Week of September 21, 2026
Here’s the Monday roundup for Inland Empire and High Desert drivers. This week brings several recall checks, a look at new-car pricing, and new California rules for some classic-car owners.
Story 1
Ford is recalling certain 2026 Maverick, F-150 and Bronco Sport vehicles because some vehicle joints may not have been tightened properly. The issue can lead to detached parts, unsecured cargo, electrical failure, reduced crash protection or a loss of vehicle stability; owner letters are expected September 21.
The Car Dogs take: Check your VIN for open recalls and schedule the free repair if your vehicle is included.
Story 2
Ford is recalling certain 2026 F-150 trucks because incorrect rear axle tail bearings may have been installed. The bearings can lead to rear-wheel lock-up or driveshaft separation, potentially causing loss of control, loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
The Car Dogs take: Check your VIN and keep the parking brake applied whenever you park until any recall work is completed.
Story 3
Volkswagen has recalled 49,958 2025 Tiguan vehicles for a software problem involving the body control module system. The software can cause the module to reset, and the recall warns that the vehicle may stall.
The Car Dogs take: Check your 2025 Tiguan VIN promptly and arrange the recall repair if it is affected.
Story 4
The average transaction price for a new vehicle reached $50,089 in August, the first time it topped $50,000 in 2026. Prices rose 0.5% from July and 1.9% from a year earlier, while incentives remained restrained and inventory was relatively balanced.
The Car Dogs take: Set an out-the-door budget before shopping and compare deals carefully rather than waiting for broad price drops.
Story 5
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1392, known as Jay Leno’s Law, creating a phased-in smog-check exemption for qualifying collector cars built between 1976 and 1985. He also signed AB 2541 to establish a Lowrider specialized license plate program supporting youth engagement and related arts and cultural programs.
The Car Dogs take: Confirm whether your classic car qualifies before assuming its smog-check requirements have changed.
Story 6
California’s SB 1392, known as Leno’s Law, does not begin its phased-in exemption until January 1, 2028. The exemption applies to qualifying 1976 through 1985 collector cars that are insured as collector vehicles or driven less than 1,000 miles per year.
The Car Dogs take: Keep records of collector-car insurance and annual mileage if you expect to seek the future exemption.
Written by the Car Dogs team. General information only — your own numbers depend on your vehicle, credit and where you live.
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