Latest news with #NHTSA
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Feds Issue Urgent Warning To Volvo Owners With Hybrids And EVs From 2020-2026
Feds Issue Urgent Warning To Volvo Owners With Hybrids And EVs From 2020-2026 originally appeared on Autoblog. Electrified Volvos Don't Stop As They Should Safety issues stemming from recalls are not uncommon, and even the company that invented the seatbelt occasionally has to improve on things that it didn't get right, like the common rearview camera issue plaguing many. Thanks to over-the-air software updates, many of these issues can often be resolved without a trip to the dealership. But there's only so much one can do when the owners themselves don't take advantage, and that's why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is issuing an urgent warning to Volvo owners after the majority of them impacted by a recall last month have still not availed themselves of the fix. If you have a hybrid or all-electric Volvo and haven't already done so, please stop driving until you've downloaded the update. Complete Loss Of Braking Could Occur The NHTSA says that Volvo issued recall 25V-392 on June 12, with the goal of addressing a regenerative braking issue that, left unchecked, could cause an affected vehicle to "completely lose its ability to brake while going downhill." Volvo advised owners to turn off regenerative braking and avoid driving their cars until the recall was downloaded, but of the 11,469 vehicles impacted by this recall, approximately 1,000 still hadn't performed the update by July 15. The affected vehicles, including some of the latest 2026 models, are listed below: 2023 C40 BEV 2025 EC40 BEV 2025-2026 EX40 PHEV 2023-2025 S60 PHEV 2025 S90 PHEV 2024-2025 V60 PHEV 2023-2024 XC40 BEV 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV One Incident Captured On Video Reveals The Danger To highlight just how important this recall is, the NHTSA has uploaded a dashcam clip of an owner experiencing the issue, which nearly resulted in a severe crash. Fortunately, nobody was injured, but had this happened after dark or in another place, or with cyclists or pedestrians nearby, things could have been a lot worse, especially given the weight of cars with charging ports. Unfortunately for Volvo, alongside the rearview camera issue mentioned at the outset, owner reports of glitches in other areas have some buyers reconsidering. Worse still, the automaker has been forced to drastically cut its U.S. lineup because of the impact of tariffs. Feds Issue Urgent Warning To Volvo Owners With Hybrids And EVs From 2020-2026 first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
U.S. Waives Penalties for Automakers Missing Fuel Economy Targets Amid Pandemic Challenges
Image used for representational purpose only. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP) (AFP) Check Offers The U.S. government has informed car manufacturers that they will not be required to pay penalties for missing fuel economy targets during the model years 2021 through 2023. According to Reuters, this decision marks a significant reprieve for automakers who were facing potentially high fines due to pandemic-related production disruptions and shifting consumer demand during those years. The announcement came from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which stated that, after a thorough review, it had decided not to apply retroactive penalties under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. These standards are part of federal regulations designed to reduce energy consumption by increasing the fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in the United States. During the early 2020s, automakers were grappling with numerous challenges, including supply chain disruptions, semiconductor shortages, and economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These hurdles made it difficult for many companies to meet their annual fuel efficiency benchmarks, particularly as consumer preference shifted toward larger, less fuel-efficient SUVs and trucks. Industry leaders had argued that applying penalties for past years, especially under such unusual circumstances, would be unfair. Automakers have long sought flexibility in CAFE compliance, especially during years impacted by unforeseen crises. NHTSA's decision not to impose penalties on past model years acknowledges these exceptional conditions and gives the industry more certainty going forward. Under current regulations, automakers who fail to meet the fuel economy requirements can either pay fines or purchase credits from manufacturers that have exceeded their targets. Some companies had begun preparing for significant penalty payments, but NHTSA's recent move eases that burden. While the decision is a relief for the automotive industry in the short term, it does not affect ongoing or future requirements. The Biden administration has set aggressive new fuel efficiency and emissions standards for upcoming years, aiming to encourage a transition to electric vehicles and lower carbon emissions across the transportation sector. In essence, this latest development provides a short-term break for automakers but reinforces the importance of long-term investment in cleaner and more efficient vehicle technologies. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 19 Jul 2025, 11:23 am IST


Motor 1
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'That's Why They're Giving Longer Warranties:' Mechanic Runs Diagnostics on 2023 Hyundai. Then He Gets the 'Death Code'
