U.S. automotive recalls rose in the first quarter, though the number of affected units fell, according to Sedgwick data.

The 9% jump brought the total number of recalls to 262 while the total of recalled units dropped 15% to 12.5 million, the leading cause by volume being air bags, which led to three million recalled units, or 25% of the total and the greatest number in more than three years.

Meanwhile, electrical systems were again the top cause among all recall events, sparking 66 of the recall events, or 25%, according to Sedgwick, which said that’s the most quarterly electrical system recalls in more than five years.

It said that only two other quarters in the past five years had more recall events, both in 2021: that year’s third quarter, with 297, and its second quarter, which saw 291.

Do-Not-Drive Warnings

Undone air bag repairs moved Ford and Mazda to issue do-not-drive warnings this week to owners of vehicles whose Takata-brand air bag inflators were previously recalled but who haven’t taken them in for replacement.

The older air bags pose more of a safety concern, as their age makes them more likely to explode, the automakers and safety regulators say. Mazda said the problem can be more common in hot, humid environments, giving a greater sense of urgency, given summer heat.

Three recalls dating back to 2015 took in multiple models of the brands. This is Ford’s second do-not-drive advisory related to the recalls in its efforts to repair affected vehicles, which include:

• 2004 to 2011 Ranger trucks

• 2005 to 2014 Mustangs

• 2005 to 2006 GTs

• 2006 to 2012 Fusions, Mercury Milans and Lincoln MKZs/Zephyrs

• 2007 to 2010 Edges and Lincoln MKXs

• Ford said it will even offer mobile repair service or tow vehicles to dealerships.

Affected Mazda models include:

• 2004 to 2009 B series

• 2003 to 2013 Mazda 6s

• 2006 to 2007 Mazda Speed 6s

• 2004 to 2006 MPVs

• 2004 to 2011 RX-8s

• 2007 to 2012 CX-7s

• 2007 to 2015 CX-9s

Cadillacs Recalled

In another recent event, General Motors recalled 2023 and 2024 Cadillac Lyriqs, saying they can lose braking ability.

The recall encompasses more than 21,000 units, whose antilock braking system could spontaneously activate, releasing brake pressure and posing risk of collision, according to a notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

GM will update the Lyriqs’ brake control module software either over the air or via dealerships. It’s scheduled to mail notices to owners on Sept. 23.

DIG DEEPER: Recall Reconnaissance

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