Patrick Masterson
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Articles by Patrick Masterson
38,000 Hyundai Kona Electrics, Veloster Ns Recalled for Software Error
A new recall from Hyundai is out for nearly 38,000 Kona Electric and Veloster N vehicles and involves a software error that may affect the airbags and seat belts. Affected vehicles include model-year 2019-22 Veloster N hatchbacks and model-year 2019-23 Kona Electric SUVs.A software error in the airbag control unit may improperly deactivate the airbag system and seat belt pretensioners, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
2024-25 Audi Q4 e-Trons Recalled for Battery Fire Risk
Audi’s latest recall is small but significant and affects practically all Q4 e-Tron and Q4 e-Tron Sportback electric SUVs it sold for the 2024 and ‘25 model years. Some 9,000 vehicles are affected in total. The issue concerns the high-voltage battery, which may fail and cause a fire. A fire can increase the risk of injury. Owners are advised to only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% capacity until a repair has been completed. That remedy is still currently in the works.
Why connectivity and cybersecurity can’t be treated separately
Magnet Plus’s Patrick Masterson discusses why now is the time to engage in a combined network and security strategy to ensure business continuity and maintain customer trust. For many organisations, cybersecurity has traditionally focused on protecting data, preventing ransomware and securing endpoints. But one of the biggest cyberthreats facing businesses today isn’t designed to steal personal data or information at all – it’s designed to grind your business operations to a complete standstill.
2026 Cars.com American-Made Index: Which Cars Are the Most American?
Now into its 21st year of publication, Cars.com’s American-Made Index has once again ranked all qualifying vehicles built and bought in the U.S. for model-year 2026. The results at the top may not be surprising — Tesla’s Model 3 sedan again holds onto the top spot — but as happens every year, movement throughout the index reveals a number of developing stories in the automotive industry. Related: Which Cars Are Made Outside the U.S.?
140,000-Plus Ford Rangers Recalled for Wiring Harnesses
A long string of major recalls from Ford continues with a new safety missive for its Ranger pickup truck. More than 140,200 trucks are affected by wiring harnesses that can result in an electrical short. Affected Rangers are from the 2024-26 model years. The issue is with the sun-visor or headliner wiring harnesses, which may be improperly positioned or have excessive tape thickness.
84,000-Plus Hyundais, Kias Recalled for Instrument Panel Displays
In addition to a major recall for its Palisade, Hyundai is also issuing a recall alongside its fellow South Korean automaker Kia for software errors in instrument panel displays. More than 84,300 vehicles are cumulatively affected.
568,000 Hyundai Palisades Recalled for Airbag Issue
Hyundai’s first major recall of 2026 concerns one of its most popular products, the Palisade three-row SUV, and improper airbag deployment. More than 568,000 vehicles are affected. Affected family haulers include model-year 2020-25 Palisades. The side curtain airbags for third-row occupants may deploy improperly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. A remedy is currently under development, but the repair will be free and Hyundai will notify owners by March 23.
142,000 Toyota Priuses Recalled for Door Switches
Hot on the heels of a major recall for its Tundra pickup truck, Toyota has issued another major safety missive, this time for the Prius. The issue concerns electric door switches. More than 142,000 model-year 2023-26 Priuses are affected.
2026 FTC Updates to HSR and Clayton Act Thresholds | JD Supra
On January 16, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) published to the Federal Register the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (“HSR Act”) merger-reporting thresholds for 2026. Each year, the FTC is required to adjust the thresholds under the HSR Act to correspond with changes in gross national product. The thresholds for 2026 will increase by approximately 5.9%. The adjustments will take effect on February 17, 2026.
2026 FTC Updates To HSR And Clayton Act Thresholds
Dickinson Wright PLLC are most popular: within International Law topic(s) On January 16, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") published to the Federal Register the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR Act") merger-reporting thresholds for 2026. Each year, the FTC is required to adjust the thresholds under the HSR Act to correspond with changes in gross national product. The thresholds for 2026 will increase by approximately5.9%.
