort, making it difficult to see behind the car when backing up. Ford will fix the problem by adding a shield to the affected vehicles to protect them from electromagnetic interference.
Maverick Trucks: Approximately 242,000+ Ford Maverick trucks and certain models of Escape and Lincoln Corsair were recalled for issues ranging from tail light failures to unexpected neutral shifts due to software errors. The software incorrectly detects a current overload and deactivates the taillights. This doesn't affect the brake lights, turn signals or headlights.
Transit Connect Vans: The manufacturer also recalled some 2017-2019 Transit Connect vans due to a faulty panoramic roof that may detach while driving. This is the fourth recall for this issue since 2016. The problem is caused by contaminants on the glass surfaces that prevent the primer from adhering properly.
Ford Maverick, Escape and Lincoln Corsair: Ford also recalled 8,727 hybrid Ford Maverick, Escape and Lincoln Corsair vehicles from 2020-2024 due to a software issue in the hybrid powertrain control module. This issue can cause the car to unexpectedly shift to neutral, increasing the risk of a crash.
F-150 Trucks: The company has also recalled 385 2024 F-150 trucks due to a steering issue. The wrong fasteners were used to secure the steering column, which could cause the fasteners to loosen over time and lead to wobbly steering or clunking noises.
➡️ Audi:
There is a recall of Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 e-tron Sportback SUVs from 2022 to 2024 model years because of incorrect headlight software. The software doesn't meet US regulations and could be a safety hazard. Audi will update the software for free at dealerships.
➡️ Nissan:
There is a recall on 9,645 2024 Sentra sedans built between July 2023 and January 2024 because the front left driveshaft may not be installed correctly. This could cause a leak, warning lights and potentially loss of power.
➡️ Alfa Romeo:
There is a recall for a small number of 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia sedans sold in the US. The fuel line sensor housing on these vehicles may crack, causing a fuel leak. This leak could lead to a loss of power or, in the worst case, a fire. The culprit is a faulty part (fuel supply tube) made by Hutchinson Poland.
➡️ Land Rover:
The manufacturer is recalling 22,268 Range Rover Sport SUVs from 2018 to 2022 because the rearview camera may fail due to water leakage. The company previously issued a recall for this issue but found that some vehicles were repaired incorrectly.
➡️ BMW:
There is a recall for a small number of MINI Cooper SE electric cars from the 2021 to 2023 model years. The high-voltage battery housing may have been improperly sealed, allowing water to leak in, which could cause an electrical fault, stalling the car, or in rare cases, a fire.
There is also a recall on some 2024 and 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i SUVs because the tire placard might have incorrect information on tire size and pressure. This could lead to a blowout at high speeds. The problem is due to a mistake in the data system at the BMW plant in South Carolina.
BMW is also recalling a small number of 2025 MINI Countryman SUVs because the armrest bracket on the rear doors may not be installed correctly. This could cause the bracket to detach in a crash and injure passengers.
Furthermore, there is a recall on 3,256 2025 BMW X5, X6, X7 and XM SUVs because the seat belt sensor may not be installed correctly. This could cause the car to think the seatbelt is fastened when it isn't, which could lead to injuries in a crash.
➡️ Hyundai:
The manufacturer has recalled 13,511 2024 Elantra, Venue and Kona vehicles due to a potential electrical issue in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve that could lead to a sudden loss of power. The culprit is a sensor contaminated during manufacturing by the supplier, BorgWarner Chungju. This is a safety hazard and Hyundai will replace the EGR valve free of charge.
➡️ Honda:
There was a new recall for 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline trucks due to the same rearview camera issue as the 2017-2019 models recalled in 2022. The problem is with the wiring harness that can break due to repeated opening and closing of the tailgate, especially in cold and salty environments. This causes the rearview camera to fail and not display an image on the screen.
➡️ Mercedes-Benz:
There is a recall for a small number of 2024 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric vans due to a software error in the electronic stability control (ESP) unit. This error may require increased brake force in certain situations.
There is also a recall on some 2023 Mercedes-AMG C 43s with performance seats due to incorrectly placed wiring harnesses in the front seats. This routing error could damage the wiring if the seatback is fully reclined, potentially affecting airbag functionality and increasing the risk of injury.
The manufacturer has also recalled nearly 15,000 Mercedes-Benz EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, and EQS SUV vehicles from 2023 to 2025 models. A software issue in the battery management system can overload and cause the high-voltage battery to shut down, reducing power or leading to a complete loss of propulsion. This poses a safety risk. Mercedes-Benz will fix the issue with a software update.
Mercedes-Benz is also recalling another 15,604 ML, GL, and R-Class SUVs from 2006-2012 because of a brake booster corrosion issue that can reduce braking performance or cause complete brake failure. This is the second recall for this problem because some owners of the originally recalled vehicles were not notified.
