Weekly Automobile & Motorcycle Safety Recalls | Sep 7, 2026
Five minutes checking your VIN beats a lifetime fighting an insurance company after a defect causes a crash. Here’s what NHTSA and manufacturers filed this week, and what it means if you’re driving in Nevada or California.
Ford dominated this week’s recall filings with three separate campaigns covering more than 158,000 vehicles, all tied to problems that can cut engine power while you’re driving. NHTSA also logged new recalls for utility bucket trucks with a delayed-braking defect, a fleet of CNG-powered garbage trucks, new Peterbilt and Kenworth work trucks, and a school bus seat belt defect — a pointed reminder as buses returned to Las Vegas and Southern California streets this month. None of this week’s recalls carry a “do not drive” order, but a car that loses power at highway speed is its own kind of emergency, and recall letters can sit in a manufacturer’s mailroom for weeks before they reach you. If you own any of the vehicles below, check NHTSA’s VIN lookup today rather than waiting on the mail.
This Week’s Biggest Recall
2024–2026 Ford Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport & Ranger: Three Recalls, One Root Problem — Power Loss (NHTSA #26V547, #26V548, #26V550)
Ford filed three separate recalls this week that all boil down to the same danger: the engine can lose power without warning. The largest, covering 148,663 Mustangs, involves engine-compartment wiring where hardened adhesive from heat-shrink tubing keeps ground terminals from sitting flush, and normal engine vibration can eventually snap the connection, according to Fox Business’s report on the recall. A broken ground can kill drive power, headlights, the windshield washer, or the air conditioning all at once — a serious problem if it happens on the freeway. A second recall covers 10,001 2026 Explorers, Broncos, Bronco Sports, Rangers, and Mustangs built with engine pistons machined at a supplier plant where tool damage went undetected, and Ford says the piston dome can crack and break apart during normal driving, per Rolling Out’s recall coverage. A much smaller third recall covers 23 examples of the 2026 Maverick, F-150, and Bronco Sport with an improperly torqued structural joint.
What to do: For the wiring recall, dealers will replace the ground terminals at no cost, though the fix isn’t expected to be widely available until March 2027 — letters started mailing August 31. For the piston recall, dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the entire engine long block at no cost; interim letters began going out September 4, with full repairs expected by December 2026. Call Ford at 1-866-436-7332 and reference recall 26C40 (wiring) or 26S61 (pistons). If your Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, Bronco Sport, or Ranger stalls, loses power, or drops accessories like headlights or A/C while driving, don’t wait for a letter — get it looked at now.
Other Major Recalls Filed This Week
2027 Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX2 & EFX2: Seat Belt Anchors May Not Meet Strength Standard (NHTSA #26V546)
Daimler Truck North America is recalling new Thomas Built school buses because the seat belt anchor points don’t meet federal joint-strength and anchorage requirements, a defect that could let a belt let go in a crash instead of holding a rider in place. With buses back on Las Vegas and Southern California roads for the new school year, this is worth flagging for any district or contractor running these models.
What to do: Dealers will inspect and reinforce the affected anchor points at no cost. Fleet operators should contact Thomas Built Buses through their servicing dealer to confirm which units are covered.
2019–2026 Altec Digger Derricks & Bucket Trucks: Braking System May React Late (NHTSA #26V541)
Altec Industries is recalling 55 utility trucks — including AN Series, AA Series, AM Series, and Digger Derrick models — because a miscalibrated collision-mitigation system can delay braking response, according to FleetOwner’s recall roundup. A utility truck that brakes late while working near traffic or a job site is a hazard to the crew and everyone around it.
What to do: Technicians will update and recalibrate the collision-mitigation system parameters at no cost. Owner notification is expected by October 16, 2026.
2016–2026 Heil Front-Loader Garbage Trucks: CNG Tank Fire Risk (NHTSA #26V535)
Heil Company is recalling 654 compressed natural gas garbage trucks equipped with replacement tailgate ladder kits, warning that a damaged CNG tank can leak fuel and raise the risk of fire. The defect is tied specifically to a bracket in the ladder kit that can contact and damage the tank.
