Major Automotive Recalls Issued for Skoda, Cadillac, and BMW Vehicles

Several major automotive manufacturers have issued widespread vehicle recalls affecting tens of thousands of cars worldwide due to safety defects involving airbags, braking systems, and electrical components. The actions impact drivers across multiple international markets, with specific campaigns coordinated alongside transport authorities in Germany and the United States.

The Volkswagen subsidiary Skoda is expanding a previous recall globally to address defective Takata airbag inflators. According to reports citing the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, or KBA, an additional 77,360 vehicles manufactured between May 2016 and December 2017 are affected worldwide, including nearly 8,000 units in Germany. The expanded action encompasses eight model series, namely the Fabia, Rapid, Yeti, Octavia, Superb, Citigo, Kodiaq, and Roomster.

The defect involves gas generators that can deploy improperly during an accident, potentially releasing metal fragments toward vehicle occupants. Skoda previously recalled more than 138,000 vehicles in October 2025 for a similar issue. Affected owners are being notified through the KBA to have their driver-side airbags replaced at authorized service facilities under Skoda recall code 69PC.

Meanwhile, General Motors is conducting a recall for multiple electric Cadillac models and the Chevy Blazer EV due to a software flaw in the brake system control module. The issue can temporarily prevent braking action if the driver brakes lightly at low speeds while simultaneously turning sharply and traversing uneven road surfaces. If the brake is released briefly and reapplied during this sequence, braking effectiveness may momentarily fail before returning to normal upon another press of the pedal.

The Cadillac campaign impacts a total of 67,380 vehicles, covering specific Lyriq models from the 2023 through 2027 model years, the Celestiq from 2025 and 2026, and the Vistiq from 2026 and 2027. General Motors has noted multiple complaints and minor accidents potentially related to the software glitch. A free software update intended to resolve the problem can be installed over the air or at a dealership, with owner notification letters anticipated in December 2026.

In a separate campaign, BMW has initiated a recall for select 5 Series and 7 Series vehicles following the identification of a potential fire hazard. The KBA dataset indicates that 1,473 vehicles globally, including 431 in Germany, may have received an incorrect starter relay during a previous repair campaign concerning the starter. This improper installation can cause the positive power cable to loosen, potentially resulting in a short circuit, sparking, and vehicle fires.

The BMW recall applies to vehicles produced between March 15, 2016, and June 29, 2020, under reference number 17217R and manufacturer code 0012880600. Because the general notices do not contain lists of individual vehicle identification numbers, owners are advised to check their 17-digit VINs on official manufacturer websites or consult authorized service partners. All necessary diagnostic checks and remedial work associated with these active safety campaigns are performed free of charge for vehicle owners.