MARCH 2025 NEWSLETTER

Vehicle Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers Bracing for Impact of Import Tariffs

For a brief minute last month, it appeared that the US, Mexico and Canada would be able to work out a revised trade agreement. The trade deficit and political climate had already set the stage for China, but it appeared that the North American trio of neighbors would resolve their differences before the March 3 deadline. It did not happen. And, now, Mexican and Canadian products will face 25% tariffs on exports to the United States.

Many also characterized these latest moves by the Trump administration to put pressure on Canada and Mexico to uphold border security and to stem the tide of fentanyl drugs pouring over the border. The administration is also hoping to foster a "Buy American" consumer loyalty that will restore manufacturing jobs in the US, which also includes foreign companies opening plants stateside. Economists say Trump has the upper hand because 76% of Canada's exports (19% GDP) and 78% of Mexico's exports (37% GDP) were sent to the US, whereas those two countries combined made up only 2.7% US GDP. How will this trade battle play out in the automotive industry?...Read the full article on the USA Today website.

RM's Erica Bruno Talks Recalls with Cindy!

A recent addition to the Recall Masters team is already making her presence known on the big stage. Erica Bruno, Senior Director of Key Accounts, sat in as a guest on the On The Drive with Cindy Lawrence podcast. Listen in for an in-depth discussion on vehicle recalls, accurate data and the vital role they play in consumer safety and customer retention. Erica also shares her family legacy, which is rooted in the automotive industry. Click here to listen to the On the Drive with Cindy Lawrence podcast.

Opportunity Doesn’t Always Knock:

Why the Telephone is Still the Best Connection to Your Customer and Prospect

A Blog Post by Sean Reyes, Chief Marketing Officer for Recall Masters 

We’re surrounded by amazing technology, especially in the automotive industry where self-driving cars, EVs and emerging AI innovations take greater control of the driving experience. It’s also leading to a new generation of drivers who aren’t loyal to any one brand and aren’t passionate about the driving experience.

To the Gen Z’ers, cars aren’t “a thing” anymore. It probably explains why this younger generation isn’t particularly interested in a relationship with their car dealership – we sell the cars and they just drive away. The one device that seems to break through the noise and impersonal world is the telephone – the unifying technology that spans all generations.

For most of us, our phones live on our person in the form of a mobile phone. It seems like everywhere you go, the sounds of people on the phone or phones ringing create a backdrop that blends into the canvas – we probably don’t even hear it. But what if that ringing phone was your next vehicle sale or a service customer...Read the blog post in its entirety on the Recall Masters website.

Tesla Power Steering Assist Software Leads to Recall of 376,241

Tesla has recalled certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating with dated software. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again. A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update.   Read more about this recall campaign on the NHTSA website.

Ford Recalls Explorer and Aviator Vehicle for Seat Belt Anchor Bolt Issue

Ford recalls 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator vehicles due to improper securing of seat belt buckle anchor bolts at one or more seating positions. Additionally, vehicles may have an improperly secured seat belt retractor anchor bolt and/or seat belt anchor bolt at the second-row center seating position, if equipped. During a crash, occupants may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect seat belt buckle and retractor anchor bolts in all seating positions. Read more about this recall campaign on the NHTSA website.

More Recall Campaign News

• Toyota recalls certain 2021-2025 Sienna Hybrid vehicles for third-row seat assemblies.
• Kia recalls certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles for faulty piston ring that could lead to a full engine replacement.
• Toyota recalls certain 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel drive vehicles due to rear brake hoses that can be damaged by mud.
• GM recalls certain 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 for chrome front grille deflectors that may fracture and detach.
• VW recalls certain 2021-2023 ID.4, 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles due to instrument panel error with gear lever indicator. 
• Toyota recalls certain 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid for seat belt damage.