Ford, GM, and Mercedes issue critical recalls in safety-related matters
Ford, GM, and Mercedes issue critical recalls in safety-related matters
A wave of safety recalls from Ford, General Motors (GM), and Mercedes-Benz affects thousands of vehicles due to defects involving seat belts, airbags, and transmission systems. These issues, which could pose risks to passenger safety, have prompted manufacturers to take corrective action.
Mercedes-Benz: Child Seat Safety Concerns
Mercedes-Benz has recalled 20 vehicles from its 2026 GLC lineup due to a defect in the rear center seat belt, which could impact the proper installation of child restraints. This recall includes the 2026 GLC, GLC Coupe, and AMG GLC SUV models manufactured between September 16 and September 18, 2025.
The automaker identified an issue where the seat belt lacks a locking feature necessary to secure child seats. While no crashes or injuries have been reported, Mercedes-Benz is taking proactive measures to address the defect.
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Ford: Seat Belt and Gearshift Defects
Ford and its Lincoln luxury brand have recalled 561 SUVs, including Explorer and Aviator models from 2020 to 2026, due to improperly attached second-row outboard seat belts. This defect increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. According to Ford, three field reports of improperly secured seat belts have been recorded, though no injuries or accidents have been linked to the issue.
Additionally, 1.4 million Ford pickup trucks have been recalled due to a gearshift malfunction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the problem could stem from wear on electrical connections caused by heat and vibrations over time. This wear could lead to signal loss in the transmission range sensor. The defect has been linked to two injuries and one accident, with Ford planning to address the issue by updating the powertrain control module software.
The NHTSA had previously expanded its investigation into the gearshift issue, which initially began in March 2025, after complaints about 2015–2017 F-150 models equipped with the 6R80 transmission.
GM: Airbag Rupture Hazard
General Motors has recalled nearly 3,000 full-size trucks due to a defect in the roof-rail airbag inflators. The defect, which involves faulty airbag inflators from a specific parts shipment, could cause the inflators to rupture without warning, ejecting hot metal fragments into the cabin and increasing the risk of injury.
The recall affects crew cab models of the following vehicles:
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2019 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2019 GMC Sierra 3500
GM explained that the inflators rely on a chemical reaction within a sealed metal chamber to deploy airbags. In the defective airbags, the inflators may fail to vent gas properly, resulting in a rupture. These failures can occur even in the absence of a crash.
Manufacturer Actions and Next Steps
In all cases, manufacturers have committed to notifying affected vehicle owners. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace defective components at no cost, as required by federal law.
The recalls serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing vehicle safety concerns promptly to minimize potential risks for drivers and passengers.