29 million vehicles were recalled in the United States in 2025 across 997 safety campaigns, yet millions of these recalls remain unrepaired despite manufacturers offering free fixes, prompting NHTSA to emphasize checking vehicles by VIN or license plate at NHTSA.gov/recalls during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (March 2-8).
The 2025 automotive market shifts focus from horsepower to intelligent tech features, with AI-driven ADAS systems like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, 800-volt charging systems targeting under 20 minutes for 80% charge, and AR head-up displays projecting navigation directly onto road surfaces becoming the genuine game-changers worth investing in.
Ford recalls 47,804 vehicles from 2025 model year including Ranger, Mustang, Explorer, and Maverick for faulty EGR valves causing sudden power loss, plus 35,772 2025-2026 Explorers for headlight aiming defects, with fix under development and owners to be notified by March 20-27, 2026.
Ford is recalling 254,640 SUVs in the U.S., including 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator and 2024-2025 Explorer models, after a software defect caused the Image Processing Module A to crash in dense traffic, disabling rearview cameras and critical ADAS features like pre-collision assist and lane-keeping systems.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 58 NHTSA recall records spanning issues from EGR coolers and diesel sensors to airbag modules and transmission software, requiring owners to verify their specific VIN status at NHTSA.gov or authorized dealers for free manufacturer-covered repairs.
GM is recalling 1,191 model year 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV trucks due to a software glitch where the stability control malfunction indicator light fails to illuminate after restart, potentially leaving drivers unaware of a compromised safety system.
Honda is recalling 17,334 units of the 2025 Acura RDX due to a software calibration error in the electronic power steering (EPS) system that can cause it to shut down entirely, forcing drivers to steer manually without power assist when Lane Keeping Assist is active in Comfort mode during sharp turns.
Volvo's 2026 XC40 has an active safety recall, and owners must take it to an authorized dealer for free repairs, as only 75% of recalled vehicles typically get fixed according to NHTSA data.
Subaru has recalled 71,207 hybrid vehicles (2025 Forester and 2026 Crosstrek) due to a defective fuel cap gasket that can cause gasoline to leak in hot temperatures, instructing owners to park outside and limit fuel tanks to 50% capacity until repairs are completed by March 25, 2026.
Kia recalls nearly 15,000 vehicles for defective rear seat belt latches, posing safety hazards. Affected owners will get free inspections and repairs starting May 2026.