2026 FTC Updates To HSR And Clayton Act Threshold
Dickinson Wright PLLC are most popular: within International Law topic(s) On January 16, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") published to the Federal Register the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 ("HSR Act") merger-reporting thresholds for 2026. Each year, the FTC is required to adjust the thresholds under the HSR Act to correspond with changes in gross national product. The thresholds for 2026 will increase by approximately 5.9%.
How Much Is the 2026 Kia K4 Sedan?
Release Date and Pricing The 2026 Kia K4 is on sale now, and its starting price remains among the lowest of any new car in the U.S. Pricing is as follows: LX: $23,385 LXS: $24,485 EX: $25,585 GT-Line: $26,585 GT-Line Turbo: $29,485 Trim Levels and Safety Features The entry-level LX trim rides on 16-inch steel wheels and includes push-button start, a heated rearview mirror and black trim.
52,500 Ram HD Trucks Recalled for Airbags, Seat Belt Pretensioners
Ram is recalling more than 52,500 of its heavy-duty pickup and chassis-cab trucks over an issue with driver-side airbags and seat belt pretensioners. Affected trucks include model-year 2025 2500 and 3500 pickups and 4500 and 5500 chassis-cab trucks. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the driver-side airbag or seat belt pretensioner not to deploy in a crash and disable the electronic stability control system.
72,500 Ram Trucks Recalled for Instrument Clusters
Approximately 72,500 Ram trucks are involved in the brand’s latest recall, which stems from an issue with the instrument panel. Affected vehicles include model-year 2025-26 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks. A software error may cause the instrument panel cluster to be blank, increasing the risk of a crash and preventing drivers from seeing important information such as warning lights and gear selection.
What’s the Best New-Car Deal for Black Friday 2025?
How We Look for Deals To help car shoppers find the best deals for Black Friday 2025, we lead with cash offers available to shoppers at large, not those that require financing with the automaker or having certain qualifications (e.g., military or college-graduate discounts, loyalty or conquest bonuses, etc.).
65,000 Ford Flexes Recalled for Loose Door Trim
You might be getting as tired of reading this as we are of writing it, but just imagine how the safety execs at Ford must feel to know there’s another big recall out today, this time for almost 65,000 of its wagonesque Flex SUVs over detaching door trim. Related: More Ford News Some 64,900 model-year 2017-19 Flexes are involved in the recall.
292,000 Ford Super Duty Trucks Recalled for Backup Cameras
Ford’s long year of recalls continues with the latest out for 292,000 F-Series Super Duty trucks affected by faulty backup cameras. Related: More Ford News Affected trucks include model-year 2020-22 F-250, 350 and 450 Super Dutys. The 360-degree camera system may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. As a fix, dealers will update the image-processing module software for free.
Antitrust Litigation 2025
Led by a Democratic Attorney General, Arizona is emerging as a key player in the enforcement of federal and state antitrust laws that aim to prevent anticompetitive business conduct. From the burgeoning real estate and rental housing markets to the tech industry, businesses and consumers can expect many developments in the antitrust landscape as courts grapple to strike a balance between innovation and competition.
What's the Best New-Car Deal for Labor Day 2025?
Factory discount: $0-$8,837 Approximate price after savings: $38,000-$88,000 Approximate factory savings: 0%-10% Offer ends: Sept. 2 Another award winner and perennial favorite of the Cars.com Editorial staff is Ram’s 1500 half-ton pickup truck, which took home Best Pickup Truck of 2025 honors.
201,000 Kia Tellurides Recalled for Molding Trim
Issued just a day after a separate but similar recall for more than 82,000 examples of its K5 sedan, Kia’s latest safety missive applies to more than 201,000 Telluride three-row SUVs and again involves trim pieces. Related: More Kia News The affected model-year 2023-25 Tellurides are being recalled for door-belt molding trim, which can delaminate and detach from the car. Such a road hazard for others increases the risk of a crash.