Finally, there is a recall for 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 and 350 electric SUVs due to a potential issue with the front electric drive unit. The gear may have been improperly welded by the supplier. If the weld fails, the park pawl might not function correctly, but the parking brake should still hold the vehicle. Drivers may hear loud rattling noises from the front axle if this happens.
➡️ General Motors:
GM has recalled a small number of Chevrolet Blazer EVs, Silverado EVs, Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sierra EVs because of a potential insulation issue in the drive unit that could lead to electrical shorts causing a sudden loss of power.
➡️ Cadillac:
The manufacturer is recalling some 2024 XT5 SUVs due to a faulty driver's front airbag that may tear during deployment in a crash. The issue is with airbag modules made by Joyson Safety Systems and affects vehicles built between February 16th and 26th, 2024.
➡️ Kia:
There is a recall on some 2022 Kia Niro EVs because the high-voltage battery safety plug could overheat, causing a loss of power or even a fire.
There is also a new recall on the Kia EV9 electric vehicle because the front passenger seatbelt cover may not be installed correctly. This could mean the seatbelt wouldn't retract properly and increase the risk of injury in a crash.
➡️ Lamborghini:
If you are the proud owner of a supercar, you need to be aware that the manufacturer is recalling 2,133 Urus S and Performante SUVs from 2021-2024 because the hood latch may fail and cause the hood to open or detach while driving.
➡️ Jeep:
There is a recall on a small number of 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokees because they are missing energy-absorbing foam around the front airbags. This could mean the airbags might not deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
➡️ Mazda:
There is a recall on 2024 Mazda CX-90 SUVs because the automatic emergency braking system may detect false objects and slam on the brakes unexpectedly at low speeds (10-15 mph). This could increase the risk of a rear-end collision. The problem is with the software in the vehicle control module.
➡️ Volkswagen:
In May, there was a recall on nearly 80,000 Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUVs from 2021-2023 because the software controlling the infotainment system and instrument cluster could malfunction. This could cause the system to reboot unexpectedly or not start up at all. The malfunction could also cause you to lose the rearview camera image and speedometer information. This is a safety hazard because it violates federal safety standards.
➡️ Porsche:
There is a recall on a small number of 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman because the safety clip on the transmission shift cable may not be installed correctly. This could mean the car won't stay in 'park' and could roll away.
➡️ Fisker:
Fisker is facing its fourth safety probe in less than five months, this time for unintended automatic emergency braking on its 2023 Ocean electric vehicle.
➡️ Chrysler Voyager, Ram Promaster and Ford Transit Vans:
These models faced issues with the recliner mechanism in the seatbacks, affecting an estimated 358 vehicles.
➡️ Mack Trucks:
Incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) labels on some 2024-2025 MD trucks necessitated a recall to correct the potentially misleading information.
➡️ Braun Ambulances:
Due to the risk of overloaded electrical systems that could potentially cause fires, several models including Chief XL and Express Plus were recalled.
These recalls reflect a proactive stance by manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addressing potential safety risks before they lead to accidents or injuries. Vehicle owners affected by these recalls are advised to contact their dealers for the necessary repairs, which are typically done free of charge.
Where Can I Find Out If My Car Has Been Recalled?
Worried your car might be recalled? Here's how to check:
Check online: Head over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at nhtsa.gov/recalls and use their VIN lookup tool. Just enter your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if there are any open recalls on your specific vehicle.
Wait for the mail: Car manufacturers typically notify owners directly by mail if their car is part of a recall.
Our roundup is not an exhaustive list, therefore, it is always recommended to check the manufacturer's website or contact your local dealer for the latest recall information on your vehicle.
Tips for Staying Informed About Car Recalls
Sign up for email alerts from your car's manufacturer.
Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for a list of recalls by vehicle identification number (VIN).
Look for news articles about car recalls.
Is Your Car a Lemon? Know Your Rights Under the Lemon Law
Think you might have a lemon on your hands? If your car has serious problems that can't be fixed after multiple repair attempts, lemon laws may apply.
Lemon laws are designed to protect consumers who purchase vehicles with significant defects that substantially impair their use, value or safety. These laws vary by state, but generally, if your car qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
Here are some signs your car might be a lemon:
The same problem keeps recurring even after multiple repair attempts by an authorized dealer.
The car is out of service for repairs for a significant amount of time (specifics vary by state).
The defect is so severe that it reduces the car's value or safety.
If you suspect your car is a lemon, it is important to consult with an attorney who specializes in lemon law. They can advise you of your rights and help you navigate the legal process.
Contact Us Today
At The Beck Law Office, we specialize in California lemon law helping consumers secure refunds or replacements for their vehicles. For personalized assistance and to explore your options for compensation, contact us today for a free consultation.
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