Weekly Wheelhouse - Auto News. Simplified Jan 15, 2026

Honda Accord Recall Hits 256,000+ Cars! Tariffs Could Raise Prices NEXT

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Car

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord Hybrid is a version of the Honda Accord that uses both gas and electricity to run, making it more fuel-efficient. It's part of the Accord family, which is a well-known sedan.

Term

chip shortage

A chip shortage means there aren't enough tiny computer parts needed to make cars work properly, which can slow down car production.

Term

dealer markups

Dealer markups are when car sellers charge more than the official price set by the car maker, usually because there aren't enough cars available.

Term

aftermarket industry

The aftermarket industry is all about car parts and accessories that you can buy after you purchase a car. This includes things like custom wheels and performance upgrades.

Term

tariffs

Tariffs are extra charges added to the price of goods coming from other countries. When car parts are taxed, it can make cars more expensive for buyers.

Part

exhaust systems

Exhaust systems are the parts of a car that help get rid of gas from the engine and make it quieter. Many people upgrade these parts to improve their car's performance and sound.

Part

lift kits

Lift kits are parts you can add to a vehicle to make it taller. This helps with off-roading and allows for bigger tires, but they can become more expensive if tariffs are applied.

Part

performance parts

Performance parts are special upgrades you can add to a car to make it faster or handle better. They can include things like better brakes or a more powerful engine.

Car

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a version of the Corolla that uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to save fuel and reduce emissions.

Car

Lexus UX 300h

The Lexus UX 300h is a small luxury SUV that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to provide better fuel economy and lower emissions.

Part

lithium-ion battery

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that stores energy for electric motors in hybrid and electric cars, helping them run more efficiently.

Part

transaxle

A transaxle is a part of the car that combines the transmission and the axle, making it easier for the car to drive efficiently, especially in smaller vehicles.

Term

hybrid system

A hybrid system uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to help the car use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.

Term

0-60 time

0-60 time measures how fast a car can go from stopped to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to compare how quick different cars are.

Term

fuel economy

Fuel economy tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better it is at saving fuel.

Car

Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude is a type of sports car that Honda is bringing back as a hybrid model in 2026. It aims to offer both sporty performance and better fuel efficiency.

Term

Type R

Type R is a special version of Honda cars that are designed for better performance and handling. They are often faster and more fun to drive.

Term

S-plus shift mode

S-plus shift mode is a setting in some cars that makes them drive sportier. It helps the car respond faster when you press the gas pedal.

Term

hybrid powertrain

A hybrid powertrain is a type of engine that uses both gas and electricity to make the car run. This helps the car use less fuel and be better for the environment.

Car

Kia Telluride

The Kia Telluride is a popular SUV known for being roomy and comfortable. The new version coming out in 2027 will have a hybrid engine, which means it will be better at saving fuel.

Term

horsepower

Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go.

Term

V8 engine

A V8 engine is a type of car engine with eight cylinders. It makes cars go really fast and sound powerful.

Car

Lexus LC 500

The Lexus LC 500 is a high-end sports car that looks great and drives fast. The 2025 version has a strong engine and a fancy interior.

Term

V8

A V8 is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders. This design helps the car go faster and run smoothly, making it popular in sports cars.

Term

dynamic handling package

The dynamic handling package is a set of upgrades for a car that helps it handle better on the road. It makes the car feel more responsive and easier to control when driving fast.

Brand

Lexus

Lexus is a brand that makes luxury cars. They are part of Toyota and are known for being very reliable.

Term

OSR scale

The OSR scale is a way to measure how good a car is. A higher score means the car is more reliable and performs better.

Term

bespoke build

A bespoke build means the car is made just for you, with special features that you choose. It's not a standard model you can buy anywhere.

Car

Genesis GV70

The Genesis GV70 is a fancy SUV made by Genesis, known for its luxury and comfort.

Car

The Mazda CX-90 is a fancy SUV that's designed to be fun to drive while still being comfortable for passengers. The 2026 Turbo S Premium Sport version has a strong engine and a nice inside, making it a great option for people who want a mix of style and power.

Term

turbo inline 6

A turbo inline 6 is a powerful engine with six cylinders that helps the car go faster and use fuel more efficiently.

