
Automotive News & Recalls

Fuel Efficiency Tips: Save Money with Proper Vehicle Maintenance
As rising fuel prices continue to impact drivers nationwide, experts say simple maintenance habits — proper tire inflation, regular oil changes, and engine tune-ups — can significantly improve your fuel economy and save you money at the pump.
Patrick O'Reilly, KGCT 8 Automotive Expert
April 9, 2026
Key Fuel-Saving Tips from KGCT 8's Automotive Expert
Keep tires properly inflated
Under-inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%
Use recommended motor oil grade
Wrong oil grade increases engine friction and fuel use
Schedule regular engine tune-ups
A well-tuned engine runs more efficiently and uses less fuel
Replace air filters regularly
Clogged filters restrict airflow and hurt fuel economy
Avoid aggressive driving
Rapid acceleration and hard braking increase fuel consumption
Combine trips when possible
Fewer cold starts and shorter total miles driven saves fuel
This is a KGCT 8 News Motorist Minute story — your trusted source for news and tips.
NHTSA
3 storiesNHTSA Recalls 1.2 Million Ford F-150s Over Tailgate Latch Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for over 1.2 million Ford F-150 trucks due to a tailgate latch that may open unexpectedly while driving, posing a road hazard.
Toyota Camry Hybrid Recalled for Brake Software Fault — 340,000 Units Affected
NHTSA has announced a recall of 340,000 Toyota Camry Hybrid vehicles after a software error in the brake control module may cause delayed braking response in certain driving conditions.
Stellantis Recalls 800,000 Ram 1500 Trucks Over Takata Airbag Rupture Risk
NHTSA is overseeing a recall of 800,000 Ram 1500 pickup trucks over Takata airbag inflators that may rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. Owners are urged to schedule repairs immediately.
Car and Driver
3 stories2027 Chevrolet Silverado EV Revealed With 500-Mile Range and New Ultium Platform
Car and Driver gets an exclusive first look at the redesigned 2027 Chevrolet Silverado EV, which promises a class-leading 500-mile range, faster charging, and a completely overhauled interior.
Best Family SUVs of 2026: Our Top 10 Picks Ranked
Car and Driver ranks the best family SUVs on sale right now, evaluating cargo space, safety ratings, fuel economy, and value. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 top the list again.
Ford Mustang Dark Horse Gets New Track Pack for 2026 — More Downforce, Stickier Tires
Ford has announced a new Track Pack option for the 2026 Mustang Dark Horse, adding a front splitter, rear wing, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, and upgraded Brembo brakes.
MotorTrend
3 storiesMotorTrend Names 2026 Honda Prologue Its SUV of the Year
MotorTrend has awarded the 2026 Honda Prologue its prestigious SUV of the Year title, citing its refined ride quality, spacious interior, and competitive 320-mile EV range.
First Drive: 2026 Kia EV9 GT Is a 500-HP Three-Row Electric SUV That Handles
MotorTrend drives the new Kia EV9 GT and finds a surprisingly capable performance SUV that delivers 501 horsepower, a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, and room for seven passengers.
Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Gets Bigger Battery and Longer Electric Range for 2026
Toyota has upgraded the Tundra TRD Pro's hybrid system with a larger battery pack, boosting electric-only range to 40 miles and improving towing efficiency by 18 percent.
Edmunds
3 storiesEdmunds: Average New Car Price Drops to $44,800 — First Decline in 4 Years
Edmunds data shows the average transaction price for a new vehicle fell to $44,800 in March 2026, the first year-over-year decline since 2022, driven by increased inventory and manufacturer incentives.
Best Used Cars Under $20,000 in 2026: Edmunds Top Picks
Edmunds analysts identify the best used vehicles available for under $20,000, including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3 — all offering reliability, low ownership costs, and strong resale value.
EV Incentives Guide 2026: How to Maximize Your Federal Tax Credit
Edmunds breaks down the updated federal EV tax credit rules for 2026, including income limits, vehicle price caps, and which models qualify — potentially saving buyers up to $7,500.
