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Ford Issues Recalls for F-150, Ranger, and Lincoln Navigator Models Due to Safety Concerns

Ford Motor Company has issued a trio of recalls affecting a total of 100 vehicles, spanning several key models across its 2022 and 2025 lineups. The recalls, announced by a U.S. government agency, involve the 2025 Ford F-150 and Ranger pickups, as well as the 2022 Lincoln Navigator SUV, each presenting distinct safety and operational concerns.

2025 Ford F-150: Engine Wiring Risk Could Cause Shutdown

The largest of the three recalls targets 40 units of the 2025 Ford F-150 equipped with 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engines. Ford has identified a risk stemming from improper routing of the engine coolant hose, which may come into contact with the engine wiring harness. This contact could lead to friction damage or even disconnection of the powertrain control module (PCM) connector pins, potentially resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown — a serious safety hazard.

According to the automaker, the root of the problem lies in insufficient protective measures where the coolant hose was attached to the wiring harness. To correct the issue, Ford dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage, install a protective sleeve if necessary, and reposition the coolant hose clip to prevent future contact.

2022 Lincoln Navigator: Lighting Software Glitch

In a separate recall, eight units of the 2022 Lincoln Navigator luxury SUV are being called back due to a suspected software error. The glitch could cause a loss of both the daytime running lights and side marker lights, compromising vehicle visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.

Ford attributed the issue to a tool that failed to load the correct software during production. Affected owners will be asked to visit an authorized dealership to receive a software update for the headlight control module, restoring proper lighting functionality.

2025 Ford Ranger: Dashboard Display Malfunction

The third recall impacts 45 units of the 2025 Ford Ranger, citing improperly configured dashboards that prevent vital warning indicators and gauges from displaying correctly. Critical systems affected include the fuel gauge, forward collision warning system, and various other driver alerts.

Ford has acknowledged six warranty claims tied to this defect. As a remedy, dealers will reconfigure the instrument clusters to ensure accurate and reliable display of all essential vehicle information.

What Owners Should Know

Ford will be notifying affected owners directly and encouraging them to schedule service appointments at authorized dealerships. All necessary repairs and software updates will be performed free of charge.

While the scope of the recalls is relatively small, they underscore the ongoing challenges automakers face in balancing increasingly complex vehicle technologies with consistent manufacturing quality. Owners are advised to monitor recall databases or contact Ford customer service to confirm whether their vehicle is affected.

Source: Ford

News

Karma Automotive Dealer Allegedly Sold Exotic Cars Without Titles

In the shadowy corners of the luxury car market, few stories manage to shock a seasoned industry—yet Bul Auto Sales in Jacksonville, Florida, is doing just that. Opened barely 15 months ago, the Karma Automotive-affiliated dealership has now shuttered its doors, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions, angry customers, and an active criminal investigation spanning two states.

At the heart of the scandal is Vladimir Ranguelov, the dealership’s owner, who also ran a sister location in Albany, New York. Authorities allege that Ranguelov engaged in an elaborate scheme involving forgery, fraud, and double-selling high-end vehicles.

In one particularly brazen case, a Florida customer paid $250,000 for a Lamborghini—only to discover it had already been sold to another buyer. While one party received the exotic car, the other was left $250,000 short with no vehicle in sight.

Another victim, a 62-year-old man, transferred $260,000 for a McLaren 720S and drove the car for three months before discovering it had never been legally registered in his name. When the dealership offered to facilitate a sale of the McLaren to another buyer, the man was persuaded to purchase a $300,000 Rolls-Royce. As it stands, he’s now out a staggering $560,000 and owns neither vehicle.

Cases of deception keep piling up. A Dallas-based buyer wired $235,000 for a Corvette and flew to Jacksonville to collect it—only to find it had already been seized by the local Sheriff’s Office. In another disturbing incident, a 63-year-old entrusted the dealership to sell his 1994 Porsche 911 for $155,000. He was told the car had been sold, but law enforcement has found no trace of a new owner.

According to local reports, the dealership quietly ceased operations without notifying customers. Investigators believe that some vehicles were sold without settling existing liens, which explains why many buyers never received titles or the vehicles themselves.

Karma Automotive has since suspended its partnership with Bul Auto Sales, distancing itself as the investigation intensifies. Meanwhile, concern is growing among alleged victims that Ranguelov may have fled the country altogether.

This developing story underscores a critical reminder for luxury car buyers: even in a market built on prestige and performance, due diligence is essential. For those impacted, justice—and their money—may still be a long road away.

Source: News4Jax

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Toyota Unveils First-Ever Mild Hybrid Land Cruiser for Europe

Toyota is taking a bold step toward electrifying its iconic off-road lineup with the introduction of the Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V, the first electrified version of this legendary SUV for the European market. Building on the success of the current generation launched at the end of 2024, the Japanese automaker now adds a 48V mild hybrid diesel variant—combining efficiency with rugged dependability.

Proven Diesel Meets Electric Innovation

At the heart of this new variant is Toyota’s trusted 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, which continues to produce 204 horsepower. Now paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, the powertrain benefits from a 16-horsepower electric motor-generator, 65 Nm of torque, and a DC-DC converter. Power is sent through an 8-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive remaining standard.

Despite the introduction of hybrid technology, Toyota emphasizes that the Land Cruiser retains its legendary off-road DNA. The mild hybrid components have been designed for compact integration, with the electric motor mounted directly above the engine block—ensuring the vehicle’s capability to wade through water up to 700 millimeters deep remains untouched.

Lightweight, Efficient Battery System

The 48V system is powered by a 13-cell lithium-ion battery, weighing just 7.6 kilograms and offering a 4.3 Ah capacity. Strategically placed beneath the boot floor, it preserves interior space while enabling up to 12 kW of electric boost when fully charged.

Toyota highlights several key benefits of the new hybrid setup:

  • Smoother and quieter engine starts
  • Improved stop-start functionality, with both NORMAL and LONG modes for extended engine shut-off
  • Linear acceleration and refined urban performance
  • Enhanced energy regeneration

These refinements make daily driving more comfortable while also contributing to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions—without compromising the SUV’s robust off-road character.

Built for the Trail—and the Future

The new Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V is built on Toyota’s TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) chassis-on-frame platform, ensuring it meets the structural demands of serious off-roading while delivering stable and safe road performance.

This system has already debuted on Toyota’s latest Hilux model, signaling a broader strategy to gradually electrify its off-road fleet without sacrificing durability or capability.

Launch Timeline

European customers can expect to place orders for the electrified Land Cruiser later this year, with first deliveries scheduled to arrive by the end of 2025.

With the Hybrid 48V version, Toyota is not only embracing electrification but doing so in a way that respects and enhances the Land Cruiser’s legendary reputation—proving that even the most rugged vehicles can evolve with the times.

Source: Toyota

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Toyota Unveils First-Ever Mild Hybrid Land Cruiser for Europe

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