Safety Alert: NHTSA issues major recall wave impacting Ford, Volkswagen, Kia, and More
INDIANA — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a comprehensive list of vehicle recalls as of early February 2026, spanning nearly every sector of the automotive industry. From passenger SUVs and electric vehicles to school buses and emergency fire apparatus, manufacturers are moving to correct critical safety defects ranging from fire risks to detaching wheels.
Owners of affected vehicles are urged to contact their local dealerships immediately, as all recall-related repairs are mandated by federal law to be free of charge.
Critical Fire Safety Warnings: “Park Outside”
The most urgent alerts involve high-voltage battery systems and electrical connections that pose significant fire hazards.
- Volkswagen ID.4 (2023–2025): Multiple recalls (26V028, 26V030) have been issued for potential battery overheating. Volkswagen is advising owners of certain 2023-2024 models to park outside and away from structures until the issue is resolved.
- Brinkley RV (Model Z, 2026): An improperly tightened 50-amp shore power inlet has been identified as a fire risk.
Major Passenger Vehicle Recalls
Several top-selling brands are facing widespread technical or structural failures:
- Kia & Hyundai (2025–2026 Models): A massive software or hardware glitch (26V046, 26V047) has caused instrument panel displays to fail on nearly a dozen models, including the Kia EV9, Carnival, and Sportage, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Palisade.
- Ford Motor Company: The 2026 Ford Explorer is being recalled for inadequate windshield bonding, while 2025 F-53 and F-59 chassis models may experience brake light failure.
- Toyota (2024–2025): The Tundra and Tundra Hybrid are under recall because rearview camera images may fail to display, a violation of federal safety standards.
- Hyundai Palisade (2020–2025): A long-running issue with side curtain airbags that may deploy improperly.
Summary of Notable Recalls by Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | Affected Models | Primary Issue |
| Oshkosh | NGDV / Electric (2025) | Wheel May Detach from vehicle |
| Blue Bird | All American / Vision School Bus | Illegible safety markings on windows |
| Grand Design RV | Lineage / Momentum / Solitude | Solar panels detaching; shifting axles |
| Polestar | Polestar 3 (2025) | Loose rear seat backrest |
| Zero Motorcycles | DS, DSR, DSR/X (2024-25) | Damaged brake hoses/leaks |
| Keystone RV | Coleman (2026) | Murphy bed may fall unexpectedly |
| Alexis Fire | Fire Apparatus (2022, 2024) | Loss of control due to loose axle clamps |
Public Safety and Specialized Vehicles
The recall also hits public infrastructure hard. The Oshkosh NGDV—the new generation of postal and delivery vehicles—is facing a high-priority recall (26V027) for wheels that may physically detach from the vehicle while in motion. Additionally, Blue Bird and Forest River have issued recalls for school and transit buses involving incorrectly attached body panels and illegible safety glass markings.
What You Should Do
NHTSA reminds all vehicle owners that safety recalls should never be ignored. To check if your specific vehicle is affected:
- Locate your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), usually found on the driver’s side dashboard or door jamb.
- Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your VIN.
- If a recall is active, call your local dealer to schedule a free repair.