2024’s Largest Car Recalls: Is Your Vehicle Affected in Los Angeles?

BY PREMIER LEGAL CENTER, APC January 3, 2025

As we begin 2025, reflecting on the significant car recalls in 2024 is essential. Car recalls have a lasting impact on vehicle owners, and knowing if your car is affected is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. Recalls often arise due to manufacturing defects, safety concerns, or issues that could jeopardize the well-being of drivers and passengers.

2024’s Biggest Car Recall was notable, impacting thousands of vehicles across major brands. Understanding which models were involved in the most extensive recalls of 2024 is essential, especially if you’re a Los Angeles resident, as these recalls could affect your car.

Top Recalls to Know: Which Brands and Models Are Impacted in LA?

In 2024, several high-profile car brands issued recalls for specific models due to issues ranging from fire risks to faulty airbags and defective steering components. Among the most notable are:

  • Ford: A recall was issued for over 12,000 electric F-150 Lightning trucks due to a steering control issue caused by improperly tightened front joints.
  • Tesla: The electric car giant has recalled millions of vehicles equipped with Autosteer to address insufficient controls that failed to ensure drivers maintained continuous responsibility.
  • Honda: A steering gearbox assembly issue affects over 1.7 million vehicles, including 2022-2025 Civics and 2023-2025 CR-Vs and HR-Vs.
  • General Motors (Chevrolet): Certain Chevy Bolt EV and EUV models have been recalled due to a risk of battery explosions, prompting owners to avoid charging above 90%.
  • Stellantis: A computer issue affects over 200,000 vehicles, including Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models, and may disable crucial safety systems such as anti-lock brakes.

Los Angeles residents who own any of these affected models should stay alert for official recall notifications and take appropriate action to prevent potential risks.

Check for Safety: How to Find Out if Your Vehicle Is on the Recall List

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is involved in a recent recall, there are simple steps you can take to check. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers an online recall lookup tool. You can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to instantly determine whether your car is affected by any active recalls.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Locate your VIN (usually found on your car’s dashboard or inside the driver’s side door frame).
  2. Visit the NHTSA recall page here.
  3. Enter your VIN in the search field and hit “Submit.”
  4. Review the results to see if there are any outstanding recalls for your vehicle.

By using this tool, you can gain peace of mind, knowing whether your vehicle is safe to drive or if you need to take immediate action.

What You Need to Do if Your Car Is Recalled: Steps for Los Angeles Drivers

If you discover that your car is part of a recall, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do next:

  1. Contact the Manufacturer or Dealership: The manufacturer typically sends notifications to affected vehicle owners once a recall is issued. However, if you haven’t received a letter, contacting your dealership directly can help you get the necessary information. They will guide you through the process and help schedule a free repair or replacement.
  2. Schedule the Repair: Most recalls can be fixed at no cost to the vehicle owner. Depending on the severity of the issue, your vehicle may require parts replacement, software updates, or even a complete vehicle inspection. Ensure you schedule an appointment as soon as possible to avoid delays.
  3. Stay Safe: Some recalls, especially those involving fire risks or faulty airbags, may pose immediate safety risks. In these cases, it’s best to avoid driving the vehicle until it is fixed. If the recall involves a critical issue, the manufacturer or dealership may even provide you a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.

What to Expect: Timeline for Fixes and Repairs for LA Car Owners

The repair timeline for car recalls can vary depending on the issue’s complexity and the parts’ availability. In general, simple fixes may take only a few hours, while more complicated repairs could take several days. Manufacturers and dealerships work diligently to address recalls as quickly as possible. Still, delays in parts availability or high demand for repairs in urban areas like Los Angeles may impact wait times.

Stay in touch with your dealership and follow the recall process. If a replacement part is unavailable, you might be offered a temporary fix or loaner car until the issue is resolved.

Recall Alert: How to Easily Check if Your Car Is Affected in LA

With so many vehicles on the road, Los Angeles drivers must stay informed about recalls and safety issues that may affect them. Regularly checking your car’s status using the NHTSA’s recall lookup tool is the best way to ensure your vehicle is safe. Additionally, many car manufacturers offer apps and customer service hotlines where you can stay up-to-date with the latest recall information for your specific model.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Lemon Law Lawyer in Los Angeles

If your vehicle is affected by one of the recalls or you are dealing with a recurring issue that may qualify as a “lemon,” it’s time to seek professional legal assistance. A lemon law lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights and explore options for getting a replacement vehicle or compensation. Don’t let a defective car cause you further hassle.

Contact us today at (619) 235-0137 to schedule a free consultation. Our team is ready to assist you in resolving your vehicle issues efficiently and protecting your rights under California’s lemon law.

Related Posts

Lemon Law Attorneys vs. Car Dealers:...

Buying a car should be an exciting milestone, but what happens when your vehicle turns out to be a lemon?...
Read More

Is Your GM Vehicle Affected? NHTSA...

The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation due to reports of engine failures in...
Read More

Car Problems That Won’t Quit? Lemon...

Owning a car is supposed to make life easier, but when your vehicle spends more time in the repair shop...
Read More
F
r
e
e

C
o
n
s
u
l
t
a
t
i
o
n