In a major move affecting car owners across the United States, several major car manufacturers—including Mitsubishi, Rivian, and Hyundai—have announced recalls of nearly 350,000 vehicles due to various safety concerns. These recalls were published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and involve issues ranging from faulty seat belts and airbag problems to critical software glitches.
Vehicle recalls are common, but the sheer number and involvement of multiple popular automakers have made this development a headline-maker. If you own a vehicle from any of these brands, it’s important to check whether your car is on the recall list. You can use the NHTSA recall lookup tool to verify your car’s status by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Hyundai Recalls 220,000 Santa Fe SUVs
One of the largest recalls in this wave comes from Hyundai. The automaker is recalling over 220,000 Santa Fe SUVs due to a potential fire hazard linked to the anti-lock brake system. According to the NHTSA, brake fluid may leak into the ABS module, possibly causing an electrical short and increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is parked.
Affected models:
- 2015–2016 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings until the necessary repair is completed. Hyundai has already started notifying owners and will replace the ABS module fuse free of charge. This is not Hyundai’s first large-scale recall in recent years. - The company has been proactive in addressing fire-related issues and has issued multiple recalls over similar concerns.
Hyundai recalls history and details
Rivian Recalls 52,000 EVs for Sensor Issue
Electric vehicle maker Rivian is recalling over 52,000 vehicles, almost all of the R1T pickup trucks and R1S SUVs it has produced so far. The issue lies with a faulty front seat belt sensor.
According to Rivian, the sensor in the front passenger seat may incorrectly classify the seat as unoccupied, even if someone is sitting there. This can prevent the airbag from deploying during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Affected models:
- 2022–2023 Rivian R1T
- 2022–2023 Rivian R1S
Rivian will notify affected owners and replace the faulty seat sensor at no cost. The company is also working on a software fix that may help detect the problem more accurately before it occurs.
Rivian official recall details
Mitsubishi Recalls 66,000 Outlander and Outlander Sport Models
Mitsubishi has issued a recall for more than 66,000 vehicles, mostly involving the 2022–2023 Outlander and Outlander Sport models. The recall is due to a malfunctioning rearview camera that may not display the image properly when the vehicle is in reverse. This violates federal safety regulations and increases the risk of a crash.
Affected models:
- 2022–2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The issue stems from a software error, and Mitsubishi dealers will update the software to restore full functionality. Owners can expect notification letters soon.
Mitsubishi recall lookup
Why Car Recalls Matter
Car recalls are issued to address safety problems found after vehicles are sold. Manufacturers are legally required to fix these issues at no cost to the owner. The NHTSA monitors safety complaints, crash reports, and manufacturer data to help identify patterns that may lead to recalls. Ignoring a recall can put you and your passengers at serious risk. Even minor issues can turn into life-threatening situations if not addressed promptly.
If your vehicle is recalled:
- Contact your dealership immediately
- Schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible
- Don’t ignore warning signs in your dashboard or from your car’s behavior
How to Check If Your Car Has Been Recalled
To find out if your car is affected, visit the official NHTSA recall check tool. Here’s how:
- Find your 17-digit VIN (located on the driver’s side dashboard or car registration papers).
- Enter it into the NHTSA tool.
- You’ll get a detailed report if your vehicle has an open recall.
Checking once a year—even if you haven’t received a recall notice—is a smart way to stay safe on the road.
Industry Experts Urge Prompt Action
Experts in vehicle safety and auto repair are urging car owners not to delay recall fixes. According to John Nielsen, a veteran mechanic and vehicle safety advisor:
“Even if the car seems fine, a hidden defect could be serious. It only takes one malfunction in a critical system to cause an accident.”
Most recalls, especially those involving electrical or software-related components, are resolved in less than an hour.
Summary of Affected Vehicle Recalls
| Brand | Number of Vehicles | Issue | Models Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | 220,000+ | Fire risk from ABS system | 2015–2016 Santa Fe SUVs |
| Rivian | 52,000+ | Seat belt sensor error | 2022–2023 R1T and R1S |
| Mitsubishi | 66,000+ | Rearview camera malfunction | 2022–2023 Outlander, Sport |
Final Words
This large-scale recall serves as a reminder that safety should always come first. With manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Rivian, and Hyundai taking swift action, car owners now have the responsibility to respond just as quickly. If your car is part of the recall, don’t wait. Schedule your repair and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is safe and compliant. For the latest recall alerts and car safety updates, visit the NHTSA official site.
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