What’s the Best New-Car Deal for Fourth of July 2025?
How We Look for Deals To help car shoppers find the best deals for Fourth of July 2025, we lead with cash offers available to shoppers at large, not those that require financing with the automaker or having certain qualifications (e.g., military or college-graduate discounts, loyalty or conquest bonuses, etc.).
2025 Cars.com American-Made Index: Which Cars Are the Most American?
Now celebrating its 20th year of publication, Cars.com’s American-Made Index has once again ranked all qualifying vehicles built and bought in the U.S. for model-year 2025. The results at the top may not be surprising — Tesla’s Model 3 sedan returns to the top spot after abdicating in deferment to the Model Y SUV for 2024 — but as happens every year, movement throughout the index reveals a number of developing stories in the automotive industry. Related: Which Cars Are Made Outside the U.S.?
20 Years of Cars.com’s American-Made Index
How Results Have Changed in 20 Years Like the rest of our website, the list looked and functioned differently in 2006 — though Ford’s F-Series and Chevrolet’s Silverado nameplates continue to grace the index, they’re split up by nameplate and powertrain more thoroughly; there’s a possibility you’re reading this with a recently acquired driver’s license and weren’t even alive the last time a Camry Solara rolled off Toyota assembly lines; we no longer allow heavy-duty vehicles like the Ford...
American Made Index - Most American Cars 2025
Now celebrating its 20th year of publication, Cars.com’s American-Made Index has once again ranked all qualifying vehicles built and bought in the U.S. for model-year 2025. The results at the top may not be surprising — Tesla’s Model 3 sedan returns to the top spot after abdicating in deferment to the Model Y SUV for 2024 — but as happens every year, movement throughout the index reveals a number of developing stories in the automotive industry. Related: Which Cars Are Made Outside the U.S.?
82,000-Plus 2025 Kia K5s Recalled for Parking Lights
A relatively quiet year for major Kia recalls has been upended with a new missive for more than 82,200 K5 sedans. The culprit for the recall is parking lights that may flicker. Related: More Kia News Only model-year 2025 K5s are affected. A software error in the power-net domain controller may cause the parking lights to flicker or illuminate improperly, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
What’s the Best New-Car Deal for Memorial Day 2025?
How We Look for Deals To help car shoppers find the best deals for Memorial Day 2025, we lead with cash offers available to shoppers at large, not those that require financing with the automaker or having certain qualifications (e.g., military or college-graduate discounts, loyalty or conquest bonuses, etc.).
Polestar Offers Up to $20,000 Off Lease Deal for 3 SUV
Lessees can get $15,000 off their lease with Polestar’s Clean Vehicle Incentive. Of course, lessees don’t pay full price for the vehicle, so what that means is that lease payments are calculated based on a price lower than the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor’s base price of $68,900 (including the $1,400 destination fee). The offer specifically applies to 27-month leases with a $599 monthly payment and a 10,000-mile annual limit.
How Much Is the 2025 Toyota Mirai?
What Are the 2025 Mirai’s Trim Levels? The Mirai’s single XLE trim is generously appointed, with 19-inch wheels, front and rear LED exterior lighting, and keyless entry and starting. The cabin is upholstered in synthetic leather and features power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 14 speakers, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and satellite radio. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on the 2025 Mirai.
How Much Is the 2025 BMW 7 Series?
What Are the 2025 7 Series Trim Levels? BMW’s paragon of luxury comes well equipped no matter what powertrain buyers select. All 2025 7 Series variants ride on an adaptive suspension with air springs and 20-inch wheels; they also include LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, keyless entry and start, and remote start.
How Much Is the 2025 Volvo EX40?
What Are the 2025 EX40’s Trim Levels? The 2025 Volvo EX40 is available in three trim levels: Core, Plus and Ultra. Standard equipment on the entry-level Core trim includes 19-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, and keyless entry and start. The seats, which are heated in front with power adjustments for the driver, are upholstered in synthetic leather with cloth trim.
