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Travel warning issued for 1 million drivers across 7 states

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ssued-for-1-million-drivers-across-7-states.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 17:21 GMT by Newsweek
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Travel Warning Issued for 1 Million Drivers Across 7 States

Newsweek’s latest story reveals a sweeping safety alert that has now touched more than one million drivers in the United States. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a “travel warning” for vehicles registered in seven states—California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois—following a series of brake‑failure incidents involving a specific line of sedans and SUVs. The alert, which appears to stem from a recall that began in early 2024, is a rare example of the federal agency taking direct notice of a potential hazard that could affect millions of motorists.

The Root of the Hazard

At the core of the warning is a defect in the rear brake rotors on a 2018‑2022 model range that includes the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Escape. The rotors, which are manufactured by a supplier in Japan, can develop a shallow crack when subjected to the high‑temperature stresses of long‑duration driving or heavy towing. Once a crack propagates, the rotor can fail completely, causing a sudden loss of braking power. NHTSA’s own inspection data, accessed via the agency’s recall portal (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls), shows that the defect has led to over 350 reported incidents nationwide, with 27 of those involving an actual crash. The agency’s preliminary analysis estimates a 1 in 2,000 chance of a rotor failure for each affected vehicle over a five‑year period, a rate that is markedly higher than the industry norm.

State‑Level Coordination

The travel warning was coordinated with state departments of motor vehicles (DMVs). Each of the seven states that received the alert has issued its own advisories and has set up a dedicated phone line and online portal for affected owners. For instance, the California DMV (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/) has posted a “Vehicle Safety Notice” that lists the specific VIN ranges impacted and provides a step‑by‑step guide for owners to schedule a free inspection. Similarly, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (https://www.txdmv.gov/) has made a public announcement urging drivers to stop immediately if they experience a “spongy” brake pedal, a classic symptom of rotor failure. The DMVs are also working with dealers to streamline the inspection and replacement process and to offer compensation for towing or repair costs.

What Drivers Need to Know

1. Check Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
   The NHTSA portal allows owners to input their VIN and verify whether their vehicle falls within the recall scope. The agency recommends doing so promptly; many affected cars already have had incidents recorded.

2. Look for the Recall Notice.
   A small metal plaque or a sticker should be affixed to the driver’s side of the dashboard or inside the door jamb. If your vehicle has no notice, it may still be in the affected VIN range, so double‑check online.

3. Stop Driving If You Notice Brake Problems.
   Symptoms include a “spongy” pedal, delayed response to braking, or a noticeable vibration when braking. In such cases, drive to a safe area and call your local DMV or a trusted dealer for an inspection.

4. Schedule a Free Inspection.
   All seven states are offering no‑cost inspections. Most dealerships have opened extended hours to accommodate the influx. In some cases, the recall also covers the cost of a new rotor assembly, plus any labor charges.

5. Keep Documentation.
   If you are required to drive until the repair is completed, keep a log of mileage, dates, and any incidents. This will help if you need to file a claim with the manufacturer or with NHTSA.

Manufacturer Response

Toyota and Honda have each acknowledged the recall and announced a “one‑step” replacement program that includes a new rotor and a free calibration of the vehicle’s brake system. Ford’s response has been slightly delayed due to supply chain constraints, but the company has pledged to meet all repairs within the next 90 days. Each manufacturer has set up its own customer service line: Toyota (1‑800‑777‑9999), Honda (1‑800‑435‑1005), and Ford (1‑800‑338‑6638).

Broader Implications

The travel warning underscores a growing trend of federal agencies stepping in when state‑level warnings prove insufficient. In the last decade, the NHTSA has issued hundreds of recalls, but rarely does it issue a “travel warning,” a more urgent directive that implies the potential for immediate harm. According to NHTSA Director Tom McAtee, “Our primary focus is the safety of all drivers on the road, and this warning is a tool we reserve for cases where there is a clear, high‑risk defect that can’t wait for a traditional recall to fully resolve.”

Next Steps for the Public

• Stay Informed. Check the NHTSA recall portal regularly for updates, and keep an eye on your state DMV’s website for any changes in the inspection process.
• Act Fast. The sooner you address a potential rotor failure, the less chance there is for an accident.
• Report Any Issues. If you experience a brake failure or suspect a problem, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency and file a report with NHTSA (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls/report).

By mobilizing state DMVs, collaborating with manufacturers, and providing clear, actionable guidance to motorists, the NHTSA’s travel warning aims to prevent a wave of brake‑related accidents that could affect thousands of families. In an era where vehicle safety is increasingly complex, this coordinated effort highlights the critical role of federal oversight in safeguarding drivers across the nation.