On the Dash:
- Mercedes-Benz recalls 2026 GLC models over rear seat belt defect affecting child seat installation.
- Ford recalls SUVs and pickups for seat belt attachment and gearshift issues linked to injury risks.
- GM recalls nearly 3,000 trucks over airbag inflators that may rupture without a crash.
A series of recent recalls from Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and General Motors (GM) highlights ongoing safety concerns across multiple vehicle segments, ranging from seat belt defects to airbag and transmission issues.
Mercedes recalls GLC over seat belt issue
Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall on 20 vehicles over a rear seat belt issue that could affect child seat installation safety. Recalled models include the 2026 GLC, GLC Coupe, and AMG GLC SUV. Vehicles built between Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, 2025, may have been equipped with an incorrect rear center seat belt.
The belt lacks a feature that allows it to lock properly when securing a child restraint. Mercedes-Benz says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the defect.
Ford recalls SUVs over issue with second-row seats
Ford and its Lincoln luxury brand have recalled 561 Explorer and Aviator SUVs from model years 2020–2026 because second-row outboard seat belts may not be properly attached.
An improperly secured seat belt could increase the risk of injury in a crash. The company told federal safety officials it has received three field reports of improperly attached seat belts, but no accidents or injuries have been reported.
Separately, the automaker has also issued a recall affecting 1.4 million pickup trucks over a gearshift issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is aware of two potentially related injuries and one accident. Dealers will update the powertrain control module software as a remedy.
Earlier this year, the regulator expanded a safety-related investigation into the issue. A preliminary evaluation began in March last year after complaints involving 2015–2017 F-150 pickups equipped with the 6R80 transmission.
Ford says the issue may stem from electrical connections wearing down over time due to heat and vibration, leading to signal loss from the transmission range sensor.
GM recalls large trucks over airbag defect
General Motors has recalled nearly 3,000 full-size pickup trucks due to a roof-rail airbag defect that could cause inflators to rupture without a crash, sending hot metal fragments into the cabin and posing an injury risk. The recall affects only crew cab models that received airbag inflators from a specific parts shipment.
Recalled models include:
- 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
- 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2019 GMC Sierra 2500
- 2019 GMC Sierra 3500
In filings with the NHTSA, GM reported that airbag inflators use chemical reactions inside a sealed metal chamber to rapidly generate gas and deploy the airbag. In this case, a faulty batch may rupture rather than vent gas through the designed outlet, and the failure can occur even without a crash.
In each case, manufacturers will notify affected owners. Dealers will inspect, repair, or replace impacted components at no cost, as required by federal law.
