MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER

2024 NHTSA Recall Campaigns Increase Significantly for Passenger Cars and Trucks

Total Number of Vehicles Affected Remains Stable, Though are Subject to a Greater Number of High-Risk Campaigns

In its eighth “State of Recalls” report, Recall Masters, the automotive industry’s leading provider of recall solutions, revealed that more than 28 million affected passenger vehicles and light trucks/vans were accounted for in recalls mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in calendar year 2024. Another estimated 238 “voluntary manufacturer notice” campaigns affected an unknown number of vehicles. Combined, 505 campaigns were all assessed at “high-risk” campaigns by Recall Masters, the leader in automotive recalls and retention solutions. Request a copy of the 2024 State of Recalls by clicking here.

The Rideshare Side Hustle Could Be Coming to an End with Autonomous Vehicles

Uber and Lyft Drivers May No Longer be in the Driver's Seat when it comes to Rideshare Platforms

For the first time, autonomous vehicles were included in the State of Recalls, published by Recall Masters. Waymo, the self-driving robotaxi operating in select cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and Phoenix, recorded two NHTSA recalls affecting 1,116 vehicles from the autonomous driving fleet. With 100% recall compliance rates, passengers and others sharing the road won't have to worry about the dangers of an open recall. However, with some recent announcements promoting further growth of autonomous vehicles (AVs), critics wonder whether streets will be safe with robots behind the wheel. This is also concerning to the more than 8 million drivers who serve and drivers and couriers for the ride-hailing giants.

Uber Technologies has partnered with autonomous vehicle technology company May Mobility to deploy thousands of AVs on the Uber platform over the next several years. Autonomous Uber rides are scheduled to launch by the end of this year in Arlington, Texas, with plans to expand to additional U.S. markets in 2026. Under the agreement, Uber will offer customers the option of a May Mobility AV on the Uber platform for qualifying trips. May Mobility will provide a fleet of American-made, hybrid-electric Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS vehicles equipped with May Mobility’s patented Multi-Policy Decision Making technology. Read the article in its entirety on the Auto Remarketing website.

In a similar move, Toyota and Waymo have agreed to collaborate on autonomous driving technology, a deal that could one day lead to a new vehicle designed for ride-hailing and even bring self-driving tech into consumer cars. As Waymo has transitioned from a research and development program to a commercial operation, the company hired Moove to manage its fleet of AVs in Phoenix. Waymo has more recently struck deals with Hyundai and Zeekr to develop autonomous vehicle platforms. Read the article in its entirety on the CBT News website.

AI in Call Centers: Because Who Needs Human Empathy Anyway?

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

In the era of rapid technological advancement, businesses are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and bots into their customer service operations. While these tools offer efficiency and cost-saving benefits, their application, especially as primary support in call centers, raises significant concerns. This is particularly evident in sensitive situations like automotive recalls, where the human touch is irreplaceable.

I get it – it’s impossible to compete with the cost and efficiency of AI and bot technology. However, the overwhelming challenge for the auto industry when it comes to recalls is consumer engagement. Millions of notifications are sent to owners desperately seeking their compliance with a recall repair. Let’s face it – no one wants to deal with vehicle repairs, not even when they’re free. The thought of spending any time sitting in a service department lobby or navigating life’s urgencies without vehicle availability should give you insight on why our nation is plagued with 1 in 4 vehicles with an open recall.  

When a consumer decides to take action – calls or texts into a recall scheduling center – it’s a rare event. Even when these vehicle owners get engaged and are interested in the details of a recall, it doesn’t always lead to a schedule repair appointment. Read the blog in its entirety on the Recall Masters website.

GM Issues Recall Involving Select 6.2L V8 that can Lead to Engine Failure

GM is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. Manufacturing defects in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine may lead to engine failure. Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual.  Read more about this recall campaign on the NHTSA website.

Ford Recalls Explorers and Aviators Due to Rearview Camera Software

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 F-250, F-350, F-450, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and MKC vehicles. The rearview camera printed circuit board terminal header connector may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image. A blank or distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge.

Read more about this recall campaign on the NHTSA website.

More Recall Campaign News

• Honda is recalling certain 2014-2020 Acura MDX due to moisture that may enter the tailgate lid light assembly and wiring harness.
• Ford is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco vehicles due to 360-degree view camera that may not display a rearview image.
• Ford is recalling certain 2017-2018 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles due to the brake master cylinder that may leak fluid.
• Stellantis is recalling certain 2023-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles due to a display module that may not show the rearview camera image.
• Polestar is recalling certain 2021-2025 Polestar 2 vehicles due to the rearview camera image that may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. 
• Ford is recalling certain 2025 Explorer vehicles due to the powertrain control module (PCM) that may reset while driving.