This week’s road news brings a major Dodge recall, stubborn vehicle prices and fresh financing data. California drivers also have a new EV rebate to consider, while classic-car smog legislation moves forward.
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Chrysler recalls 74,578 Dodge Durangos over rear spoilers
Chrysler is recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durango vehicles because a misaligned rear spoiler may be damaged during liftgate use and detach, creating a road hazard. The recall covers 74,578 vehicles, and a remedy is still under development. Owner letters are expected to begin mailing September 10, 2026, and vehicles repaired under prior recalls will still need the new repair.
The Car Dogs take: Check your Durango’s VIN now and follow up when the new repair becomes available.
The average transaction price for a new vehicle was $49,855 in July 2026, up 0.2% from June and 1.9% from a year earlier. Incentive spending fell to 6.4% of the average transaction price from 7% in June, while prices remained fairly flat through 2026.
The Car Dogs take: Build the complete deal before buying so you can compare the vehicle price, incentive and financing together.
Three-year-old used vehicles averaged $32,461 in the second quarter
The average transaction price for a three-year-old used vehicle reached $32,461 in the second quarter of 2026, a second-quarter record. That was 4% higher than a year earlier and 15.5% above the second quarter of 2021, while vehicles under $20,000 accounted for less than one-third of used sales.
The Car Dogs take: Set a firm budget and compare age, mileage and condition before choosing a used vehicle.
The interest rate on a 60-month new-car loan averaged 6.97% in July 2026, up from 6.92% in June. The July rate remained below the 7.27% recorded one year earlier.
The Car Dogs take: Compare loan offers and calculate the payment at each available rate before signing.
California launches rebates for first-time EV buyers
California’s MyFirstEV program offers first-time EV buyers a $3,500 discount when buying or leasing a new zero-emission vehicle priced under $50,000. It also offers $1,750 off a used electric vehicle priced under $25,000.
The Car Dogs take: Confirm your eligibility and the vehicle’s price before committing to an EV purchase or lease.
California classic-car smog exemption bill advances
California Senate Bill 1392 would provide a full smog-check exemption for pre-1981 vehicles. The bill passed the Senate and cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where a similar proposal failed last year.
The Car Dogs take: Keep completing required smog checks while monitoring whether the bill becomes law.
