Ford Recalls 4,922 Broncos Over Rollaway Risk as Seat Bolt Issue Also Hits Ranger

Key facts

• Ford recalls 4,922 Broncos that could roll away.
• Ford Ranger hit with second recall in two weeks.
• Seat bolt issue affects both Ford Ranger and Bronco.
• Tesla Cybertruck RWD recall reveals only 173 units sold.
• California CHP wrote nearly 12,000 speeding tickets in 24 hours.
• Mitsubishi's entire 40-year recall history is three short of Ford's 2025 alone.
• Rivian built the R2 for half the cost of the R1, including a windshield that costs half as much.

Rollaway Risk Prompts Ford Bronco Recall

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for 4,922 Broncos that could roll away unexpectedly. The defect, which affects certain models, poses a safety risk that could lead to accidents or injuries. Owners are advised to park their vehicles until repairs are completed. The recall adds to a growing list of quality issues for Ford's off-road lineup. The Bronco, a flagship model for the brand, has faced scrutiny over build quality since its reintroduction. This latest action underscores the challenges Ford faces in maintaining reliability amid high production volumes.

Ranger Hit by Second Recall in Two Weeks

The Ford Ranger pickup truck has been hit with a second recall in just two weeks, compounding concerns about the vehicle's safety. The latest recall involves a seat bolt issue that also affects the Bronco, indicating a shared component problem across Ford's truck and SUV platforms. Ford has not disclosed the total number of vehicles affected by the seat bolt recall, but the issue adds to the company's recall tally for 2025. With Mitsubishi's entire 40-year recall history being just three short of Ford's 2025 alone, the scale of Ford's quality challenges is starkly highlighted.

Tesla Cybertruck Recall Reveals Low Sales

A recall of the Tesla Cybertruck rear-wheel drive variant has revealed that only 173 units of the electric pickup have been sold. The recall, which affects a small number of vehicles, underscores the slow ramp-up of Cybertruck production and sales. Tesla has faced production delays and quality issues with the Cybertruck, which was first unveiled in 2019. The low sales figures contrast with the company's ambitious targets and raise questions about demand for the unconventional vehicle.

California Speed Camera Hub Scrapped After $75 Million Spend

A city's $75 million speed camera hub project has been abandoned, and officials are now seeking $27 million for speed bumps instead. The reversal highlights the challenges of implementing automated traffic enforcement and the shifting priorities of local governments. Meanwhile, the California Highway Patrol wrote nearly 12,000 speeding tickets in a single 24-hour operation, with over 200 drivers facing potential license suspensions. The enforcement blitz demonstrates the state's aggressive approach to traffic safety, even as speed camera projects falter.

Rivian Cuts R2 Costs in Half, Including Windshield

Rivian has built its R2 electric SUV for half the cost of the R1, with savings extending to components like the windshield, which costs half as much as the one on the R1. The cost-cutting measures are part of Rivian's strategy to make its vehicles more affordable and competitive. The R2's lower production costs are not solely due to battery savings; Rivian has redesigned the vehicle's architecture and supply chain to reduce expenses across the board. This approach could help the company achieve profitability and expand its market share.

BMW M3 EV to Match Gas Model's Price Despite Power Difference

BMW's upcoming electric M3 is expected to produce up to 1,000 horsepower, while the gasoline version will offer less than 600 hp. Despite the significant power gap, both models will be priced similarly, according to reports. The pricing strategy reflects BMW's commitment to positioning its electric performance vehicles as direct alternatives to their combustion counterparts. The M3 EV is part of BMW's broader electrification push, which includes a range of new electric models across its lineup.

Industry Sales Hit Hard After Pre-Tariff Surge

New car sales have been hit hard following last year's pre-tariff surge, as overall affordability concerns weigh on the market. Consumers are facing higher prices and interest rates, dampening demand for new vehicles. The sales decline is affecting automakers across the board, with many reporting lower volumes compared to the same period last year. The industry is bracing for further challenges as trade policies and economic conditions remain uncertain.

The bottom line

• Ford's quality issues persist with multiple recalls affecting the Bronco and Ranger.
• Tesla's Cybertruck sales remain minimal, with only 173 units sold for the RWD variant.
• California's speed enforcement efforts are mixed, with a costly camera hub scrapped but aggressive ticketing operations ongoing.
• Rivian's cost-cutting on the R2 demonstrates a path to affordability for electric vehicles.
• BMW is pricing its high-power M3 EV similarly to the less powerful gas version, signaling a shift in performance car economics.
• The auto industry faces a sales downturn as affordability concerns and tariff impacts take hold.