Vehicle recalls happen more often than you might think, and if you drive a Toyota, Hyundai, or Alfa Romeo, you will want to pay attention to this. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced recalls affecting almost 650,000 cars and SUVs across the country.
The issues range from electrical risks to faulty rearview cameras and improperly welded seat rails. While that might sound concerning, the good news is that dealerships will fix these problems at no cost to you. Here is a breakdown of each recall, the models impacted, and how you can check if your car is included.
Toyota recall 2025 sienna hybrids for seat rail welding issue
Toyota has recalled nearly 400,000 vehicles due to a welding problem. The recall specifically affects the 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. Here is a breakdown of what is going on:
- What is the problem? Some second-row seat rails may have been welded improperly. This happened because of a change in a welding machine setting during assembly.
- Why does it matter? If the weld is not strong enough, it could cause the seat rail to lose its structural integrity during a high-speed crash. That increases the risk of injury.
- What will dealers do? Toyota dealers will replace the second-row seat rails free of charge.
- When will owners be notified? Interim letters will go out on November 21, and follow-up notices will be sent once the full repair plan is ready.
The total number of affected vehicles is 393,838.
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Hyundai recall 2024–2025 santa fe for electrical short risk
Hyundai has also announced a large recall, impacting more than 135,000 vehicles. This one involves the 2024 and 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. Here is a breakdown of the issue:
- What is the problem? The starter motor terminal cover might not have been installed correctly. In a crash, this part could come into contact with the cooling fan assembly. That contact could trigger an electrical short.
- Why does it matter? An electrical short in certain crash scenarios increases the risk of a fire or further damage.
- What will dealers do? Hyundai dealers will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover at no cost.
- When will owners be notified? Letters are scheduled to be mailed starting December 1.
The total number of affected vehicles is 135,386.
Alfa romeo recall giulia and stelvio for rearview camera defect
Stellantis, the manufacturers of Alfa Romeo vehicles, has recalled certain 2020–2025 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Alfa Romeo Stelvio models. This is a breakdown of the issue in this model:
- What is the problem? The rearview camera may stop working properly. Issues with the hardware and software could cause the screen to go blank, turn black, blue, or even display an inverted image.
- Why does it matter? A faulty rearview camera can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash while reversing.
- What will dealers do? Dealers will inspect the radios and update or replace the rearview camera software for free.
- When will owners be notified? Notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 25.
Affected vehicles are estimated to be 120,000+ across both models
How to check if your car is included in the recall
If you are not sure whether your vehicle is part of these recalls, you can quickly find out by:
- Searching your VIN number on the NHTSA recall website. Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is usually found on the driver’s side dashboard or on your insurance paperwork.
- Visiting your automaker’s recall page – Toyota, Hyundai, and Alfa Romeo all have online tools to help you check recalls.
- Waiting for a letter in the mail – automakers are required to notify owners directly, so you should receive one if your car is affected.
Why you should not ignore a recall
Recalls are issued because a vehicle has a safety defect or a potential risk. Even if your car seems fine now, ignoring a recall could put you or your family at risk later. The repairs are free, and in many cases, dealerships can complete them in a short visit.
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