60,000 Audi, VW EVs Recalled for Instrument Panels
The latest recall from the Volkswagen Group concerns both its namesake and the luxury Audi brand, specifically its electric vehicles and their instrument displays. Related: More Recall News Nearly 60,500 vehicles are included in the recall. Affected cars are model-year 2021-23 VW ID.4 hatchbacks, as well as model-year 2022-23 Audi Q4 E-Trons and Q4 e-Tron Sportbacks.
72,000-Plus Ford, Lincoln Vehicles Recalled for Backup Camera
The latest recall from Ford involves more than 72,600 of its Expedition SUVs and F-Series Super Duty trucks, as well as the Corsair SUV from its Lincoln luxury arm, and the culprit is not an uncommon one: the backup camera. Related: More Recall News Affected vehicles include model-year 2021 Expeditions; model-year 2021-22 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and F-600 trucks; and model-year 2020-22 Corsairs.
2025 Hyundai Venue Still Incredibly Affordable, Priced From $21,395
Powertrain Specs and MPG A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine powers every 2025 Hyundai Venue with 121 horsepower and 113 pounds-feet of torque, and a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are the only drivetrain configuration. The Venue returns an EPA-rated 29/32/13 mpg city/highway/combined. Availability and Pricing The 2025 Hyundai Venue is on sale now.
Hyundai Recalls 226,000 Elantras, Santa Fes Over Damaged Rearview Camera
Less than a week after a recall affecting its Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 electric vehicles over a damaged charging unit, Hyundai is recalling more than 226,100 examples of its Elantra sedan and Santa Fe SUV for a faulty rearview camera. Related: More Hyundai News Affected vehicles include model-year 2021-22 Elantras, Elantra Hybrids, Santa Fes and Santa Fe Hybrids, as well as model-year 2022 Elantra Ns and Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrids.
How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2025 Genesis GV80 SUV?
Grading Scale A: Plenty of room for the car seat and the child; doesn’t impact driver or front-passenger legroom. Easy to find and connect to Latch and tether anchors. No fit issues involving head restraint or seat contouring. Easy access to the third row. B: One room, fit or connection issue. Some problems accessing the third row when available. C: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue. Difficult to access the third row when available.
What’s the Best New-Car Deal for Black Friday 2024?
How We Look for Deals To help car shoppers find the best deals for Black Friday 2024, we lead with cash offers available to shoppers at large, not those that require financing with the automaker or having certain qualifications (e.g., military or college-graduate discounts, loyalty or conquest bonuses, etc.).
2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Stays on Last-Gen Platform, Starts at $36,415
The Subaru Forester gets a major redesign for 2025, kicking off the model’s sixth generation. But not all Foresters move to the next-generation design, as the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim level stays on the last-gen Forester’s architecture for at least one more year. Accordingly, while the rest of the Forester family sees prices increase by $2,000 to $3,000 for 2025, the Wilderness inches up just $400, to $36,415.
How to Transport Your Christmas Tree Safely by Car
Christmas trees are an enchanting, beautiful symbol of the holiday season, but the magic comes crashing to a halt the second one slams into your car. A whopping 81% of crashes involving objects in the road come from unsecured loads on vehicles, and collisions involving road debris kill about 730 people and injure roughly 17,000 people each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You don’t want your Christmas tree adding to those stats.
Long-Term 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 13,000-Mile Update: Nearing the Finish Line
What’s Next? Not to be callous, but other than going away, our Jeep doesn’t have much left to do. Stay tuned for our collective thoughts from nearly two years of owning this high-end off-road SUV, and to see how much money we’re able to get for it. And, no, we won’t be sending it to the Glacier View Car Launch in Alaska; I already asked. Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews.
