The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued recalls impacting over 856,000 vehicles from leading automakers, including General Motors (GM), Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Ford. These recalls address safety concerns ranging from software glitches to mechanical defects that could increase crash risks.
General Motors: Diesel trucks and vans under Scrutiny
Affected Models
General Motors announced a recall for 461,839 diesel-powered trucks and SUVs from model years 2020–2022, including the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Cadillac Escalade, and others. The issue involves a transmission control valve that may wear out over time, potentially causing the rear wheels to lock during gear shifts.
Additionally, 77,824 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans from 2022–2023 are being recalled for a software-related transmission issue that could cause harsh shifting, unintended deceleration, or rear wheel lock-up.
Recalled GM vehicles (77,824):
- 2022-2023 Chevrolet Express
- 2022-2023 GMC Savana
Recalled GM vehicles (461,839):
- 2021 Cadillac Escalade
- 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
- 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2020-2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2020-2022 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2020-2022 GMC Sierra 3500
- 2021 GMC Yukon
- 2021 GMC Yukon Xl
Solution
GM plans to update the transmission control module software for free. The updated software will detect valve wear early and limit the transmission to safer gear operations, preventing lock-up risks. Letters will be sent to affected owners by December 9, 2024.
Owners can contact GM’s customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or check their VINs on the NHTSA recall database for specific details.
Ford: Oil leaks and missing labels
Ford is recalling over 30,000 vehicles across multiple models, addressing separate issues:
- Ford is recalling 2,418 of its 2024-2025 Ford F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator Navigator SUVs equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine are being recalled due to misaligned engine cup plugs, which could cause oil leaks, engine stalling, or fire hazards. “The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak,” the automobile manufacturer said in a NHTSA report.
Recalled Ford vehicles (2,418);
- 2024-2025 F-150
- 2024 Expedition
- 2024 Lincoln Navigator
- Ford is recalling 27,678 of its 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150 vehicles are being recalled for missing airbag warning labels, a violation of federal safety standards.
Recalled Ford vehicles (27,678):
- 2020-2025 Explorer
- 2020-2025 Lincoln Aviator
- 2020-2024 Escape
- 2020-2024 Lincoln Corsair
- 2018-2024 F-150
- 2018-2024 Expedition
- 2018-2024 Lincoln Navigator
Remedies
- For oil leaks, dealers will inspect and realign the engine plug for free. Notifications will be sent by December 2, 2024.
- Ford will mail airbag warning labels to owners by December 16, 2024.
Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for more details.
Hyundai: Santa Fe sunshade risks
Hyundai has issued a recall for 34,964 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs from the 2024 model year. The rear sunshade switch knob in the overhead console may not be fully recessed, risking unintentional sunshade closure, which could lead to injuries.
Recalled Hyundai vehicles (34,964):
- 2024 Santa Fe
- 2024 Santa Fe Hybrid
Fix
Hyundai dealers will replace the switch knob free of charge. Recall notices will be sent by January 6, 2025. Hyundai customer service is reachable at 1-855-371-9460.
Rivian SUVs: Truck recalled for deactivated exterior lighting
According to the NHTSA report, Rivian is recalling 5,128 of its 2025 RIT trucks and R1S SUVs because a software update may prevent certain exterior lights from turning on when the car costume feature is activated. The vehicle’s visibility is reduced to other drivers due to the deactivated exterior lighting which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
An over-the-air (OTA) software update has been released by Rivian for free. Recall notification letters are expected to be sent by Dec. 18. Owners may contact Rivian customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian’s number for this recall is FSAM-1552.
Recalled Rivian vehicles (5,128):
- 2025 R1T
- 2025 R1S