Autoblog
3 storiesGM Announces End of Combustion Engine Production by 2030 in North America
General Motors has confirmed it will cease all internal combustion engine vehicle production at its North American plants by 2030, accelerating its all-electric transition by two years ahead of schedule.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Three-Row SUV Goes on Sale With 350-Mile Range and $54,900 Starting Price
Hyundai has officially launched the Ioniq 9, its flagship three-row electric SUV, with a 350-mile EPA range, 800V ultra-fast charging, and a starting price of $54,900 before incentives.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid Gets 50-Mile Electric Range in 2026 Update
Jeep has updated the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid for 2026 with a larger battery pack that extends all-electric range to 50 miles, making it the most capable off-road PHEV on the market.
The Drive
3 storiesTesla Cybertruck Recall Expanded to Cover Accelerator Pedal Issue on All Units
Tesla has expanded its Cybertruck recall to cover all 46,000 units delivered to date after discovering the accelerator pedal pad can detach and become lodged under the brake pedal.
Why the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Is the Best Off-Road SUV You Can Buy Right Now
The Drive puts the revived Toyota Land Cruiser through its paces on trails in Moab and concludes it is the most capable, most reliable, and most practical off-road SUV available at any price.
How to Check If Your Car Is Under Recall Right Now — Step by Step Guide
The Drive walks you through the fastest ways to check whether your vehicle has any open safety recalls using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool, your automaker's app, and your dealership's service portal.
Jalopnik
3 storiesPorsche Recalls 28,000 Taycan EVs Over Software Bug That Can Cut Power Without Warning
Porsche has issued a recall for 28,000 Taycan electric vehicles after a software defect in the drive management system may cause the car to suddenly reduce power output while driving at highway speeds.
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Is the Overlanding Wagon America Deserves
Jalopnik spends a week with the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness and finds a genuinely capable adventure vehicle that can tackle rough terrain while still being comfortable enough for daily commuting.
BMW Is Killing the Manual Transmission in All Models by End of 2027
BMW has confirmed that the manual gearbox will be discontinued across its entire lineup by the end of 2027 as the brand shifts fully to automatic and electric drivetrains.
Consumer Reports
3 storiesConsumer Reports: These 10 Cars Have the Worst Reliability Records of 2026
Consumer Reports' annual reliability survey identifies the 10 vehicles with the most owner-reported problems, including several luxury SUVs and electric vehicles that scored below average.
Top-Rated Tire Brands of 2026: What Consumer Reports Testing Reveals
Consumer Reports tested over 50 tire models across all-season, winter, and performance categories. Michelin and Continental top the rankings for the third consecutive year.
Should You Buy or Lease in 2026? Consumer Reports Breaks Down the Numbers
With interest rates still elevated and EV incentives changing, Consumer Reports analyzes whether buying or leasing makes more financial sense for the average car shopper in 2026.
Road & Track
3 storiesRoad & Track First Drive: 2026 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Is the Best Driver's Car Ever Made
Road & Track takes the new 2026 Porsche 911 GT3 RS to the Nurburgring and comes away convinced it is the finest driver's car ever produced, with a naturally aspirated flat-six that screams to 9,000 rpm.
The Ferrari 296 GTB Is Still the Most Exciting Car You Can Buy With a Back Seat
Road & Track revisits the Ferrari 296 GTB after a year of ownership reports and concludes its plug-in hybrid V6 is the most thrilling powertrain in any production car, period.
Dodge Charger Daytona EV Sets New Quarter-Mile Record for a Production Muscle Car
The 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV ran a 10.5-second quarter mile at Road & Track's test facility, making it the quickest production muscle car ever recorded — faster than any Hellcat.
InsideEVs
3 storiesEV Sales Hit Record 42% Market Share in Q1 2026 — Tesla Still Leads But Gap Narrows
InsideEVs reports electric vehicles accounted for 42% of all new car sales in Q1 2026, a new record. Tesla maintains its lead but faces growing competition from Ford, GM, Hyundai, and Kia.
Rivian R2 Deliveries Begin — Here's What Early Owners Are Saying
The first Rivian R2 compact SUVs have been delivered to customers, and InsideEVs has gathered early owner impressions covering range accuracy, charging speed, build quality, and off-road capability.
Best Home EV Chargers of 2026: Level 2 Charger Buying Guide
InsideEVs tests and ranks the best Level 2 home EV chargers available in 2026, covering installation costs, charging speeds, smart features, and compatibility with all major EV brands.
