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It’s been a busy week at the NHTSA. The administration just warned nearly 260,000 drivers that their vehicles may be unsafe due to defects ranging from faulty brakes to fire risks. If you own a Ford, Lincoln, Volkswagen, Audi, or Mercedes, your vehicle could be on the recall list. Here’s what you need to know about the latest NHTSA recalls and how to get your car fixed for free.

  • 2021-2022 Ford EcoSport – Front axle shaft may disconnect
  • 2021-2022 Ford F-150, Maverick, Expedition, Super Duty, Lincoln Navigator – Trailer brake system may fail
  • 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator – LED logo lights may short circuit
  • 2024-2025 Volkswagen Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport – Engine cover may detach, cause fire
  • 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron, Q4 E-Tron Sportback – May not display gear position, increasing rollaway risk
  • 2023-2025 Mercedes AMG hybrid models – Software issue may disable alternator

Ford and Lincoln recall thousands for brake and axle issues

Ford recalled over 18,000 EcoSport crossovers from 2021 and 2022 due to a front axle shaft defect. The shaft may disconnect from the transmission, leading to a sudden loss of power.

A separate recall affects over 10,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, including the F-150, Maverick, Expedition, and several Super Duty models. A previous recall failed to fix a trailer brake system issue. A software error may prevent towed trailers with electric brakes from stopping properly. Ford dealerships will update the brake control software for free.

Lincoln also recalled over 35,000 2015-2017 Navigator SUVs due to a defect in the LED logo lights on the exterior mirrors. Water can seep into the lamp housing, causing a short circuit and increasing fire risk.

Volkswagen and Audi recall SUVs over fire and rollaway risks

Volkswagen recalled 177,000 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from 2024-2025 because of a loose engine cover. If improperly installed, the cover can detach and come into contact with hot engine parts, creating a fire hazard. Dealerships will remove the cover for free.

Audi and Volkswagen also recalled nearly 60,000 ID.4, Q4 E-Tron, and Q4 E-Tron Sportback SUVs from 2021-2023. The instrument cluster may not display the correct gear position, increasing the risk of a rollaway.

Mercedes recalls nearly 3,000 hybrids for alternator software failure

Mercedes recalled six hybrid AMG models from 2023 to 2025 due to a software issue affecting the high-voltage alternator control unit. If the unit fails, the vehicle could lose charging capability and stall. Mercedes dealerships will update the software for free.

How to check if your car has an open recall

If you drive a Ford, Lincoln, Volkswagen, Audi, or Mercedes, take a minute to check for open recalls. The easiest way is to enter your VIN on the NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov/recalls). You can also contact your dealership directly for more information and to schedule a free repair. A quick recall check could prevent an expensive repair—or even a dangerous accident.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.