Recent actions by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have led to the recall of nearly 200,000 vehicles from major automakers like Honda, Ford, and BMW. These recalls address significant safety issues that could potentially increase the risk of accidents. Vehicle owners are urged to check whether their vehicles are affected and take necessary actions as recommended by the manufacturers.
Safety First: Honda’s Rearview Camera Malfunction
A significant portion of these recalls involves Honda Ridgeline trucks, with over 187,000 units from the 2020 to 2024 model years being called back due to a critical issue with the rearview camera. According to the NHTSA, the tailgate wire harness of the camera may become obsolete and break, preventing the display of the rearview image. This malfunction could obscure the driver’s view of obstacles behind the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of collisions.
To address this issue, Honda dealers will replace the faulty rearview camera tailgate wire harness at no cost to the owners. Vehicle owners can expect to receive notification letters by July 1. For further assistance, Honda service can be reached at 1-888-234-2138, referencing recall number YI7.
BMW’s Seatbelt Alert Error
BMW has issued a recall for 3,256 vehicles across several 2024 and 2025 models due to a seatbelt malfunction. The affected models include the 2024 XM, 2025 X5 (various models), 2025 X6 (various models), and the 2025 Alpina XB7. The defect lies in the seat belt system’s failure to detect whether passengers are belted, potentially leading to non-activation of the seat belt warning light and the supplemental restraint system (SRS). This oversight can fail to provide adequate protection to the passengers in the event of a crash.
BMW plans to rectify this issue by inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the front seat lower seat belts for free. Owners of the impacted models will be notified starting July 5 and can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for more information.
Ford’s Software Glitch Leads to Unexpected Gear Shifts
Ford is also grappling with a software issue that affects 8,727 vehicles, including the 2020-2022 Ford Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022-2024 Ford Maverick. The problem stems from the hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM) software, which may erroneously shift the vehicle into neutral, leading to a sudden loss of drive power. This unexpected shift could significantly increase the risk of a crash.
Affected owners will receive a software update for their HPCM free of charge. Notification letters are slated to be sent out on May 23. Ford’s customer service can be contacted at 1-866-436-7332, and the recall number is 24S33.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Recalled
Vehicle owners concerned about whether their cars are impacted by these or any other recalls can visit the NHTSA’s official website and use their vehicle identification number (VIN) to search for active recalls. Alternatively, USA TODAY’s automotive recall database also provides up-to-date information on vehicle recalls.
The series of callback underscores the importance of manufacturers adhering to safety norms and regulations to protect consumers. Vehicle owners are encouraged to take prompt action to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