What to do: Dealers will replace the ladder bracket at no cost. Owner notification is expected by October 8, 2026.
2027 Peterbilt 567/579/589 & Kenworth T680/T880/W990: Seat Wiring Short-Circuit Risk (NHTSA #26V544)
Paccar is recalling 811 new Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks because a missing heat-shrink sleeve on the seat ventilation wiring harness can allow a short circuit, creating an electrical fire risk inside the cab.
What to do: Dealers will replace the affected wiring harnesses at no cost. Owner notification is expected by October 20, 2026.
This Week’s Recall for Motorcycle Riders
No new motorcycle campaign hit NHTSA’s books this week. The one still worth every rider’s attention is the 2024–2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R crankshaft bushing recall (NHTSA #25V798): more than 20,000 units carry a “do not ride” warning because over-tightened crankshaft bolts can damage the No. 5 bushing and seize the engine mid-ride, and Kawasaki still hasn’t finalized a fix or a notification schedule. If you own one of these bikes, that warning still applies today — call Kawasaki at (855) 878-4217 for the latest.
Critical Recalls Still Open
These campaigns are from prior weeks, still unrepaired for many owners, and worth a second look if you haven’t acted yet:
- 2026–2027 Jeep, Ram, Chrysler & Dodge (844,027 vehicles) — the rearview camera recall covering most 2026 Jeep and Ram models, plus the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger, moved from “filed” to “active” this week: owner notification letters started mailing September 1. If you own one of these vehicles, don’t wait for yours to arrive — check your VIN and get the free software update now.
- 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler & Gladiator — a power steering wiring defect creates a fire risk “even when the vehicle is turned off.” Over 1 million vehicles are affected, with 51 fires and one injury reported so far, and no repair is available yet — Jeep is telling owners to park outside.
- 2024–2025 Toyota Tacoma & Tacoma Hybrid — 48,280 trucks are under recall for a shock absorber reservoir that can corrode and detach, cutting suspension damping without warning. Letters are mailing in phases through early October.
- 2021 Ford Expedition & Lincoln Navigator — faulty seat belt pretensioners may fail to restrain occupants in a crash; nearly 420,000 vehicles are covered.
- 2021 Ford Expedition & Lincoln Navigator (separate campaign) — a circuit board in the battery junction box can short out, with at least 16 fires documented, often while the vehicle was parked and off.
- 2020–2024 Kia Telluride — nearly 463,000 SUVs are under a second recall for the same front power-seat switch fire risk, since Kia’s first fix didn’t fully solve it. Park outside until it’s repaired.
- 2021–2026 Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor — abrasion in the engine-compartment wiring harness can spark a fire; Ford has documented 15 incidents so far. More than 565,000 vehicles are affected, and owner letters finished mailing August 28, 2026.
- 2021–2025 BMW X3, 3 Series, X4, 5 Series, 2 Series, 4 Series, Z4 & Toyota Supra — a worn starter component can let metallic debris build up and trigger a thermal event. It’s BMW’s latest starter-related campaign this year, covering 318,495 vehicles.
FAQ: This Week’s Auto & Motorcycle Recalls
What is the biggest recall this week?
Ford’s trio of power-loss recalls, together covering more than 158,000 Mustangs, Explorers, Broncos, Bronco Sports, and Rangers. The largest single campaign, 148,663 Mustangs, involves engine wiring that can fracture and cut power, lights, or air conditioning while driving.
Which recalls this week involve a fire risk?
The Heil garbage truck recall (26V535) covers a CNG tank that can leak fuel near an ignition source, and the Paccar Peterbilt/Kenworth recall (26V544) covers a wiring short-circuit risk in the seat. Several older but still-open campaigns also involve fire risk, including the Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator power steering wiring defect, the Ford Bronco wiring harness recall, the BMW starter recall, and the Kia Telluride seat switch recall.
