May 2025 Automotive Recall News

May 2025 was another big month for automotive recalls in the U.S., with major manufacturers issuing notices affecting everything from traditional SUVs to cutting-edge autonomous vehicles with the latest technology.

From GM’s Massive Engine Recall to Waymo’s Historic Milestone

In May, GM led the way with the largest single recall - nearly 600,000 vehicles - due to serious engine failures and concerns. Volvo and Stellantis followed with sizable recalls tied to faulty rearview camera systems, affecting over 400,000 and 48,000 units respectively. Meanwhile, Waymo made headlines with a recall of 1,200 self-driving robotaxis - marking a historic milestone as autonomous vehicles entered the realm of formal safety recall reporting.

Here's a full breakdown of the key vehicle recalls you should know about from May.

Major Vehicle Recalls in May

1. Ford

Ford remained in the spotlight this May following a series of significant recalls earlier in January, which affected over 270,000 vehicles. That momentum continued as the manufacturer issued multiple new recalls across several popular models, raising fresh concerns over both mechanical and software reliability.

• Models: 2025 F‑150 pickups

  • Issue: A steering shaft may detach from the steering gear, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increased risk of a crash or injuries.

  • Units Recalled: 9,181 vehicles.

• Models: 2022–2024 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs

  • Issue: Brake lines in these vehicles may rub against a wiring harness, potentially causing a brake fluid leak and reducing braking performance.

  • Units Recalled: 273,789 vehicles.

• Models: 2025 Ford Explorer

  • Issue: A software issue in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall or result in a rollaway if the driver exits without engaging Park.

  • Units Recalled: 24,655 vehicles.

• Models: 2017–2018 Ford F‑150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator

  • Issue: A previously recalled issue involving contaminated brake fluid can lead to leaks from the brake master cylinder. This is an expansion of a 2022 recall.

  • Units Recalled: 123,611 vehicles.

2. General Motors (GM)

This latest action adds to a growing list of setbacks for GM, which has been plagued by a wave of recalls involving its larger vehicles. Notably, in January 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a preliminary investigation into 878,000 GM vehicles after receiving complaints about engines seizing without warning in the L87 V8 engine, found in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.

• Models: 2021–2024 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra and Yukon

  • Issue: Certain vehicles may have improperly manufactured engine connecting rods or crankshafts, which can lead to engine failure or stalling while driving.

  • Units Recalled: 597,630 vehicles.

3. Volvo

Volvo, usually a brand known for its reliability and safety innovations, issued one of the largest recalls of the month, affecting over 413,000 vehicles across its 2022–2025 lineup.

• Models: 2022–2025 Volvo models including XC40, S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90, and XC90

  • Issue: A software error in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera to fail, increasing the risk of a crash when reversing.

  • Units Recalled: 413,151 vehicles.

4. Volkswagen Group (VW and Audi)

The Volkswagen Group is no stranger to recall issues, and May 2025 added more entries to its growing list.

• Models: 2022–2024 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback

  • Issue: Improper torque on cylinder head bolts may result in oil leakage, posing a fire hazard in extreme cases.

  • Units Recalled: 89,417 vehicles.

• Models: VW ID. Buzz electric vans

  • Issue: The third-row bench seats are fitted with only two seat belts, despite having space for three passengers - making them non-compliant with U.S. safety regulations. The fix involves adjusting seat trim to clarify seating capacity.

  • Units Recalled: 5,637 vehicles.

5. Stellantis

The recall troubles haven’t left Stellantis behind. In September 2024, the automaker recalled 1.2 million vehicles due to a software glitch that disabled electronic stability control. Now in May, software problems resurface - this time affecting the rearview camera systems in nearly 50,000 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet SUVs, raising further concerns about the brand’s ongoing tech reliability.

• Models: 2023–2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet SUVs

  • Issue: A hardware/software glitch may cause the rearview camera image to fail, violating visibility standards and increasing the risk of collision while reversing.

  • Units Recalled: 48,494 vehicles.

6. Waymo

May’s recalls mark a historic milestone; the first time that self-driving technology was subjected to a formal safety recall at scale, pushing recalls into uncharted territory and underscoring the evolving risks of autonomous mobility.

• Models: Waymo autonomous vehicles.

  • Issue: Vehicles may misidentify certain road features, such as temporary barriers or construction gates, due to a flaw in the automated driving system. This is one of the first significant autonomous vehicle recalls reported to NHTSA.

  • Units Recalled: 1,212 vehicles.

🔍 How to Check If Your Vehicle Has a Recall

If you are worried that your car may be affected by a recall, it is quick and easy to find out.

Take advantage of the NHTSA recall lookup tool. Just enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which you will find on your dashboard or inside the driver’s door. The system will instantly tell you if your vehicle has any open safety recalls that haven’t been fixed.

Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

You can also sign up for recall alerts by email or text, or download the SaferCarApp so you are always in the know when new issues are reported for your vehicle make and model.

Don’t ignore a recall - vehicle manufacturers and dealerships will upgrade or repair the issues, typically free of charge, and it could help prevent serious accidents.

🚗 When to Contact a California Lemon Law Attorney

If your vehicle keeps having the same issues and defects - even after several repair attempts - it may be classified as a lemon under California law. In that case, the manufacturer may be required to refund your money, replace your vehicle or offer you cash compensation.

✅ Why Choose The Beck Law Office to Represent You

At The Beck Law Office, we focus solely on California Lemon Law and have a strong track record of holding automakers accountable. Our experienced team is known for:

• Clear and responsive communication.

• A client-first approach.

• Relentless pursuit of fair, timely outcomes.

We are proud to be a trusted advocate for California drivers who are standing up to manufacturers, and we strive to provide the best experience, even in stressful times, every step of the way.

📞 Get in Touch Today

You don’t have to keep dealing with a defective car. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and we will ensure you feel supported throughout the process, as we do our utmost to help you get the compensation you deserve.