Understanding Car Recalls: Reasons and What Buyers Need to Know
Why are car recalls issued? Here’s what to be aware of if your vehicle has an active recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced several recalls last week, including alerts for nearly 200,000 Mitsubishi Outlanders.
Want to check if any recalls have been issued for your vehicle? If your car isn’t listed here, owners can consult USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or search NHTSA’s database for updates. The NHTSA site permits searches based on your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Here’s an overview of vehicle recalls reported by NHTSA from June 9 to June 15.
Mitsubishi Outlanders Recalled Due to Rearview Camera Malfunction
Mitsubishi has announced a recall for specific 2022 to 2024 Outlander SUVs and 2023 to 2025 Outlander PHEV SUVs due to a software malfunction that could cause the rearview camera image to freeze or fail to display.
The software was incorrectly programmed, as per the manufacturer’s statement.
This issue first arose in May 2023, when a similar recall was issued affecting 89,907 2022-2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2023-2023 Outlander PHEV vehicles.
Dealers will provide a software update at no cost. Notification letters are anticipated to be mailed by June 30.
Affected vehicles: 198,940
Harley Davidson Issues Recall for Motorcycles Facing Tire Pressure Issues
Harley Davidson has issued a recall for select 2018-2024 Softail motorcycles as they may unexpectedly lose rear tire pressure.
The mounting tab on the rear shock pre-load adjuster can break, leading to damage of the rear tire and sudden loss of tire pressure, as per the recall notice.
Recalled models include:
- FLDE: 2018-2019
- FLHCS: 2018-2024
- FLHC: 2018-2021
- FXLRS: 2020-2024
- FXLRST: 2022-2024
- FLHCS ANV: 2018, 2023
- FXRST: 2022
Dealers will install a new bracket at no charge, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by June 16.
Affected vehicles: 82,117
Rivian Recalls Vehicles Due to Front Turn Signal Failure
Rivian has recalled certain 2025 R1S and R1T models as the front turn signals might not illuminate or flash correctly.
The headlamp issues stem from a manufacturing defect by the supplier, according to the recall report.
Rivian will inspect the turn signals and replace them free of charge as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent out by July 25.
Affected vehicles: 27,882
Kawasaki Issues Recall for Motorcycles Susceptible to Engine Power Loss
Kawasaki is recalling specific 2024-2025 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles due to potential loss of engine power while in operation caused by a seized metal crankshaft bushing.
The crankshaft bolts were over-torqued, leading to damage, according to the recall report.
Owners are advised to refrain from riding their motorcycles until the repair, currently in development, is completed.
Kawasaki has not provided a timeline for recall notifications.
Affected vehicles: 17,792
Hyundai Recalls IONIQ 5s for Incorrect Headlight Aim
Hyundai has recalled specific 2025 IONIQ 5 vehicles due to possible issues with the right-side headlight.
The right-side headlight may have an incorrectly labeled aim, resulting in misalignment. The die used in the supplier’s molding process was not adequately maintained, as per the recall report.
Hyundai will send owners a corrected label accompanied by inspection and installation instructions. Owners can also take their vehicle to a dealer for repair. Notification letters are expected to be sent by August 2.
Affected vehicles: 10,409
Dodge Chargers Recalled for Faulty Exterior Amplifier
Chrysler has recalled specific 2024-2025 Dodge Chargers as they may possess an amplifier lacking software necessary for producing exterior sounds, including pedestrian alerts.
Dealers will assess and update the amplifier software as needed at no cost. Owner notification letters are anticipated to be mailed by July 10.
Affected vehicles: 8,390
Contribution by: Natalie Neysa Alund and Saleen Martin, USA TODAY
