An engine that quits at speed or a drivetrain that suddenly goes slack takes away steering assist, braking assist and the ability to keep up with traffic. NHTSA recall campaigns this year trace such failures to fuel pumps, driveshafts, electrical grounds and software. Here are twelve of them, from one covering hundreds of thousands of cars to some with only a few thousand.
Tech news in one quick read: Get the most interesting stories in startups, tech and programming, each with a short TLDR, in one daily email from TLDR.
We may earn a commission if you sign up.
1. Ford Focus: Purge Valve Trouble

A NHTSA recall report covers 257,868 Ford Focus cars from 2012-2018. A canister purge valve may malfunction, the filing notes that an earlier repair under campaign 18V735 was incorrect, and the result can be an engine stall.
Owners who had the earlier repair done should not assume the issue was settled. A VIN check at NHTSA.gov shows the open campaign, and the dealer can redo the work. Repairs under a recall campaign are performed at no charge to the owner.
2. Ford Mustang: Ground Wires Fracture

A federal recall notice covers 148,663 Ford Mustangs from 2024-2026. Harness ground connections may fracture, causing power loss along with loss of lighting, washer, A/C and fan functions.
The mix of symptoms is a useful clue. Sudden dimming lights or a dead climate fan on one of these coupes is worth reporting to a dealer, and a VIN check will confirm eligibility. Owners are normally notified by mail, but looking up the VIN directly is faster than waiting for a letter.
3. Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: Powertrain Shuts Down

A NHTSA campaign record covers 30,978 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrids from the 2026 model year. A motor generator ECU error can shut the powertrain down at speed.
Because these are current-year vehicles, most owners are still under warranty and in regular contact with a dealer. Asking about the software or module repair at the next service visit is sensible. Keeping the service paperwork from the repair is a good idea in case of a later resale.
4. Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Driveshaft Joint Breaks

A federal recall filing covers 24,092 vehicles, the 2018-2020 Mercedes-Benz E 400 and E 450 4MATIC plus Maybach S 560 and S 450 4MATIC sedans. A driveshaft universal joint may break, causing sudden power loss.
A failing joint often announces itself with vibration before it quits. Owners who notice new shudders at highway speed should have the car inspected and confirm the recall status by VIN. Repairs under a recall campaign are performed at no charge to the owner.
5. Jaguar F-Pace: Converter Overload

A NHTSA recall listing covers 23,677 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, with the 2021-2024 F-Pace among them. A DC-DC converter may overload, and loss of the 12-volt charging system results in complete loss of drive power.
Warning messages about the battery or charging system deserve attention in these SUVs. Owners can look up the VIN, and a dealer can say what remedy is scheduled for this model. Owners are normally notified by mail, but looking up the VIN directly is faster than waiting for a letter.
6. Lincoln Nautilus: Shifts To Neutral

A NHTSA recall entry covers 11,623 vehicles, the 2026-2027 Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and the 2027 Corsair Hybrid. Corrosion in the park module can cause an unexpected shift to neutral and sudden power loss.
Shoppers considering a new or nearly new hybrid from this brand should ask the dealer whether the specific vehicle has had the repair. The VIN lookup at NHTSA answers that quickly. Repairs under a recall campaign are performed at no charge, though dealers may need time to order parts.
7. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD: Rear Pump Starves Engine

A federal campaign record covers 11,807 gas Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks from 2025-2026 with dual fuel tanks. The rear fuel pump may not transfer enough fuel forward, stalling the engine.
Heavy-duty owners who tow or haul are the most likely to be caught out by a stall under load. Checking the VIN and keeping both tanks from running low is a sensible habit until repaired. Fleet and work-truck owners in particular should confirm status before the next long haul.
8. Lexus IS: In-Tank Pump Failure

A NHTSA campaign page covers 9,139 Lexus cars: RC models from 2015-2022, GS models from 2016-2020 and the 2022 IS. The low-pressure in-tank fuel pump may fail, stalling the engine.
The campaign spans three nameplates, so owners of an older RC or GS should not assume it applies only to the IS. A VIN check confirms coverage, and the dealer handles the pump. Repairs under a recall campaign are performed at no charge to the owner.
9. Lexus LX: Transmission Solenoid Fault

A NHTSA recall summary covers 4,374 Lexus LX 600 SUVs from 2025-2026. A solenoid failure damages the transmission and can lead to loss of drive power, with a fluid leak creating a fire risk.
Any fluid smell or visible leak under one of these SUVs is a reason to stop driving and call a dealer. Owners should also confirm the recall through the VIN lookup. Dealers are required to perform the remedy free, so there is no cost in asking.
10. BMW 5 Series: Driveshaft Connection Damage

A federal recall record covers 39,144 BMW 840i, 540i, M550i xDrive and 750e xDrive models from 2020-2026. The driveshaft-to-rear-differential connection can be damaged, causing rear power loss and rollaway.
Rollaway risk is a reminder to use the parking brake as well as Park. Owners should check the VIN at NHTSA and ask the dealer about inspection of that connection. Shoppers weighing a used example should ask the seller for proof the work was completed.
11. Ford Maverick: Shared EGR Campaign

A NHTSA recall notice covers 47,804 Ford and Lincoln vehicles from 2025, among them the Maverick, Ranger, Mustang, Explorer, Escape, Bronco and others. The EGR valve may fail, causing unexpected loss of drive power.
The unit count belongs to the whole group of models and not to the Maverick alone. Owners of any of those vehicles should enter the VIN to see whether theirs is included. Used buyers should ask the seller for proof the remedy was completed before signing anything.
12. Ford F-250 Super Duty: Weld May Fail

A NHTSA recall filing covers 11,431 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks. A driveshaft friction weld may fail, risking driveshaft separation and power loss.
Trucks used for towing put extra stress on the driveline, so new noises or vibrations deserve prompt attention. Owners can look up the VIN and book the dealer repair once parts are available. Repairs under a recall campaign are performed at no charge to the owner, whatever the mileage.
Tech news in one quick read: Subscribe to TLDR →
We may earn a commission if you sign up.
More from Morning Overview
- Shaq spent $1.3 million on three Rolls-Royce Phantoms to prove a point to a salesman
- Over 20 trillion gallons of rain fell on the Four Corners states and Nevada in two weeks
- A handful of car transmissions are so tough that mechanics say they almost never die
- Two Kentucky residents died when a small plane crashed at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, and the NTSB is investigating