2024 Los Angeles Auto Show: Best in Show
Thus far, South Korean automaker Hyundai’s Ioniq line of electric vehicles has impressed us mightily. From the outstanding Ioniq 5 SUV to the sleek and stylish Ioniq 6 sedan, we’ve been fans of Hyundai’s efforts (and the related Kia and Genesis vehicles). The new 2026 Ioniq 9, just unveiled at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, might just be the best effort from the company yet.
2025 Nissan Murano Up Close: Modernized Murano
Nissan’s redesigned 2025 Murano hit the show floor at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show looking far more up to date than its predecessor. Borrowing styling cues first seen on the redesigned Kicks, as well as the Ariya all-electric SUV, the Murano is suddenly relevant again in the competitive mid-size SUV class. Related: More 2024 L.A. Auto Show Coverage Higher-Tech Inside Dual 12.3-inch displays dominate the Murano’s dashboard.
208,000-Plus Hyundai, Genesis, Kia EVs Recalled for Damaged Charging Unit
Hyundai, luxury arm Genesis and sister brand Kia are issuing new recalls for more than 208,000 electric vehicles due to a potential issue with the integrated charging control unit. The ICCU may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power. It’s not the first time such a recall has been issued; the first was in March.
What’s New for the 2025 Honda HR-V?
What’s New for 2025? Almost nothing is new for the 2025 model year — except for a price increase of $800 on all three HR-V trims. Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were previously optional on the mid-line Sport and line-topping EX-L, but they become standard for 2025. Trim Levels and Pricing The HR-V’s trim levels (LX, Sport and EX-L) carry over for 2025. All-wheel drive is available on every trim for an additional $1,500.
Is the 2024 Nissan Versa a Good Car? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
With a starting price of $17,530 (all prices include destination), the Versa is the cheapest vehicle you can currently buy in the U.S; it’s almost $600 less than the Mirage, which is $18,110 including required options.
2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R Up Close: No Manual Needed, Allegedly
Volkswagen’s performance Golf GTI and Golf R hatchbacks are updated for the 2025 model year, and while their looks and tech are newer, the headline-grabbing news is that no manual transmission is available for 2025.
2026 Genesis GV70, Electrified GV70 Up Close: Squint a Little Harder, Maybe
Since it was introduced in 2021, the Genesis GV70 compact SUV has become one of the South Korean luxury brand’s most popular models. So it was about due for its first refresh, and that’s what’s arrived for the 2026 model year for both the gas-engine and all-electric versions.
2025 Kia EV6 Up Close: Meaningful Updates
The refreshed 2025 Kia EV6 is minimally but meaningfully updated, gaining new looks that bring its futuristic styling more in line with Kia’s other models and a larger available battery pack that should provide more range. We got to examine it more closely for the first time at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show.
2026 Honda Passport Up Close: Broadcasting Its Intentions
Nicely Appointed Inside The interior of the new Passport is well done, with available leather upholstery on the TrailSport and updated interior tech, including a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The display uses Google Built-In and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity; we’ve seen it in other Hondas, and it works well and is intuitive to use even if it doesn’t have the same graphical panache of competitor systems from Kia, Hyundai or GM.
2026 Kia Sportage Up Close: Nothing Broken, No Fixing Required
From a looks standpoint, only the front and rear end get updates, but they’re significant enough to make the Sportage clearly different from the outgoing model. A new daytime running lamp configuration as well as new headlight and foglight appearances are present, and the grille seems meshier than before; it’s bigger, at any rate. It’s the same story out back, where the taillights get a little redo, but it’s still very clearly a Kia.
2025 Kia EV6: Longer Body, Bigger Batteries
When the EV6 debuted, it looked unlike anything in the Kia lineup. For 2025, the brand is bringing it more into the family with some styling cues designed to match other Kia models. Highlights include the Kia’s signature Star Map lighting for the model’s new headlights and daytime running lights. Also, the front bumper wears sharper angles, and the character lines on the hood extend to the air intake. The overall look is more sporty and dynamic than the outgoing version.
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