A viral TikTok clip is once again stirring debate over Hyundai's engine reliability. The problem this time is with a 2023 model and a so-called 'death code' that recommends immediate engine replacement. The clip from Colorado-based Accurate Automotive (@accurateautoinc), which has been viewed more than 1.4 million times, doesn't hold back in presenting a maintenance technician's thoughts on Hyundai's long-running engine problems with a number of its vehicles. 'Their engines are terrible, unfortunately. That's also part of the reason why they're giving longer warranties on their engines,' the tech said when asked if Hyundai engines are still problematic in 2025. Details About Hyundai Engine Problems Hyundai and its corporate cousin, Kia, have spent the better part of the last decade grappling with engine-related problems across millions of vehicles, many of which are centered on their 2.0L and 2.4L Theta II GDI engines. These issues first came into widespread public view in 2015, when both brands recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to premature engine bearing wear that could cause stalling or fires. The problems didn't stop there. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into whether automakers had acted promptly enough on known defects, particularly after a growing number of vehicle fires not associated with crashes were reported. The probe ultimately led to Hyundai and Kia paying a combined $210 million in civil penalties , one of the most significant enforcement actions in NHTSA history. The heart of the issue lies in engine debris and wear inside the Theta II's rotating assembly . Defects in the manufacturing process could restrict oil flow to critical components, such as connecting rod bearings, increasing the risk of a seized engine or fire. In response, Hyundai began installing a Knock Sensor Detection System in affected vehicles. The system is designed to detect early signs of bearing wear and alert drivers before a failure occurs. When triggered, the sensor often sends what the mechanic in the TikTok clip refers to as a 'death code,' recommending immediate engine replacement. Hyundai also significantly expanded its powertrain warranty coverage for affected vehicles and introduced extended warranties for replacement engines, aiming to restore consumer trust and provide coverage for known defects. Are Engines Still Failing in 2025? While Hyundai has taken significant steps to address its engine troubles, persistent complaints suggest that the problem hasn't entirely gone away, at least not in the eyes of mechanics and some owners. In the TikTok video, the technician references a 2023 Hyundai vehicle that triggered a knock sensor code serious enough to require a new engine. That's notable, given that most of the widely reported engine defects were thought to affect vehicles built before 2022. However, there are still active recalls involving Hyundai vehicles as recently as 2023 and 2024. For instance, in October 2023, Hyundai recalled over 3 million vehicles in the US for potential fire risks stemming from brake fluid leaks, faulty anti-lock braking system (ABS) modules, and electrical short circuits, many of which were unrelated to the earlier Theta engine issues but contributed to the company's continued reputation struggles. Still, it's worth noting that newer Hyundai models use updated engine platforms such as the Smartstream G2.5 and G1.6 T-GDi, which have not yet been subject to widespread recalls or confirmed systemic defects. Tips For Hyundai Owners and Buyers If you drive a Hyundai or are considering buying one, the TikTok chatter may sound alarming. However, it's essential to distinguish between internet buzz and practical steps you can take. Many Hyundai vehicles are running smoothly well past the 100,000-mile mark, and the company has implemented several programs to protect owners when issues do arise. Here's what you need to know: Check Your VIN for Recalls: The easiest way to find out if your car is affected by an open recall is to enter your Vehicle Identification Number on the NHTSA recall lookup tool . Hyundai also offers its own recall lookup page . Recalls are typically performed free of charge at a certified dealership, and some campaigns may even include towing and rental assistance. Pay Attention to Warning Lights: In vehicles equipped with the Knock Sensor Detection System—especially those with Theta II engines—a check engine light, combined with a knock sensor code (often described as a P1326 fault), may indicate pre-detonation or internal wear. If this happens, don't ignore it. According to Hyundai's recall materials , continued driving may increase the risk of engine damage. In many cases, dealers will perform a bearing clearance test and replace the engine if needed, often under warranty. Warranty Coverage May Apply: For affected vehicles, Hyundai extended its powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles, even for second owners in some cases. These extensions were part of both recall actions and class-action settlements. Hyundai also has a Lifetime Warranty Registration Program for some vehicles with replaced engines. Coverage varies by model year and campaign, so it's best to contact your dealership with your vehicle's VIN or review the documentation related to recall campaigns. Motor1 reached out to Accurate Automotive via direct message. Now Trending Customer Walks Into Dealership With Bad Credit Score. Then They Get the Highest Interest Rate This Salesman's Ever Seen 'It's Bad:' Los Angeles Woman Heads to Her Mercedes Benz In Parking Lot. Then Firefighters Stop Her Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford's recall problem keeps getting worse—and this one could start fires
Ford is setting records in 2025, but not in a good way. The automaker has already blown by the previous record for having the most safety recalls in a calendar year, and now another major round of recalls is calling the brand's reliability into question. This new tax deduction in Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' lets people cash in on charitable donations up to $2,000. Here's what to know The Platinum Card is about to change. Amex's new fast-format airport lounge might be a sneak preview Southwest Florida's housing market is undergoing a material home price correction—here's why Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You The Insurance Savings You Expect Great Rates and Award-Winning Service On Wednesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Ford will recall 694,271 crossover SUVs due to a fuel leak problem that could cause a fire under the hood. Ford's 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape models with a 1.5-liter engine were named over concerns that their fuel injectors could crack, leaking fuel into the engine compartment, where it could then catch fire. Ongoing concerns The latest recall is the result of a yearlong investigation, and Ford told Reuters that it will cost an estimated $570 million for the company to resolve, a loss that would be reflected in its second-quarter earnings report. Recalls in 2022 and 2024 addressed the same concerns with software updates, but didn't swap out the fuel injectors. The price of Ford shares dipped on the news Wednesday. The NHTSA