Drivers of several major car brands have been issued urgent warnings and 'do not drive' notices following a series of significant safety recalls in the United States. The actions, coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affect more than 430,000 vehicles from manufacturers including Ford, BMW, Honda, and Chrysler.
Ford's Major Rollaway Risk
Ford is recalling more than 272,000 vehicles due to a software fault that could cause them to roll away unexpectedly. The issue means the affected models do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 114, which covers theft protection and rollaway prevention.
The recall covers certain 2022-2026 F-150 Lightning electric vehicles, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-E SUVs, and 2025-2026 Maverick trucks. Ford has warned that a loss of the 'park' function significantly increases the risk of an accident. The company stated the faulty software can be fixed with an 'over-the-air' update sent remotely or by visiting a dealer. This recall is identified by Ford as number 25C69.
Honda, Chrysler, and BMW Face Separate Critical Issues
Other manufacturers are confronting different but equally serious problems. Honda is recalling 70,658 Acura ILX vehicles from model years 2016 to 2020. The issue involves potentially contaminated brake fluid that may cause a seal to deform, leading to a leak and reduced braking performance. Honda will replace the brake master cylinder free of charge and plans to notify owners by February 2, 2026.
Chrysler's recall impacts over 52,500 vehicles, including various 2025 Ram heavy-duty pickup and chassis cab trucks. A software error may cause the instrument panel to go blank during startup or while driving. This failure to display gear selection or brake warnings increases crash risk, according to the NHTSA. Dealers will update or replace the software at no cost.
BMW is recalling 36,922 X3 vehicles from the 2025-2026 model years. The problem involves the steering torque sensor, where a malfunction could cause unexpected steering wheel movement even when the car is stationary. Both the X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive variants are affected.
Immediate Actions for Drivers
The scale of these recalls has led to stark warnings for owners. Some have been told to stop driving their vehicles immediately until repairs are made. Owners of affected models should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the manufacturer's or NHTSA's website and follow the provided instructions to schedule a free repair at an authorised dealership.
These incidents highlight the increasing complexity of vehicle software and the critical role of prompt safety recalls. Drivers are urged to take all recall notices seriously to ensure their safety and that of other road users.
