Drivers are being warned that thousands of vehicles from major brands are being recalled over issues that could put motorists and passengers at risk.

Many vehicles have already been recalled this year, with drivers being notified of potentially serious issues that could be affecting their vehicles and their road safety.

Drivers will typically receive a free fix for the vehicle issues, with the manufacturer providing an over-the-air update, or a physical replacement or installation of parts to target the issue.

GB News has rounded up the most important car recalls of the last month to warn drivers of any problems they face with their vehicles.

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Ford

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States has opened an investigation into Ford's recall of more than 42,000 SUVs in relation to concerns that a fuel leak could lead to an engine fire.

Ford warned that a fuel injector may crack and leak fuel, heightening the risk of an underhood fire, although the brand has proposed a software update and installation of a drain to mitigate the effects.

Vehicles affected include the 2022-23 model year Ford Bronco Sport and 2022 Ford Escape SUVs with 1.5-litre engines.

Mercedes-Benz

More than 340,000 GLE and GLS models (2021-2024) are believed to be affected by the global recall which is targeting an improperly secured 48-volt ground connection which could overheat and lead to a fire under the passenger seat. Around 116,000 are included in the US recall, while around 11,200 are impacted in Germany.

In February, the brand was forced to recall a further 105,071 vehicles over fears the transmissions may not fully downshift in certain conditions, heightening the risk of the engine stalling and an accident taking place.

The German auto regulator, KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), announced that almost 530,000 vehicles needed to be recalled for steering software issues. Models impacted include A-Class, B-Class, CLA, EQA, EQB, GLA and GLB vehicles (2017-2024).

​BMW

More than 8,200 BMW X1 models have been recalled over issues with the integrated braking system in the UK.

The DVSA announced: "On affected vehicles, an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired."

Drivers are advised to contact their local BMW dealership or manufacturer, with all repairs being free of charge for the customer.

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Aston Martin

The American division of the classic British brand has warned that 2,902 models of the 2021-2024 DBX vehicles may have loose electrical cables in the battery fuse box.

This could potentially lead to the engine stalling, a loss of headlights and even power steering. Affected owners are likely to hear from the brand after April 22, with any repairs being completed free of charge.

Aston Martin issued another NHTSA recall warning earlier this month, stating that 720 DBX707 (2023-2024) models could see a sudden loss of oil and oil pressure, with dealers needing to replace the hoses for the oil cooler.