Car

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade is a large family car that can fit many passengers and their stuff. The new 2026 version has been updated to look nicer and drive better, which is why it's being talked about.

LIVE

Welcome back to Weekly Wheelhouse, where auto news is simplified.

I'm Jim and here are the top U.S. automotive stories you need to know.

We have another Honda recall, chip shortages, and $1.8 billion in tariffs.

So let's get started.

Let's start with the biggest consumer impact story of the week.

Honda is recalling 256,603 Accord hybrids, model years 2023 through 2025.

A software failure in the integrated control module can cause the CPU to reset while driving,

leading to sudden loss of power.

Honda has logged 832 warranty claims and thankfully no reported injuries.

A dealer software is available now and owner letters begin January 5th, 2026.

This affects one of the most popular hybrid sedans in the country, so owners should schedule

the update immediately and use car shoppers should verify the recall completion.

Next, Honda also announced progress on its chip shortage.

After a three-week disruption caused by supplier Nexperia, Honda will begin returning its North

American plants to normal output next week.

The slowdown affected the U.S., Mexico, and Canada factories and delayed production of

several high-volume models.

Now that Honda has secured an alternative chip supply, inventory should improve and dealer

markups should ease going into 2026.

A major Supreme Court tariff case could increase auto industry costs by $1.8 billion every year.

The Detroit 3 alone could face $902 million in added annual expenses that averages out

to roughly $250 per vehicle.

These tariffs hit the machinery and raw materials that U.S. auto plants rely on.

If the courts uphold them, shoppers may see higher sticker prices or fewer incentives as

automakers offset the cost.

SEMA is warning the White House that new tariffs, some as high as 25%, are putting serious

strain on the $337 billion aftermarket industry.

Many wheels, lift kits, exhaust systems, and performance parts now cost significantly

more to import.

More aftermarket companies may struggle most, which could mean higher prices and fewer choices

for consumers and enthusiasts.

Next, Toyota announced a $912 million investment across five U.S. plants, creating 252 new jobs

and boosting domestic hybrid production capacity.

The biggest news?

The Corolla Hybrid will now be built in Mississippi for the first time.

Companies already make up 50% of Toyota's U.S. sales, which is double the industry average.

This move could help stabilize pricing and improve hybrid availability in 2026 and beyond.

Now we'll move into our OEM Pressroom Roundup.

Starting off with Lexus revealing the 2026UX300H, featuring a more powerful 196 horsepower

hybrid system, a redesigned transaxle, and a lighter lithium-ion battery.

It does 0-60 in 7.9 seconds with all-wheel drive and 8 seconds with front-wheel drive.

Fuel economy comes in at 43 miles per gallon combined for the front-wheel drive and 41

miles per gallon combined for the all-wheel drive.

Interior updates include improved materials, refined infotainment, and enhanced driver

assistance technologies.

Next, Honda confirmed the return of the Pire Lude as a hybrid sports coupe for 2026.

It uses a 200 horsepower two-motor hybrid system paired with Type R chassis components and

Honda's new S-plus shift mode, which basically adds engine sound synced to your RPM gauge

to enhance the driving experience.

Fuel economy is rated at 46 miles per gallon in the city and 41 miles per gallon on the highway.

Pricing for the single-trim Pire Lude is expected to start around $42,000, which really is kind

of disappointing.

We would like to have seen a more base trim that might sit around $30,000 to $35,000,

but that is not what they gave us.

This brings back a legendary name with modern hybrid performance and strong efficiency.

We also had news out of Kia.

They revealed the redesigned 2027 Telluride, including its first ever hybrid powertrain.

The new turbo-hybrid engine provides 329 horsepower and 35 miles per gallon combined with a possible

range of 600 miles.

The new turbo-gas engine produces 311 pound-feet of torque, which is a gain of 49 pound-feet

over the previous model.

Newly upgraded, X-Pro adds wider all-terrain tires.

Maximum towing is 5,500 pounds for the gas engine and 4,500 pounds for the hybrid.

You also get more second-row headroom, class-leading legroom, and more room in the third row.

Cargo capacity reaches 86.9 cubic feet with 21.3 to 22.3 cubic feet behind the third

row, depending on the powertrain.

