Major Vehicle Recalls Announced by NHTSA: Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Lincoln, Polestar, and Volkswagen Affected

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a series of significant vehicle recalls affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles across several major automotive brands. These recalls, spanning from April 28th to May 4th, address potential safety concerns ranging from engine failures to faulty rearview cameras and incorrect seating configurations. Owners of Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Lincoln, Polestar, and Volkswagen vehicles are urged to check if their vehicle is affected and to take appropriate action.

General Motors Recall: Engine Failure Risk in Select Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Vehicles

A substantial recall has been issued for nearly 600,000 General Motors vehicles, specifically Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine. The primary concern is a potential manufacturing defect in the engine’s connecting rod and/or crankshaft components. These defects can lead to significant engine damage and, in severe cases, complete engine failure.

The recall notice indicates that affected vehicles may exhibit certain warning signs prior to a catastrophic engine failure. These warning signs include:

• A distinct knocking or banging sound emanating from the engine.
• Illumination of the check engine light on the vehicle’s dashboard.
• Other noticeable engine performance issues, such as reduced power, rough idling, or stalling.

If drivers observe any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate attention from a qualified automotive technician.

The recall encompasses the following vehicles:

• Specific Cadillac models equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. (Exact Models Not Listed)
• Specific Chevrolet models equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. (Exact Models Not Listed)
• Specific GMC models equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. (Exact Models Not Listed)

To address this issue, authorized General Motors dealers will conduct a thorough inspection of the engine. Depending on the inspection results, the dealer will either repair the engine or replace it entirely, free of charge to the vehicle owner. Even vehicles that pass the initial inspection will receive preventative services, also at no cost.

General Motors plans to notify affected vehicle owners via mail, with notification letters scheduled to be sent out on June 9th. However, owners are encouraged to proactively check if their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA website and utilizing the vehicle identification number (VIN) lookup tool.

Ford and Lincoln Recall: Rearview Camera Malfunctions Pose Safety Risk

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall affecting certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles due to potential malfunctions with the rearview camera systems. The recall addresses two distinct issues: a faulty 360-degree view camera in some Ford Bronco models and a defective terminal header connector in the rearview camera printed circuit board of certain 2015 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

The Ford Bronco recall focuses on the potential failure of the 360-degree view camera to display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. This malfunction can significantly impair the driver’s visibility and increase the risk of accidents, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces or parking.

The separate recall for select 2015 Ford and Lincoln vehicles targets a faulty terminal header connector within the rearview camera’s printed circuit board. This defect can lead to a blank or distorted image being displayed on the rearview camera screen, compromising the driver’s ability to safely back up the vehicle.

The vehicles covered under these recalls include:

• Specific Ford Bronco models (exact years not specified) equipped with the 360-degree view camera.
• Select 2015 Ford and Lincoln vehicles (exact models not specified) with the potentially faulty rearview camera printed circuit board.

To rectify these issues, authorized Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the rearview cameras free of charge. Notification letters are scheduled to be sent to affected vehicle owners starting May 5th. As with other recalls, owners can verify if their vehicle is affected by using the VIN lookup tool on the NHTSA website.

Polestar Recall: Rearview Camera Synchronization Error Affects 2021-2025 Polestar 2 Vehicles

Polestar, the electric performance car brand, has recalled certain 2021-2025 Polestar 2 vehicles due to a potential issue with the rearview camera system. The recall stems from a synchronization error between the Parking Assist Camera and the Infotainment Head Unit.

This synchronization error can result in the rearview camera image failing to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. Instead, drivers may encounter a "Camera is temporarily unavailable" message on the infotainment screen. This malfunction can compromise the driver’s rear visibility and increase the risk of accidents while backing up.

The recall affects approximately 27,816 Polestar 2 vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2025.

To resolve this issue, authorized Polestar dealers will update the vehicle’s software free of charge. This software update is designed to address the synchronization error and ensure the proper functioning of the rearview camera system. Polestar plans to mail notification letters to affected vehicle owners around June 19th.

Volkswagen Recall: Incorrect Seating Configuration in 2025 ID. BUZZ Vehicles

Volkswagen has issued a recall for certain 2025 ID. BUZZ vehicles due to an incorrect seating configuration in the third-row rear bench. According to the NHTSA, the third-row rear bench is wide enough to accommodate three passengers but is designed for only two passengers and equipped with only two seat belts.

This discrepancy poses a potential safety risk, as attempting to seat three passengers in the third row could compromise their safety in the event of a collision. The lack of a third seat belt could result in serious injuries.

The recall affects approximately 5,637 Volkswagen ID. BUZZ vehicles manufactured for the 2025 model year.

To rectify this issue, authorized Volkswagen dealers will install trim to adjust the width of the third-row rear seats, effectively limiting the seating capacity to two passengers. This modification will ensure that the seating configuration aligns with the number of available seat belts, thereby enhancing passenger safety. The repair will be performed free of charge. Volkswagen anticipates sending notification letters to affected vehicle owners around June 20th.

Importance of Checking for Recalls and Taking Action

These recalls highlight the importance of regularly checking for vehicle recalls and taking prompt action if your vehicle is affected. Vehicle recalls are issued to address potential safety defects that could increase the risk of accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.

To determine if your vehicle is subject to any recalls, you can utilize the following resources:

• NHTSA’s Website: The NHTSA website (www.nhtsa.gov) provides a comprehensive database of vehicle recalls. You can search for recalls by entering your vehicle’s VIN.
• USA TODAY’s Automotive Recall Database: USA TODAY also maintains an automotive recall database where you can search for recalls by vehicle make and model.

If you discover that your vehicle is subject to a recall, it is crucial to contact your local authorized dealer to schedule a free repair. Delaying or ignoring a recall notice can put you and your passengers at risk.