opened a query into the issue in 2024, prompting the company to reevaluate its recall plan and eventually leading to the broader recall to deal with the injectors themselves, which have been linked to fires even in vehicles with the updated software, Reuters reports. At the time of the prior recalls, Ford said that it was confident the lesser fixes would 'prevent the failure from occurring and protect the customer.' To deal with a separate safety concern, Ford recalled more than 850,000 vehicles earlier in July over worries about the low-pressure fuel pumps in some models, including the Bronco, Explorer, and Lincoln Aviator. The recall notice noted concerns that a loss of fuel pressure and flow could dangerously cause affected vehicles to stall out. Those worries were especially pronounced in warm weather and 'low fuel conditions, and reduced fuel pump internal clearances that result in an increase of internal friction and sensitivity to vapor lock.' Why so many recalls? While going public with vehicle problems certainly makes for bad headlines, Ford's chief operating officer Kumar Galhotra defended the company's unprecedented flurry of recalls in comments to The Wall Street Journal. 'The increase in recalls reflects our intensive strategy to quickly find and fix any hardware and software issues and to go the extra mile to protect customers,' Galhotra said. Last year, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that the company hopes to trim its recall track record by keeping redesigned models for up to six weeks for additional extensive quality checks. That move was expected to put a dent into business in the short term, Farley warned, but the long-term benefits would balance out. 'What we're going to see long term is fewer recalls and lower warranty costs because of this new process,' Farley said in a 2024 earnings call. Since joining Ford in 2020, after two decades at Toyota—a car brand synonymous with reliability—Farley has reportedly crusaded to up the automaker's quality game. Ford test-drove the new process with a redesigned version of its best-selling model, the F-150 pickup. After holding onto 60,000 fully built vehicles for weeks, the company rooted out issues that would have led to 12 recalls, including assembly problems and software bugs. The company followed suit with updated versions of the Explorer, Bronco, and Maverick. 'We are somewhere in the middle of the pack, and obviously we're not happy with being in the middle of the pack,' Galhotra told Bloomberg last year. 'The goal is to move very rapidly to catch Toyota.' If all goes as planned, Ford's new process will reduce recalls for new models as they hit the streets. Ford vehicles already on the road won't benefit from the additional testing period and are still leading to costly recalls, as recent headlines make clear. Vehicle recalls have been on the rise in recent years. Between 2013 and 2023, recalls shot up by 43%, according to data from the NHTSA. The increased technological complexity in modern cars means that more things can go wrong, but automakers are also being more proactive in recalling vehicles over potential problems before they can become serious down the road. Even with recalls rising across the board, Ford still stands out. Since 2020, the company has held the ignominious title of being the most-recalled car manufacturer in the U.S. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford recalls over 694,000 vehicles due to potential fuel injector issue
Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of 694,271 vehicles globally due to a potential issue with the fuel injector that may crack and lead to underhood fires. The recall affects certain models of the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Ford Escape, with 1.5L engines. The fuel injectors were supplied by Italy-based Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies, according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall report. The NHTSA has reported that the fuel injectors could allow fuel or vapor to accumulate near ignition sources. The agency estimates that approximately 0.3% of the vehicles may have this defect. 'We estimate the aggregate cost of the action, based on the remedy options we are evaluating, to be about $570m and will be reflected in our second quarter 2025 results", the company said in a SEC filing. According to the NHTSA, a fuel leak may lead to a fuel odour both outside and inside the vehicle. Customers might also observe smoke or flames from the engine compartment or underbody, or receive warnings from the instrument cluster if there is a fire. The company's field review committee (FRC) approved Field Service Actions (FSA) 22S73/22V859 in November 2022 and 24S16/24V187 March 2024 for addressing the underhood fire risk. For both recalls, the remedy involves updating the engine control software to detect a cracked fuel injector and implementing a strategy to 'disable the high-pressure fuel pump', 'derate engine power', and minimise temperatures in the engine compartment. An additional tube will also be installed to enable fuel to drain away from potential ignition sources. Further, Ford's FRC approved FSA 25S21/25V165 in March this year to address vehicles that did not receive the software update correctly. Last April, the NHTSA opened a recall query questioning the adequacy of the remedy, as they believe it does not address the root cause and does not proactively replace defective fuel injectors. Ford responded to the query in May and June 2024. This month, Ford's FRC decided to initiate a safety recall with 'a to-be-determined remedy' for the vehicles earlier recalled and an additional population of vehicles with the 1.5L engine. Ford noted that it has detected eight vehicles that experienced underhood fires, with six not having the updated engine control software. The company said it is 'aware of no allegations of injuries' related to these eight fires. The final remedy is currently 'under development', and once available, owners will be notified by mail to have the service performed at a Ford or Lincoln dealer at no charge. Last year, Ford agreed to pay $165m civil penalty following a US government investigation that concluded the company failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras. "Ford recalls over 694,000 vehicles due to potential fuel injector issue" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data