Is my Ford Mustang included in the wiring recall?
It covers 2024–2026 Mustangs built between September 7, 2022, and June 9, 2026. Check your VIN on NHTSA’s site to confirm, since not every build date is affected.
Should I stop driving my Explorer, Bronco, or Ranger over the piston recall?
Not automatically — only 10,001 vehicles nationwide carry the defective pistons, and Ford will contact affected owners directly. If your vehicle loses power, stalls, or runs roughly, stop driving it and call your dealer rather than waiting for a letter.
Are recall repairs really free?
Yes. Federal law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to the owner, including parts, labor, and in most cases a loaner or rental if the fix takes more than a day.
Were there any motorcycle recalls filed this week?
No new campaigns were filed this week. Riders on a 2024–2026 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R should still treat the existing “do not ride” advisory as active — Kawasaki has not yet released a fix.
What’s happening with last week’s 844,000-vehicle Jeep and Ram camera recall?
It’s now active. Chrysler began mailing owner notification letters on September 1, and the fix — a free software update — is available at dealers and, in many cases, over the air.
Can I still bring a claim if the recall came out after my crash?
Often, yes. A recall filing, called a Part 573 report, documents what the manufacturer knew and when. If your crash happened before the recall was announced, that filing can become evidence that the defect existed and the manufacturer was — or should have been — aware of it.
What if I bought my car used and never got a recall notice?
Recall notices follow the vehicle’s title, not the original owner, but manufacturers don’t always have your current mailing address. Check your VIN directly on NHTSA’s site rather than waiting on mail that may never arrive.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Has an Open Recall
- Go to NHTSA’s recall search and enter your 17-character VIN — it’s free, instant, and pulls directly from manufacturer filings.
- Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
- Use the SaferCar mobile app to check your vehicle and sign up for future recall alerts.
- Call your dealer directly with your VIN — they can check and schedule the repair in the same call.
Don’t stop at checking — follow through. NHTSA’s own data shows a large share of vehicles with open recalls never get repaired, often because owners check once and never book the appointment.
What If a Defective Vehicle Caused Your Accident?
A recall letter arriving after your crash doesn’t mean you’re out of options. When a manufacturer knew — or should have known — about a defect before it hurt you, that’s not just a mechanical problem. It’s evidence. Insurance companies will still try to pin a defect-caused crash on driver error, because that’s cheaper for them than acknowledging a manufacturer’s design or production failure. You don’t have to take their word for it, and you don’t have to fight that battle alone.
If a wiring defect, a faulty piston, a seat belt, or any other defective component contributed to your crash in Nevada or California, Sam & Ash Injury Law will dig into the recall history, the complaint data, and the manufacturer’s own filings to build your case. Consultations are free, available 24/7, and you owe nothing unless we win. Call Nevada at 702-857-6566, California at 949-694-3120, or our general line at 1-877-658-9951. The first conversation is free, and so is the honesty. Stay safe out there, and check your VIN before you check anything else.
Related Resources
- Road Conditions in Orange County, Los Angeles & Southern California
- Road & Weather Conditions in Las Vegas & Reno, Nevada
- Internal Bleeding After an Accident or Injury
We post updated recall blogs weekly. Sources: the official NHTSA detailed recall summary of August 24, 2026; NHTSA’s recall lookup and Motorcycle Safety pages; NHTSA’s April 2026 Report to Congress on Improving Vehicle Safety Recall Completion Rates; the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s road debris research; Toyota’s USA Newsroom; Trucks, Parts, Service; autoevolution; Autoblog; Carscoops; CarBuzz; Motor1; BMWBLOG; Kelley Blue Book; Cars.com; GM Authority; Consumer Reports; WardsAuto; MoparInsiders; BizzyCar’s Q2 2026 Recall Report; and AutoInsurance.com’s analysis of NHTSA recall data. Always verify your specific vehicle’s recall status at NHTSA.gov/recalls. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
