The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued several key recalls last week, affecting over 304,000 vehicles. Among these recalls, Volkswagen is recalling nearly 115,000 cars due to a potential airbag safety issue. If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is impacted, you can check the NHTSA’s recall database using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or explore USA TODAY’s recall tool for the most up-to-date information.
Here’s a summary of the most significant recalls announced from November 3 to November 9:
Volkswagen Recall: Risk of Airbag Inflator 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-side airbag inflator may degrade over time due to exposure to high humidity and temperature fluctuations, potentially causing it to explode.
- Risk: If the inflator bursts, it could release sharp metal fragments that may injure the driver or passengers, presenting a serious risk of injury or even death.
- Action: Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag module at no cost.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be sent by December 27.
- Volkswagen Customer Service: 1-800-893-5298
- Recall Numbers: 69EG, 69GQ
Mazda Recalls: Several Issues with CX-70 and CX-90 Models
Mazda issued multiple recalls for its 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 models:
- Loss of Drive Power in EV Mode:
- Affected Vehicles: 14,902 2024 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Mazda CX-70 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
- Issue: An issue with the inverter software can cause a malfunction indicator light to appear and may result in a loss of power while driving in electric vehicle (EV) mode.
- Risk: A loss of power while driving could increase the likelihood of a crash.
- Action: Mazda will update the inverter software at no charge to owners.
- Recall Notification: Notification letters will be sent by December 30.
- Mazda Customer Service: 1-800-222-5500, Option 6
- Recall Number: 7024J
- Powertrain and Engine Control Software Issue:
- Affected Vehicles: 31,488 Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 models
- Issue: The powertrain control module (PCM) and engine control module (ECM) software may cause the malfunction indicator light to illuminate and lead to a loss of drive power.
- Risk: This could affect vehicle performance, potentially leading to a crash.
- Action: Dealers will reprogram the PCM and ECM software free of charge.
- Recall Notification: Owners will be notified by December 30.
- Mazda Customer Service: 1-800-222-5500, Option 6
- Recall Number: 7024J
- Instrument Cluster and Display Malfunction:
- Affected Vehicles: 80,915 2024-2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Mazda CX-70
- Issue: A malfunction in the Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU) may affect important vehicle functions such as the defroster, seat belt warnings, 360-degree view monitor, and the high-voltage battery cooling system.
- Risk: A malfunctioning ESU could impair these safety systems, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
- Action: Dealers will reprogram the ESU with updated software at no cost to owners.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be sent by December 30.
- Mazda Customer Service: 1-800-222-5500, Option 6
- Recall Number: 7124J
Porsche Recall: Potential for Wheel Detachment
Affected Vehicles: 1,851 Porsche vehicles
- Models Affected: 2024 Porsche 911, 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS
- Issue: The center lock wheel bolts may be defective, potentially causing the wheels to detach from the vehicle.
- Risk: A detached wheel could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Action: Porsche recommends that owners stop driving the affected vehicles until repairs are made. Dealers will inspect and replace the faulty wheel bolts.
- Recall Notification: Owners will receive letters by December 27.
- Porsche Customer Service: 1-800-767-7243
- Recall Number: ARC4
BMW Recall: Passenger Safety Concern
Affected Vehicles: 3,312 BMW vehicles
- Models Affected: 2025 BMW X1 xDrive28i, 2025 BMW X1 M35i
- Issue: The B-pillar reinforcement plates may have insufficient strength, compromising the vehicle’s crash protection for passengers.
- Risk: In the event of a collision, the weakened B-pillar could fail to provide adequate protection to passengers, raising the risk of injury.
- Action: BMW is working on a solution to reinforce the affected parts.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be sent by December 27.
- BMW Customer Service: 1-800-525-7417
Honda Motorcycle Recall: Engine Stalling 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, potentially causing the engine to stall and locking the rear wheel.
- Risk: Engine stalling and rear wheel lockup significantly increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Action: Honda dealers will replace the defective drive gear bolt at no cost.
- Recall Notification: Letters will be sent by December 20.
- Honda Customer Service: 1-866-784-1870
- Recall Number: KQ9
What You Need to Do
If you own one of the affected vehicles, it’s important to take immediate action. Check the NHTSA’s website to verify if your car, truck, or motorcycle is on the recall list. Manufacturers will provide free repairs, so make sure to schedule any necessary fixes to ensure your safety on the road.
Stay informed, stay safe, and don’t hesitate to contact your vehicle’s customer service line for additional guidance.