NHTSA complaint #11745080

Owner complaint summary

Failed Component: Powertrain (PCM/TCM/HCP software calibration) & Electrical/Steering (Fire Recalls). Safety Risk & Description: Following recent mandatory manufacturer software updates, this vehicle has developed a severe, dangerous drivetrain defect. Under light acceleration from a complete stop, the vehicle exhibits an extreme throttle lag and hard delay before violently surging forward, creating a high risk of intersection collisions. Furthermore, at sustained highway speeds (52–63 MPH), the vehicle abruptly drops out of Electric Mode, causing the gas engine to violently spike to 5,000 RPMs before dropping back. This erratic cycling causes the vehicle to lurch, jerk, and pull, actively disrupting lane control. Compounding this, due to consecutive, unresolved fire safety recalls—including Recall 68C (Battery Fires) and the June 2026 Power Steering Pump wiring fire recall—the vehicle cannot be safely parked inside my garage or near structures while turned off. It represents a total loss of normal use and a severe safety liability. Dealer Confirmation & History: The driving defect was formally duplicated and confirmed by a certified technician on 06/09/2026 at Ryan Auto Mall (Repair Order #471599). The technician explicitly documented the electric mode dropouts and acceleration lag in writing. However, because the vehicle’s software masking prevents standard Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from triggering, the dealer closed the ticket stating it is "operating as designed." The vehicle's electrical and hybrid systems have been repeatedly altered via mandatory safety recalls: Recall 23A/04B (05/14/2024), Recall 95B (05/27/2025), and Recall 68C (02/11/2026). No dashboard warning lights are present; the dangerous handling is entirely coded into the manufacturer's latest software updates. Vehicle is intact and available for inspection.