Car recalls are put in place to protect drivers and pedestrians on and off the road. If a car keeps being recalled, it could be classified as a lemon. Manufacturers must ensure a car is safe to operate before selling it to the public. If it proves unsafe, they must take immediate action. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you’re seriously hurt due to a car defect. If your car turns out to be a lemon without any remedy, you may also be entitled to compensation under California lemon law. Meeting with a Los Angeles car accident attorney can help you figure out if you have a case to recover medical bills or car replacement costs.
How are Cars Recalled?
A manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) submits a recall when they become aware that a vehicle does not meet federal safety standards or poses a safety risk to drivers and passengers. This can happen when the manufacturer discovers a defect or when drivers report the same or similar defects.
All car manufacturers are legally required to notify all owners about a recall and provide them with the opportunity to repair or replace their vehicles.
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What are Common Car Defects?
Car recalls happen for various reasons, and a car can be recalled for either minor or serious problems.
Seats – A defective seat can leave the driver without a protective barrier against a car accident. It can lead to serious injuries or death to everyone in the car.
Tires – Faulty tires and tire stems can lead to a blowout that can lead to loss of control and an accident.
Steering – Problems with any of the steering components can lead to losing control of the vehicle, putting yourself and others at risk on the road.
Airbags – If an airbag unexpectedly deploys, it can lead to serious injuries or even death. The same can happen if airbags fail to activate during a car crash.
Wiring – Cars run on batteries to get an electrical current. If there is a problem with the wiring, this can lead the car to shut off in the middle of driving. In the best-case scenario, your car will not start.
Seatbelts – Seatbelts save an average of 15,000 lives per year. Having a faulty seatbelt can not only lead to serious injury, but your chances of dying in a car accident double.
Computers – Cars have internal computers. Modern cars use them for self-driving modes, GPS, and cameras. They also control your engine, ignition, and fuel economy. Issues with any of these areas can lead to danger.
Fuel Systems – Cars that need fuel to drive must have functional fuel systems or else they run the risk of catching fire or exploding.
Which Cars Have Been Recalled in Spring 2026?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) consistently updates their website to reflect the current recalled cars. It also allows drivers to check if their car is a part of a Do Not Drive notice. Visit the NHTSA website to check if your car is a part of a recall or Do Not Drive list.
- 2020-2026 Hyundai Palisade models may have defective airbags
- 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Kia K4 models may have defective seat belts that do not latch
- 2025 Kia Telluride models may have broken driver and/or passenger seats
- 2021-2024 Lincoln Navigator SUVs and Ford Expedition models as well as 2022 & 2023 Ford Super Duty pickups may have defective windshield wipers
- Select Ford Explorers and Escapes, as well as Lincoln Aviators and Corsairs have a windshield recall.
- The 2021-2023 Ford Edge and Explorer and Lincoln Navigator and Corsair rear view cameras invert footage and on-screen buttons.
- The 2020-2026 Ford and Lincoln SUVs may have backup cameras that either flip the camera or fail to show footage.
- The 2022-2026 Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager minivans may have defective side curtain airbags.
- The 2021-2024 Toyota Highlanders and Highlander Hybrids rear seatbelts may not properly lock.
- The 2015-2022 Lexus RC, 2016-2020 Lexus GS, and 2022 Lexus IS have a faulty fuel pump.
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FAQ
My Car Was Recalled. What Do I Do?
Federal law states manufacturers must provide consumers with a free remedy in a timely manner. This can be either through free repairs, free vehicle replacement, or a refund. According to federal law, manufacturers must make all owners of the recalled vehicles aware of a location to take their car in for service.
Can I Sue Over a Recall?
If you were injured in a car accident because of an unreported car defect, you may have a case. It’s best to speak with a Los Angeles car accident attorney before moving forward. Since car defects affect a wide range of people, many vehicle related lawsuits turn into class action lawsuits or mass torts to hold the manufacturers responsible.
Can I Join a Class Action Lawsuit?
If you’ve used a product or service and received a letter in the mail about a class action lawsuit, you could qualify. However, if you’re looking to understand your rights and demand compensation, regardless of whether others have experienced similar injuries, it’s best to contact a Los Angles car accident attorney to schedule a free consultation.
What’s the Difference Between a Recalled Car and a Lemon?
Not all recalls mean your car is a lemon, but all lemons start with recalls. Lemons are cars that repeatedly fail to meet safety standards even after multiple attempts at repair. In California, we have laws that protect new car owners that have cars registered with the state. If a car is classified as a lemon, it’s because you’ve taken the car in for repairs various times over the same issue without a change in condition within the first 18 months of delivery or 18,000 miles, whichever happens first.
My Car’s Manufacturer Gave Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
If you’re unsure about a manufacturer’s offer, feel free to bring the unsigned offer to a Los Angeles car accident attorney for a consultation. This way you can get any questions you may have answered before you commit.
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At Vaziri Law, our attorneys have worked with drivers injured due to car recalls for decades. We never let you deal with the stress of a car accident alone. If you have questions about your recall or if you’re having problems with a recalled or lemon car, our team at Vaziri Law, LLP, can help you. Contact us today to learn if you qualify for compensation!
