Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced multiple recalls, impacting more than 304,000 vehicles across various automakers. Among the most significant recalls is a safety alert from Volkswagen involving nearly 115,000 vehicles due to a potential airbag issue. If you’re wondering whether your vehicle is affected, you can easily check by searching the NHTSA database using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or visit USA TODAY’s automotive recall database for the latest updates.
Below is a summary of the recalls announced between November 3 and November 9:
Volkswagen Recall: Risk of Airbag Explosion
Affected Vehicles: 114,478 Volkswagen cars
- Models Affected: 2017-2019 Volkswagen Beetle, 2017-2019 Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, 2006-2007 Passat Sedan
- Issue: The driver’s side frontal airbag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation caused by prolonged exposure to heat and humidity.
- Risk: An explosion could result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, potentially causing serious injuries or even fatalities.
- Action: Volkswagen will replace the driver-side airbag module at no cost to affected owners.
- Recall Notification: Owners will receive notification letters by December 27.
- Volkswagen Customer Service: 1-800-893-5298
- Recall Numbers: 69EG, 69GQ
Mazda Recalls: Multiple Issues with CX-70 and CX-90 Models
Mazda issued a series of recalls for its 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles, addressing several safety-related concerns:
- Loss of Power in EV Mode:
- Affected Vehicles: 14,902 2024 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
- Issue: Faulty inverter software could trigger a malfunction indicator light and cause a loss of power in electric vehicle (EV) mode.
- Risk: A loss of drive power could increase the likelihood of a crash.
- Action: Dealers will install updated inverter software at no cost.
- Recall Notification: Owners will be notified by December 30.
- Mazda Customer Service: 1-800-222-5500, Option 6
- Recall Number: 7024J
- Software Glitch in Powertrain and Engine Control Modules:
- Affected Vehicles: 31,488 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 models
- Issue: A problem with the powertrain control module (PCM) and engine control module (ECM) software may trigger the malfunction indicator light and cause a loss of drive power.
- Risk: This issue could compromise vehicle performance and safety, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Action: Mazda dealers will reprogram the affected software free of charge.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be sent by December 30.
- Mazda Customer Service: 1-800-222-5500, Option 6
- Recall Number: 7024J
- Instrument Cluster and Display Malfunctions:
- Affected Vehicles: 80,915 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Mazda CX-70
- Issue: The Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU) may fail, causing malfunctions with critical features like the defroster, seat belt warning, and 360-degree view monitor.
- Risk: A malfunctioning ESU could interfere with important safety functions, heightening the risk of a crash.
- Action: Dealers will reprogram the ESU with updated software.
- Recall Notification: Owners will be notified by December 30.
- Mazda Customer Service: 1-800-222-5500, Option 6
- Recall Number: 7124J
Porsche Recall: Wheel Detachment Risk
Affected Vehicles: 1,851 Porsche cars
- Models Affected: 2024 Porsche 911, 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS
- Issue: The center lock wheel bolts may fracture, leading to a risk of wheel detachment.
- Risk: If the wheel detaches, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Action: Porsche recommends owners stop driving affected vehicles until repairs are made. Dealers will inspect the wheel bolts and replace any defective parts.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be mailed by December 27.
- Porsche Customer Service: 1-800-767-7243
- Recall Number: ARC4
BMW Recall: Structural Integrity Concern
Affected Vehicles: 3,312 BMW cars
- Models Affected: 2025 BMW X1 xDrive28i, 2025 BMW X1 M35i
- Issue: The B-pillar reinforcement plates may have been manufactured with insufficient strength, reducing crash protection for passengers.
- Risk: In the event of a crash, the weakened B-pillar may fail to adequately protect passengers, increasing the risk of injury.
- Action: BMW is working on a remedy to strengthen the affected structures.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be sent by December 27.
- BMW Customer Service: 1-800-525-7417
Honda Motorcycle Recall: Engine Stall and Rear Wheel Lockup
Affected Vehicles: 18,196 Honda motorcycles
- Models Affected: 2018-2021 Honda GL1800 Goldwing
- Issue: The primary drive gear bolt on the crankshaft may break, causing the engine to stall and the rear wheel to lock up.
- Risk: Stalling and rear wheel lockup can lead to a crash or injury.
- Action: Honda dealers will replace the faulty primary drive gear bolt at no cost to the owners.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be sent by December 20.
- Honda Customer Service: 1-866-784-1870
- Recall Number: KQ9
If your vehicle is on the recall list, it’s crucial to take prompt action to address any safety concerns. You can check the NHTSA website for additional details or contact the vehicle manufacturer directly. Ensuring your car is repaired promptly can help protect you and your passengers while on the road.