Lucid Recalls 27,185 Air Sedans Over Fire Risk From Exterior Lights
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Lucid has recalled 27,185 Air sedans in the United States because a problem with the exterior lighting circuits can cause them to overheat. In some cases, the overheating can lead to smoke or even a fire.
The recall covers Lucid Air sedans from the 2022 to 2026 model years, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The issue is linked to the software controlling the low voltage exterior lighting circuits. Lucid says the problem can affect the circuit’s ability to protect itself from excessive current.
That may not sound like the sort of problem that can turn into a serious safety issue, but it can. If the circuit continues to operate at an excessive amperage level, it can overheat and potentially catch fire.
Lucid Air recall affects 27,185 cars
The recall affects 27,185 Lucid Air sedans from the 2022 to 2026 model years.
Lucid reported three fires that it believes were related to the overheating exterior lighting circuits. The automaker also reported four incidents involving smoke.
There were also 33 warranty reports involving damaged wiring harnesses for the center high mounted stop lamp, or CHMSL.
These reports were part of Lucid’s investigation into the issue and helped identify the potential safety problem.
What is causing the Lucid Air fire risk?
The problem involves the software used to control the low voltage exterior lighting circuits.
These circuits use an eFuse for electrical protection. According to the recall documents, the software may not provide enough overcurrent protection. As a result, the circuit can continue operating at an excessive amperage level.
When that happens, the circuit can become too hot.
The overheating can damage the exterior lighting components and wiring. In more serious cases, it can produce smoke or start a fire.
The problem can also affect the operation of the headlights or taillights. That means the issue is not limited to the potential fire risk. A damaged lighting circuit could also leave some exterior lights working incorrectly.
Lucid has already developed a software fix
The good news for owners is that the recall does not require a major hardware repair.
Lucid has addressed the problem through an over the air software update. The updated software reduces the eFuse amperage and disables a function that previously allowed a faulted circuit to become active again during the same key cycle.
The affected cars need software version 2.10.0 or later.
At the time Lucid filed the recall, 20,719 of the 27,185 affected vehicles had already received software version 2.10.0 or a newer version.
That means a significant number of the affected cars had already received the software fix before the recall was filed.
What should Lucid Air owners do?
Owners who have not updated their vehicles to software version 2.10.0 or later are being urged to take the recall seriously.
Lucid’s instructions say owners with affected software should park the vehicle outside and away from other vehicles and buildings until the required software update has been installed.
Lucid plans to notify customers who have not updated their vehicles by October 16. The notification will include instructions for installing the latest software.
Owners who need help installing the update will be advised to contact Lucid.
Lucid Air recall details
| Recall Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Lucid Air |
| Model years | 2022 to 2026 |
| Number of vehicles | 27,185 |
| Problem | Exterior lighting circuit can overheat |
| Potential consequences | Smoke, damaged lights and possible fire |
| Related reports | 3 fires, 4 smoke reports and 33 CHMSL wiring reports |
| Remedy | Over the air software update |
| Required software | Version 2.10.0 or later |
| Software already updated at filing | 20,719 vehicles |
| Owner notification | By October 16 |
Why this Lucid recall matters
Software has become a major part of modern cars, and the Lucid Air is no exception. In this case, software controls how much electrical current the exterior lighting circuits can handle.
The problem shows how a software issue can have consequences beyond a warning on the dashboard or a feature that stops working.
Here, a failure in the protection strategy can allow an electrical circuit to overheat. That makes the recall a genuine safety issue rather than a minor software inconvenience.
For owners, the important point is simple. Keeping the vehicle software updated is part of keeping the car safe.
NHTSA also recommends that vehicle owners regularly check for open recalls using the vehicle identification number. The agency notes that recall repairs are provided free of charge through the manufacturer.
Which Lucid Air models are affected?
The recall covers Lucid Air sedans from the 2022 through 2026 model years. However, owners should not rely only on the model year to determine whether their individual vehicle needs attention.
The safest option is to check the vehicle’s recall status using its VIN and confirm that the car has the required software version.
NHTSA provides a recall lookup system that allows owners to search for safety recalls using a vehicle identification number.
The bottom line
Lucid has recalled 27,185 Air sedans because their exterior lighting circuits can potentially overheat and create a fire risk.
The automaker knows of three fires believed to be connected to the issue, along with four smoke reports and 33 reports involving damaged center high mounted stop lamp wiring harnesses.
The fix is relatively straightforward because Lucid has addressed the problem with a software update rather than a physical component replacement.
