Car Software, Safety Ratings and Recalls — 2026-09-12
This week saw a significant surge in software-related recalls, with Toyota recalling 10,000 C-HR EVs for a battery management defect and Nissan issuing a massive recall for the Caravan/Commo brake system. Meanwhile, Euro NCAP awarded five-star ratings to several Chinese EVs, signaling a shift in safety benchmarks, while NHTSA continued its investigation into GM V-8 engine failures despite prior recalls.
Car Software, Safety Ratings and Recalls — 2026-09-12
Top developments
Toyota Recalls 10,000 C-HR EVs for Battery Software Defect
Toyota has issued a safety recall for approximately 10,000 2026 C-HR electric vehicles due to a defect in the regenerative braking software. The flaw poses a risk of battery overcharge, which can lead to a loss of drive power while operating. The remedy involves a software update performed at dealerships, highlighting the increasing reliance on OTA-capable systems for critical safety fixes.
Nissan Recalls 36,766 Caravan and Commo Vehicles for Brake Issues
Nissan announced a recall of 36,766 units of its "Caravan" van and the Isuzu "Commo" (OEM supplied) in Japan. Filed with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on September 10, the recall addresses defective brake components that may cause reduced braking force. The affected vehicles were manufactured between March 2022 and September 2025.
Euro NCAP Awards Five Stars to Chinese EVs
Euro NCAP released new safety ratings on September 2, awarding five stars to the GAC AION UT, Geely E2, and Leapmotor B05. This marks a continued trend of Chinese manufacturers achieving top safety scores in Europe’s rigorous testing regime, which includes advanced ADAS evaluations. These results challenge previous perceptions of lower safety standards in emerging EV markets.
NHTSA Lists Nine New Vehicle Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) listed nine new recalls affecting Ford, Mitsubishi, Tesla, Ram, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles. Among them, certain 2024-2026 Ford Mustangs are being recalled for unspecified issues, part of a broader trend of high-volume recalls impacting major US automakers this year.
BMW Recalls Nearly 190,000 Vehicles for Fire Risk
BMW is recalling over 189,000 vehicles worldwide, including three specific models, due to a potential fire risk. In Germany alone, 5,788 vehicles are affected by a faulty starter relay that could lead to a short circuit and subsequent fire. Owners are advised to contact dealers for immediate inspection and repair.
Local view
Japan: Media outlets like Asahi Shimbun and Response.jp focused heavily on domestic MLIT filings. Response.jp reported on Stellantis Japan’s recall of 3,989 Jeep, Fiat, and Alfa Romeo vehicles filed on August 27, citing fire risks. Monoist.itmedia covered Mitsubishi’s recall of 21,000 Delica D:5 vans due to LCD meter display failures.
Germany: Autohaus.de reported that the KBA (Federal Motor Transport Authority) is monitoring a Nissan X-Trail recall affecting 12,723 German vehicles due to potential power loss from high-voltage battery control errors. Chip.de highlighted the BMW starter relay issue, emphasizing the fire danger for local owners.
Context & numbers
- Recall Volume: A recent study highlighted by The Detroit News notes that the number of cars and trucks recalled has hit a 5-year high, attributed to increasing complexity in electronics and software across shared platforms.
- China’s Regulatory Push: Four Chinese ministries have launched a one-year campaign to improve vehicle quality, explicitly barring manufacturers from changing key vehicle parameters via OTA updates after approval, aiming to curb "speed-to-market" shortcuts.
- Safety Rankings: The Hyundai Ioniq 9 leads the "Safest Cars of 2026" list on ForCar.org with a safety score of 99/100, combining NHTSA 5-star ratings with owner-reported data.
On the radar
- NHTSA NCAP Updates: NHTSA continues to seek comment on proposals to add Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) with pedestrian avoidance to its recommended ADAS technologies, though final implementation dates remain under review following delays.
- GM V-8 Investigation: NHTSA’s investigation into GM’s L87 6.2-liter V-8 engines remains active, with reports indicating hundreds of engines have failed even after receiving the initial recall remedy.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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