Vehicle Recalls: What You Need to Know (February 17-23)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued several recalls in recent weeks, affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles from various manufacturers. Here’s a summary of the major recalls:
Tesla
Tesla has recalled over 375,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to an issue with the electronic power steering assist. Affected vehicles may experience a loss of power steering assist when the car comes to a stop and then accelerates again. Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to address the issue, and the company reports that 99% of affected vehicles in the U.S. have installed the update as of January 23, 2025.
Ford Motor Company
Ford has recalled certain 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles for multiple seat belt issues. The vehicles may have improperly secured seat belt buckle anchor bolts and seat belt and seat belt retractors anchor bolts at the second-row center seating position. These defects could prevent the seat belts from restraining passengers in a crash. Ford dealers will inspect the seat belts and replace affected components free of charge.
Toyota
Toyota has recalled certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles due to improperly tightened third-row seatback bolts. These bolts may pose an increased risk of injury in a crash to occupants in the third row. Dealers will tighten the seat assembly bolts free of charge.
Volkswagen Group of America
Volkswagen has recalled certain 2022-2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, 2023 Volkswagen Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles because a software error may cause the rearview camera to fail to start. Dealers will update the camera control unit software free of charge.
Maserati
Maserati has recalled certain vehicles with radio software that prevents the rearview camera from displaying. Affected models include the Levante, Ghibli, Quattroporte, and MC20. An over-the-air software update will be issued, and owners can also take their vehicles to a dealer for the update free of charge.
Rivian
Rivian has recalled certain 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles due to low beam headlights that may fail to illuminate when starting the vehicle in cold weather. Affected vehicles will display a message on the driver display indicating that the low beam lights are not working. Rivian will replace the headlight control modules free of charge.
How to Check for Recalls
To check if your vehicle is affected by any of these recalls, you can visit the NHTSA’s recall database or search based on your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the USA TODAY’s automotive recall database. Alternatively, you can contact your local dealer for assistance.
It’s important to note that these recalls are only valid for specific models and years. If your vehicle is not listed, it does not mean that it is not subject to other potential recalls. It’s always a good practice to stay informed about vehicle safety issues and contact your manufacturer or dealer for any necessary repairs or updates.
