National Safety Roundup - Sept. 2

Nearly 149,000 Ford Mustangs — drive power or headlights can fail

Ford is recalling 148,663 model-year 2024–2026 Mustangs because engine-compartment wiring-harness ground connections can fracture. That can cause a sudden loss of drive power or knock out the headlights, windshield washers, air conditioning or engine cooling fan. NHTSA says loss of power or visibility increases the risk of a crash. (Reuters)

The affected cars were built between September 7, 2022 and June 9, 2026. NHTSA estimates about 1% actually contain the defect. Dealers will replace the wiring-harness ground terminals for free. Interim notices began going out August 31, but Ford says the final remedy is not expected to be available until about March 2027. The campaign is NHTSA 26V547 / Ford 26C40. (Fixes.com)

Owners may see a check-engine light, dashboard warnings or hear a warning chime before a failure. Mustang owners can check their VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Another 10,001 Fords — defective pistons can cause sudden engine failure

A separate Ford recall covers 10,001 model-year 2026 vehicles:

• Bronco
• Bronco Sport
• Explorer
• Mustang
• Ranger

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine piston domes may have been manufactured incorrectly, allowing a piston to fail and causing an unexpected loss of drive power. (Recall Tracker Network)

Dealers will inspect the engines and replace the engine long block where necessary. Interim owner letters are expected beginning September 4, with the full remedy anticipated in December. The recall is NHTSA 26V548 / Ford 26S61. (RedVIN.codes)

Taken together with the Mustang wiring recall, Ford has roughly 159,000 vehicles in these two newly prominent safety actions.

67,146 Mitsubishi Outlanders — rearview camera may go blank

Also worth flagging is a recall of 67,146 model-year 2025–2026 Mitsubishi Outlanders and 2026 Outlander PHEVs.

Improperly programmed infotainment software can cause the rearview-camera image not to appear when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, reducing the driver's ability to see people or objects behind the vehicle and increasing crash risk. (Recall Tracker Network)

Dealers will install a free software update. Owner letters are expected September 24. The campaign is NHTSA 26V549 / Mitsubishi SR-26-002.

Smaller new NHTSA item: Tesla Model Y suspension

Tesla has recalled 19 model-year 2026 Model Ys because front suspension lateral-link fasteners may not have been tightened properly. A link can loosen or separate, changing wheel alignment and potentially causing loss of vehicle control. Tesla will tighten or replace the fasteners and inspect associated components free of charge. The campaign is NHTSA 26V558. (Fresh Recalls)

The number involved is tiny, so I wouldn't feature it in a general consumer roundup.

CPSC, FDA and USDA FSIS

CPSC: No September 2 batch has been posted. CPSC's official recall page still lists August 27 as its latest group of recalls, led by the Cuisinart grill brushes and child-product hazards already covered. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

FDA: No September 1 or September 2 recall has appeared on FDA's principal recall page. Its newest listings remain August 31, including the Lipofit Extreme Fat Burner recall already covered. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

USDA FSIS: No new September recall or public-health alert surfaced. The most recent recall remains the August 26 Shanghai Ravioli frozen buffalo-chicken recall covered yesterday. (Food Safety and Inspection Service)

Today's clear lead is the Ford Mustang recall. Nearly 149,000 cars are involved, and the defect can simultaneously affect propulsion and crucial visibility systems. The separate 10,001-vehicle Ford engine recall is also worth a solid brief, particularly because it spans five popular models.