Charles Langston:Ford, General Motors among 221,000 vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here

The Charles LangstonNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued multiple recalls last week, including notices for over 85,000 Ford Explorers for an engine failure.

Are you looking to see if any recalls were issued on your vehicle? If the car isn't listed below, owners can check USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or search NHTSA’s database for new recalls. The NHTSA website allows you to search for recalls based on your vehicle identification number or VIN.

Here is what to know about the vehicle recalls published by NHTSA from Aug. 11 to Aug. 17.

See full list:Ford issues do-not-drive advisory for some vehicles with Takata airbags

Ford recalls

For windows that may pinch

Ford is recalling 70,483 of its 2024 Ranger and 2024 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles. In the NHTSA report, the automobile manufacturer said, "when closing the windows with the global closing feature, the windows may not automatically reverse after detecting an object." A closing window may use excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting. This may increase the risk of injury.

The NHTSA also says that these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

To fix the issue, dealers will update the driver door module and the passenger door module software for free. Recall notification letters are expected to be delivered by Sept. 23. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C24.

Recalled Ford vehicles:

• 2024 Ranger
• 2024 Lincoln Nautilus

For an engine failure

Ford is recalling 85,238 of its 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the police interceptor utility package. The automobile manufacturer said, "in the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components." This may cause an engine compartment fire, the NHTSA report said.

The report said that owners with the recalled vehicles are being advised to park and shut off the engine as soon as they hear unexpected engine noises, experience an unexpected engine power reduction, or see smoke from the engine compartment.

Ford dealers will update the powertrain control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and, if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be free. Interim letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed on Aug. 19. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated in the second Quarter of 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

Recalled Ford vehicles:

• 2020-2022 Explorer

For incorrect bolt in steering column 

Ford is recalling 1,902 of its 2023-2024 Transit vehicles. In the NHTSA report, the automobile manufacturer said, “the steering column intermediate shaft may have been secured to the steering gear pinion shaft with an incorrect bolt.” The report details that this defect can cause the steering components to separate and lead to a loss of steering control. A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

For free, dealers will replace the steering column intermediate shaft bolt. Recall  notification letters are expected to be delivered by Sept. 9. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S48.

Recalled vehicles: 

• 2023-2024 Transit

For suspension knuckles failure

Ford is recalling 4,595 of its 2024 Mustang vehicles. The automobile manufacturer said, “the rear suspension knuckles may have a casting defect that causes them to fail." This can cause in a loss of vehicle handling and steering control which can increase the risk of a crash, the NHTSA report said. 

To resolve the issue, dealers will inspect and replace the rear suspension knuckle as necessary for free. Recall notification letters are expected to be sent on Aug. 26. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S49. 

Recalled Ford vehicles: 

• 2024 Mustang 

For windshield motor failure

Ford is recalling 37,371 of its vehicles. In the NHTSA report, the automobile manufacturer said, “the front windshield wiper motor may become inoperative which can cause the wipers to fail.” When a vehicle has inoperative windshield wipers, it can reduce a drivers  visibility and  increase the risk of a crash, the NHTSA report said. 

As a resolution, dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor as necessary for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent on Aug. 26. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S51.

Recalled Ford vehicles: 

• 2023-2024 Maverick
• 2023 Ford Bronco Sport
• 2023 Mustang Mach-E

General Motors recalls

For loss of brakes

General Motors is recalling 21,469 of its 2023-2024 Cadillac LYRIQ all-wheel drive vehicles. The automotive manufacturer said, "the anti-lock brake system may activate unexpectedly and release brake pressure in the vehicle's service brake system." A release of brake pressure can cause a loss of braking ability which can increase the risk of a crash, the NHTSA report said.

To fix the issue, the electronic brake control module software will be updated through an over-the-air update or by a dealer for free. Recall notification letters are expected to be sent on Sept. 23. Owners may contact Cadillac's customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or EV Concierge at 1-844-EV-CADILLAC (1-844-382-2345). GM's number for this recall is N242453471.

Recalled GM vehicles: 

• 2023-2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.