Inside it features dual 12.3-inch displays and upgraded infotainment.

U.S. availability begins quarter one of 2026.

Next we're going to take a look at a couple of the most recent videos posted on off-the-shelf

rides.

I reviewed the 2025 Lexus LC 500 convertible and this car reminds you of why a V8 still matters.

This was finished in iridium, which was a new color for this year, with a blue soft

top, and it just really turns heads everywhere that it goes.

This was a bespoke build and inside it had a white and blue semi-aniline leather interior

with heated and ventilated seats and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto.

The 5.0-liter V8 makes 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque with a 0-60 time of 4.6

seconds.

And that exhaust is amazing.

Just listen to this.

Yes!

Oh my gosh, this thing is amazing.

Wow!

Oh, it just sounds so good.

EPA rates the LC 500 at 18 miles per gallon average, but on a 300-mile interstate trip where

we were driving 75 to 80 miles per hour, it gave us more than 26 miles per gallon,

which is very impressive for a V8 sports car.

The trunk is pretty small at three cubic feet and the other disadvantage is that if you have

the convertible, you can't get the dynamic handling package that has the rear steer, just

because there's not enough room for all of those mechanics going on in the back end

at the same time.

But this thing just is a rolling piece of art and it has the Lexus reliability behind

it.

It actually scored a 77 out of 100 on the OSR scale, so this bespoke build came in at just

over $122,000.

Do you think it's worth it?

The next video was actually last week's weekly wheelhouse.

So last week we covered several major US automotive stories including safety updates, EV developments,

and important news from the automakers.

I also shared my experience with the 2026 Genesis GV70 and I also talked about what

I was driving and the reviews that were coming out next.

So if you missed that, be sure to check out last week's episode.

We will have that linked down in the description.

Next we'll talk a little bit about what I'm driving right now and that's the 2026 Mazda

CX90 Turbo S Premium Sport.

This is Mazda's flagship 3-row luxury SUV.

The premium sport is a new trim slotted just under the premium plus.

We have a smooth sounding turbo inline 6 with 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet

of torque on premium gas.

And next week I'll be in the 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

It was fully redesigned and it will be my first look and drive.

It should be one of the best 3-row SUVs available.

So full reviews will be coming up in the next few weeks.

So if you found this helpful, hit that like button and subscribe to Off The Shelf

Rides.

Thanks for watching and have a blessed day.

About this episode

Honda's recent recall affects over 256,000 Accord hybrids due to a software issue that can cause power loss while driving. The episode discusses the implications of ongoing chip shortages on production and potential $1.8 billion tariffs that could raise vehicle prices. Notable updates include Toyota's $912 million investment in U.S. plants and the return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid sports coupe. The episode also covers new vehicle announcements from Lexus and Kia, highlighting advancements in hybrid technology and performance.

0-60 time aftermarket industry bespoke build chip shortage dealer markups dynamic handling package exhaust systems fuel economy horsepower hybrid powertrain

Genesis GV70 Honda Accord Honda Prelude Hyundai Palisade Kia Telluride Lexus LC Lexus UX Mazda CX-90 Toyota Corolla

Original notes

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This week on Weekly Wheelhouse, we’re breaking down the biggest U.S. automotive stories that directly impact car owners and buyers right now.
Honda has issued a major recall affecting over 256,000 Accord Hybrids, after a software failure was found that can cause a sudden loss of power while driving. We explain what’s happening, which model years are affected, and what owners should do next.
We also dig into the ongoing chip shortage, why it’s still disrupting production in 2025, and how it’s quietly influencing vehicle availability and pricing across the industry.
Plus, a new $1.8 billion tariff impact is adding fresh pressure to vehicle costs — especially for imports and components — raising concerns that higher prices could soon reach showroom floors.
This episode of Weekly Wheelhouse cuts through the noise to explain:
• What’s actually happening
• Why it matters to consumers
• How it could affect your next vehicle purchase
No hype. No fluff. Just the facts — clearly explained.
Weekly Wheelhouse — Auto News. Simplified.

2025 Lexus LC Convertible Review - https://youtu.be/jjDlIQXaM1E?si=ijhcLQgxLE79x-Il

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