Owners should make sure their Air is running software version 2.10.0 or later. Those who have not received the update should follow Lucid’s instructions and, until the update is installed, keep the vehicle parked outside and away from other vehicles and buildings.
For a safety recall involving a possible fire, updating the software is one task that is better done today than remembered tomorrow
Sources and References
Official and primary sources
- NHTSA Recall Search
NHTSA Vehicle Recall Search
Official US government database where readers can check whether their Lucid Air is affected using the VIN. - NHTSA Safety Issues and Recalls
NHTSA Recalls & Investigations
Official NHTSA resource covering vehicle recalls, investigations and safety issues. - NHTSA Recall Resources
NHTSA Recall Resources
Explains the US recall process and consumer rights regarding safety recalls. - Lucid Motors Recall Lookup
Lucid Motors Vehicle Recall Lookup
Lucid’s official VIN based recall checker. The page is particularly useful for owners checking their individual vehicle. - Lucid Air Owner Information
Lucid Air Essentials and Software Updates
Official Lucid information covering the Air, OTA software updates and owner resources. - Lucid Air North American Owner’s Manual
Lucid Air Owner’s Manual
Official Lucid manual explaining software updates and how owners can check the software version in the vehicle.
Independent automotive sources
- Reuters
Reuters: Lucid recalls more than 27,000 Air sedans over fire risk
Independent reporting on the 27,185 vehicle US recall and the exterior lighting fire risk. - Road & Track
Road & Track: Lucid Air Fire Risk Recall
Automotive publication covering the recall, affected model years, production period and software remedy. - Cars.com
Cars.com Lucid Air Recalls
Useful independent recall database that aggregates NHTSA recall information for the Lucid Air.
Canada
- Lucid Motors Canada Recall Lookup
Lucid Motors Canada Vehicle Recall Lookup
Lucid’s Canadian recall lookup tool, useful for Canadian Air owners checking their VIN.
Lucid Air Recall: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the key questions and answers about the Lucid Air recall affecting 27,185 sedans.
How many Lucid Air sedans are affected by the recall?
Lucid has recalled 27,185 Air sedans in the United States. The recall covers vehicles from the 2022 through 2026 model years.
Why is the Lucid Air being recalled?
The recall is related to the low voltage exterior lighting circuits. The software controlling these circuits may not provide enough overcurrent protection, allowing the circuit to operate at an excessive amperage level.
This can cause the circuit to overheat and may result in damaged lighting components, smoke or, in some cases, a fire.
Can the Lucid Air exterior lighting problem cause a fire?
Yes. According to the recall information, an overheated exterior lighting circuit can potentially produce smoke or catch fire.
Lucid reported three fires that it believes were related to the overheating circuits. The automaker also reported four incidents involving smoke.
What other problems have been reported with the affected Lucid Air?
Lucid reported 33 warranty reports involving damaged center high mounted stop lamp wiring harnesses. The issue can also cause the headlights or taillights to stop working correctly if the affected circuits become damaged.
What is the fix for the Lucid Air recall?
Lucid has addressed the problem with an over the air software update. The updated software lowers the eFuse amperage and disables a function that previously allowed a faulted circuit to re energize during the same key cycle.
What software version does the Lucid Air need?
Affected Lucid Air vehicles need to have software version 2.10.0 or later installed to receive the software remedy described in the recall information.
At the time Lucid filed the recall, 20,719 of the 27,185 affected vehicles had already been updated to version 2.10.0 or later.
What should Lucid Air owners do if their car has not received the update?
Owners who have not updated their vehicle to software version 2.10.0 or later should follow Lucid's recall instructions. Lucid advises affected owners to park the vehicle outside and away from other vehicles and buildings until the required software update has been installed.
Owners who need assistance with the software installation are advised to contact Lucid.
When will Lucid notify affected owners?
Lucid plans to notify customers who have not updated their vehicles by October 16. The notification will include instructions for installing the latest available software update.
How can I check if my Lucid Air is affected by the recall?
Owners should check their vehicle's recall status using the VIN. The model year alone should not be used to determine whether an individual vehicle is affected.
NHTSA provides a vehicle recall lookup system that allows owners to check for safety recalls using their vehicle identification number.
Does the Lucid Air recall require a physical component replacement?
The recall remedy described in the supplied recall information is an over the air software update. Lucid has addressed the exterior lighting circuit protection issue through the updated software rather than a major hardware repair.
