Lucid Recalls 27,000 Air EVs Over Fire Risk

Lucid Motors is recalling a significant number of its Air electric sedans in the United States due to a fire risk linked to the vehicles’ exterior lighting system. A total of 27,185 Air models produced between October 2021 and July 2026 are affected, spanning the 2022 through 2026 model years.

Overheating Circuits Pose Fire Hazard

The root cause of the issue lies not in the Air’s high-voltage battery pack, but rather in the software controlling low-voltage exterior lighting circuits. An investigation by Lucid Motors revealed that older software versions could fail to de-energize these circuits quickly enough when they draw excessive amperage. This oversight allows the circuit to remain energized, generating heat that can damage wiring or lighting components, and potentially lead to smoke or fire.

Drivers may not immediately notice the issue, but there are potential warning signs. A burning smell, visible smoke, or warning indicators suggesting an exterior lighting malfunction could alert owners to the problem. Lucid’s investigation identified three specific incidents where front lighting caused fires over a period of about three years. Additionally, there were four reports of smoke linked to overheating of the center high-mounted stop lamp circuit, along with 33 other warranty reports involving damaged wiring for that same brake light. These reports suggest that the issue may be more widespread than initially thought.

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Software Update Addresses the Issue

Lucid Motors has developed a software update to rectify this problem. The update, version 2.10.0, released in July 2026, lowers the eFuse protection threshold and prevents a faulted circuit from repeatedly re-energizing during the same key cycle. This prevents the excessive heat buildup that can lead to fires and other issues.

As of the recall documentation, a substantial portion of the affected fleet has already received the necessary update. Out of the 27,185 recalled cars, 20,719 had been updated to software version 2.10.0 or newer. This leaves approximately 6,466 vehicles still needing the update at the time the recall was announced. Lucid Motors advises owners who have not yet installed the update to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings as a precautionary measure. The automaker will begin notifying the remaining affected owners by mail starting October 16, 2026, and the software update will be provided free of charge.

While this recall serves as a reminder that even cutting-edge vehicles like the Lucid Air can face technical issues, it also shows the importance of keeping one’s vehicle’s software up-to-date. Lloyd Tobias, a seasoned automotive journalist and enthusiast, notes that timely software updates can address potential problems and enhance the overall driving experience. Despite this hiccup, the Lucid Air has received critical acclaim for its innovative technology and impressive range, indicating that Lucid Motors remains a significant player in the electric vehicle market.