Why the Lucid Air is being recalled
Lucid Air owners should check their car’s software before putting it in the garage overnight. The EV maker is recalling 27,185 examples of its luxury sedan due to a defect in the electrical protection circuits for exterior lighting. On cars with an older software version, this flaw can cause heating, smoke, or even fire.
The recall affects Lucid Air 2022–2026 model years, built from October 2021 through July 2026. The problem is not the bulb or overly powerful LEDs. As Lucid explains, the software that controls the electronic fuse (eFuse) sometimes allows the exterior lighting circuit to remain energized even under excessive current.
Why the fault is dangerous
Overheating, which can lead to fire, may also disable the center high-mounted stop lamp or front lighting. This reduces the car’s visibility to other road users and increases the risk of a crash. So even if your Air hasn’t overheated yet, it doesn’t mean there is no danger.
There were warning signs before the official recall. Lucid documents mention three cases of front lighting catching fire over three years, as well as four reports of smoke due to overheating in the center high-mounted stop lamp circuit. In addition, the manufacturer found 33 warranty claims related to wiring damage in that lamp, which could be related to the same problem.
A fix already exists
Fortunately, no trip to a service center is needed for the repair. In July, Lucid released software update version 2.10.0, distributed over the air. It lowers the activation threshold of the eFuse protection and prevents the faulty circuit from being re-energized during one driving cycle. According to the company, 20,719 of the affected EVs had already received version 2.10.0 or newer at the time the report was prepared. Another 6,466 cars need the update.
What owners who haven’t updated yet should do
Those who have not yet updated their software will receive letters with instructions. Recall notifications are scheduled for October 16. Until the update is installed, owners are advised to park the car outside, away from buildings. This is quite inconvenient, especially if the car needs to be plugged in regularly at home.
Lucid hasn’t had a smooth run with reliability and safety recently. The company had to buy back a problematic Air from a well-known YouTube blogger, recall vehicles due to loose half-shaft bolts, and send several thousand sedans back for service over concerns they could lose power while driving.
What this means for owners
This recall shows how a manufacturer is trying to solve a problem through software, without replacing parts. However, for owners, the main inconvenience is the restriction on parking and charging at home. Until the update is installed, the car should be kept away from garages, trees, and buildings. Once the update is installed, the risk of overheating disappears and the car can be used normally. The situation also highlights how important timely software updates are for modern EVs — even when it’s not about new features, but basic safety.