Car recalls: Why they happen and what buyers should know
Why do car recalls happen? Here’s what to know if your car has an open recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued multiple recalls last week, including notices for nearly 600,000 Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet vehicles.
Are you looking to see if any recalls were issued on your vehicle? If the car isn’t listed below, owners can check USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or search NHTSA’s database for new recalls. The NHTSA website allows you to search for recalls based on your vehicle identification number, or VIN.
Here’s what you need to know about the vehicle recalls published by NHTSA from April 28 to May 4.
GM recalls multiple models for potential engine failure
General Motors recalled some Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 engine as the engines may fail.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure, according to the recall notice.
The recalled vehicles include:
- 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade
- 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2021-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2021-2024 GMC Yukon
- 2021-2024 GMC Yukon XL
Drivers may notice some warning signs before engine failure, including a knocking or banging sound from the engine, the check engine light turning on, or other engine performance issues.
Dealers are to inspect the engine and repair or replace the engine as necessary for free. Vehicles that pass the inspection will have services performed on them, free of charge. Notification letters are to be mailed June 9.
Affected vehicles: 597,571
Fords, Lincolns recalled for faulty rearview camera
Ford Motor Company recalled certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles for potentially faulty rearview cameras and displays.
The company recalled Ford Broncos as they may have a 360-degree view camera that “may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.” A group of 2015 vehicles were pulled in a separate recall as they may have a faulty terminal header connector in their “rearview camera printed circuit board,” which causes a blank or distorted image.
The vehicles covered under the recalls include:
- 2015 Ford Expedition
- 2015 Ford F-250
- 2015 Ford F-350
- 2015 Ford F-450
- 2015 Lincoln MKC
- 2015 Lincoln Navigator
- 2022 Ford Bronco
- 2023 Ford Bronco
Dealers are to replace the cameras free of charge and notification letters are to be sent May 5.
Affected vehicles: 289,618
Polestar recalls Polestar 2s for faulty rearview camera
Polestar recalled some of its 2021-2025 Polestar 2 vehicles as they may have a rearview camera image that does not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
The company said that there is a synchronization error between the Parking Assist Camera and the Infotainment Head Unit resulting in a “Camera is temporarily unavailable” message, according to the recall report.
Dealers are to update the vehicle software, free of charge, and notification letters are expected to be mailed June 19.
Affected vehicles: 27,816
Volkswagen recalls 2025 ID. BUZZes for lack of seat belts
Volkswagen recalled certain 2025 ID. BUZZ vehicles as they have a third-row rear bench that is wide enough for three passengers but is designed for two passengers and equipped with two seat belts, according to the NHTSA.
Dealers are to install trim to adjust the width of the third-row rear seats, free of charge.
Notification letters are to be sent June 20.
Affected vehicles: 5,637
Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY
