The Chicago Car Guy and Auto Channel Executive Producer, with able assistance from senior Detroit editor Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, compile The Auto Channel's "take" on this past week's automotive news, condensed into easy to digest news Nuggets.

LEARN MORE: Complete versions of today's news nuggets, along with hundreds of thousands of pages of relevant news, information and opinions are stored in a million-page library published and indexed on The Auto Channel during the past 30 years. Complete information can be found by copying a headline and inserting it into any Site Search Box.

Here are Larry's top story picks from this past week's important to you, relevant, semi-secret, or snappy automotive news, opinions and insider back stories presented as expertly crafted easy-to-understand automotive news nuggets.

Nutson's Auto News Wrapup, Week Of February 16 - 22 2025

Hyundai recall. Hyundai is recalling certain 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 "N" vehicles equipped with left-foot braking over a software issue. "During certain driving maneuvers with (left-foot braking) engaged, the Integrated Electronic Brake control software may trigger depressurization of the (anti-lock braking) system," according to the recall report. Drivers are advised not to use the feature until a remedy has been implemented. The recall covers 1,508 vehicles. 

Tesla recall. Tesla said it will recall nearly 380,000 U.S. vehicles due to a power steering assist failure that could increase steering effort, particularly at low speeds, raising the risk of a crash. The recall follows a more than one-year-long probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after some Tesla owners reported steering failures, with some unable to turn the wheel while others cited increased effort. 

Rivian recall.  Rivian is recalling 17,260 vehicles in the U.S. due to a headlight issue that could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. The recall affects certain 2025 R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck vehicles, the company said in a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ford/Lincoln recall. Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 240,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs due to a problem with seat belt anchors that were improperly secured. A loose seat belt or seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects about 216,000 Explorers and 24,000 Aviators from model years 2020 and 2021. 

NASCAR'S Carbon footprint. NASCAR, in collaboration with Florida Power & Light Company’s EVolution commercial charging solutions and ABB, announced the installation of 30 level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers at its Daytona Beach headquarters. This signifies a step forward in the organization’s commitment to sustainability through NASCAR IMPACT, a plan that aims to reduce NASCAR’s carbon footprint to zero across NASCAR core operations by 2035. The new EV chargers are for employee and industry use and will facilitate NASCAR's transition to electric fleet vehicles.  

NASCAR.  Hendrick Motorsports' William Byron driving the No. 24 Chevrolet took home the checkered flag in a chaotic 500-mile race on Sunday, surviving a handful of late wrecks to claim his 14th win. It's back-to-back Daytona 500 wins for Byron. In post-race activity, Daytona 500 pole-winner Chase Briscoe was dealt a major penalty when NASCAR said Joe Gibbs Racing had a modified spoiler on the No. 19 Toyota in time trials. Joe Gibbs Racing was docked 100 driver/owner points and 10 playoff points. JGR was also fined $100,000 and crew chief James Small was suspended for four races.

stay safe. Be Well. ...Larry