How To

Artificial Intelligence gives a car owner some bad advice about a recall

John Paul, AAA Northeast's Car Doctor, hears from a reader frustrated by a recent repair cost.

The Car Doctor hears from a reader frustrated by a recent repair cost. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

April 26, 2026 | 4:20 PM

4 minutes to read

Q. I purchased my car new seven years ago. Recently, a part failed and the replacement cost me nearly $800. After researching online and using Artificial Intelligence, I discovered this issue is common. In fact, the AI said it was a recall. I checked the NHTSA app, and it does not appear to be a recall. Customer service told me my specific vehicle is not included in the warranty extension and said there is no appeal process. Is there anything I can do?

A. Even in this era of electronic communication, old‑fashioned letters often get the best results. Depending on the part that failed and whether the failure is unusual for a vehicle of this age, it may be worth writing to the highest‑ranking executive at the company. Recently, someone with a similar issue did exactly that after paying out‑of‑pocket for repairs. The response from the executive office liaison included an offer of a full synthetic oil change and complete vehicle detailing – services worth roughly half the cost of the repair. The customer was satisfied, especially since the car needed both. Also, while Artificial Intelligence can be helpful, its answers are not always 100 percent accurate.

Q. I have a 2003 Toyota Camry with 235,000 miles. When the check‑engine light comes on, I clear the code with a handheld reader because I hate driving with the light on. The last time I cleared it was two weeks before my state inspection. My mechanic said I passed the safety portion but still had two monitors “not ready.” He keeps telling me to drive 100 miles then come back, but after nearly 500 miles, the same two monitors are still not ready. Any advice?

A. During an emissions inspection, the testing equipment checks the status of your vehicle’s readiness monitors. Clearing fault codes resets all monitors to “not ready” until specific drive‑cycle conditions are met. Normally, about 100 miles of mixed city and highway driving will reset all emissions monitors. However, with a 23‑year‑old vehicle that has 235,000 miles, it is very possible an emissions‑related component has failed, preventing the monitors from completing. Your shop should retrieve stored codes, identify which monitors remain incomplete, and determine what conditions are preventing them from setting. Some states do allow older vehicles to pass with one monitor not ready.

Q. I’m thinking about purchasing an extended warranty for my 2021 Hyundai Palisade with 18,000 miles. My 5‑year bumper‑to‑bumper warranty expires at the end of April. The extended warranties I’m considering last 8 to 10 years and cover up to 120,000 miles, have no deductible, and can be used at any licensed repair shop. They are expensive, but I’m primarily concerned about costly components like computers, motors, and the transmission. Is buying one practical or a waste of money?

A. With your 10‑year/100,000‑mile powertrain warranty still in effect, I would be inclined to take my chances without purchasing an extended warranty. If you do decide to buy one, proceed carefully. Many aftermarket warranty companies offer plans that sound too good to be true. Over the years, I’ve seen several of these companies go out of business, leaving customers with useless contracts. AAA has been around for more than a century and has offered extended warranties for decades. If I were buying coverage myself, I would choose either the manufacturer’s extended warranty, or one offered by AAA.

Q. I have a 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited and tow a 3,300 pound camper. My truck’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with a 500 pound tongue‑weight limit. How strong is reverse gear? My driveway is very steep – could backing the camper up the hill damage the dual‑clutch transmission?

A. Dual‑clutch transmissions operate much like a manual transmission that is controlled by computers. When backing up slowly or climbing a steep incline with a trailer, the clutch must slip continuously, which generates heat. Heat is the enemy of any transmission. In addition, gearsets are generally strongest in forward gears rather than reverse. Can you back the camper up the hill? Yes, but avoid creeping or feathering the throttle, as that increases clutch heat. Also, engaging AWD Lock and Tow Mode can help manage power delivery and reduce overall drivetrain stress.

Q. I have written to you in the past about my frustration with the infotainment system in my 2025 Mazda CX‑5. I am 69 years old, so I accept some partial blame, although my son, who works full‑time in IT, also complains about the non‑intuitive controls. One of the most annoying issues is that the clock does not automatically adjust for daylight saving time. To change it by one hour, I have to remember how I did it the last time. The owner’s manual doesn’t even list “clock” or “time” in the index. To make matters worse, whenever I do change the time, the clock starts running 3 to 4 minutes slow within a week or two. Is this a common problem?

A. You’re correct – the owner’s manual is frustrating and does not include a listing for clock or time. After doing some online research, I found guidance from a dealer website. To adjust the clock, go to the settings menu on the infotainment screen by pressing the home button. Select Settings (the gear icon), then open the Clock or Time submenu. From there, you can manually set the hours and minutes, toggle between 12‑ and 24‑hour formats, and enable or disable the daylight saving time adjustment. Some model years also allow automatic time synchronization via GPS, if equipped. As for the clock losing time, I was unable to find any documented information addressing that concern.

John Paul is AAA Northeast’s Car Doctor. He has over 40 years of experience in the automotive business and is an ASE-certified master technician. E-mail your Car Doctor question to [email protected]. Listen to the Car Doctor Podcast on Apple Podcasts or other popular podcast sites.