Safety alerts once again shook much of the automotive industry in the United States. So far in 2026, millions of vehicles have been included in recall campaigns promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, better known as NHTSA.

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The revisions affect everything from pickups and SUVs to electric and hybrid models. Some failures are related to braking systems, others to airbags, and problems also appear in high-voltage batteries that could generate short circuits or loss of power.

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Ford, Hyundai, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are some of the companies that accumulate the most units in official reports this year. In several cases, the problems detected could compromise the safety of drivers if they are not addressed quickly.

The brands with the most affected models

Ford appears among the manufacturers with the highest number of recalls registered in 2026. The NHTSA included models such as F-150, Maverick and Ranger manufactured between 2021 and 2026 due to possible failures in the transmission software. The main risk is a possible locking of the rear wheels while the vehicle is moving.

Jeep and Ram were also under observation for problems with airbag systems. The 2025 and 2026 Wagoneer S and Ram 1500 models have defects linked to Takata components, a situation that continues to cause concern in the industry.

Hyundai, for its part, had recalls for the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 due to risks of short circuit in the high-voltage battery. In certain scenarios, the failure could affect the performance of the vehicle's electrical system.

BMW did not escape the reports either. The German brand detected problems in the rear lights and the steering system of some X3 and Series 2 Gran Coupé corresponding to the 2025 and 2026 models.

The most common failures in 2026

Among the most repeated problems in this year's recalls are electronic failures and defects in security systems.

Ford recorded cases related to the powertrain and brake pedal disconnection in some 2025 Transits. Hyundai focuses part of its reviews on electrical components of hybrid and electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Jeep and Ram continue to face complications associated with Takata inflators.

Mercedes-Benz is also on the list with problems detected in seat belts and audible alert systems in models such as GLE 350 and eSprinter.

How to know if your car has an active recall

Checking if a vehicle is part of a recall is a free and fairly quick procedure. The first thing is to locate the VIN, a 17-character code that is usually located on the lower left side of the windshield or on the driver's door.

With that number, owners can go to the official NHTSA site and check if there are any pending campaigns for their specific unit. The SaferCar application is also available, which allows you to receive automatic notifications when a new recall appears.

An important detail is that not all cars of the same model are affected. The VIN is what determines exactly if the vehicle is part of the lot involved in the failure.

What you should do if your vehicle appears affected

If the car appears in an active recall, it is advisable to contact the brand's official dealer as soon as possible. There they can confirm the situation and schedule a repair at no cost to the owner.

Manufacturers are obliged to cover repairs linked to safety recalls, even when the vehicle no longer has a valid warranty.

It is also a good idea to keep your VIN registration up to date, especially on used cars. Many drivers buy second-hand vehicles without knowing that they still have pending campaigns, something that could cause problems later if the corresponding repair is never carried out.