The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating problems of stalling and surging engines on certain Ford and Mercury cars and SUV’s. The investigation will cover Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUV’s as well as Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans all from the 2009-2011 model years. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Safety Investigation’ Category
Lemon Alert! Ford Sedan And SUV Engine Problems
Tuesday, February 26th, 2013Lemon Alert! Investigation Into Pontiac G6 Brakes
Friday, February 8th, 2013The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is furthering an investigation into certain Pontiac G6 vehicles due to brake light problems. In 2009 General Motors (GM) issued a recall for certain 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 cars because the brake lights could intermittently illuminate (more…)
Better Communication Results In Automobile Safety
Thursday, January 31st, 2013According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improvements in the automobile recall process is the direct result of better communication between the regulators and manufacturers. He also added that substantial increases in fines for not reporting a recall promptly was also a big factor in encouraging manufacturers to be more pro active with recalls (more…)
Consumer Complaints Play Big Roll In Auto Recalls
Friday, January 18th, 2013The United States has one of the most effective automobile investigation and recall programs in the world. Because of the hard work of the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) team, every day millions of drivers can feel safer on our roadways. (more…)
Toyota Fined For Recalls
Friday, December 21st, 2012Toyota will be fined the maximum penalty of $17.4 million for the second time since 2010, for failing to report automobile defects in a timely manner. In June of this year, Toyota announced a recall of over one hundred and fifty thousand 2010 Lexus RX350 and 2010 Lexus RX450H vehicles for problems with floor mats that could interfere with the accelerator pedal. (more…)
Lemon Alert! BMW R-Series Motorcycles
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into certain BMW R-Series motorcycles after receiving almost 30 complaints of fuel leaks. (more…)
NHTSA Warns Of Dangerous Lemon Airbags
Thursday, October 25th, 2012The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is warning car owners to get their vehicle inspected for potential lemon airbags. This includes any airbags bought online, used vehicles where the owner is unsure if the airbags have been replaced, and any owner who has had their airbags replaced by an independent repair shop not connected to a new car dealership. It is estimated that only 1% of U.S. vehicles may be affected by the problem, but that equals to tens of thousands units. (more…)
Hyundai Investigated For Shattering Sunroofs
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigating into certain 2012 Hyundai Veloster after receiving 11 complaints from drivers who say their panoramic sunroof shattered unexpectedly. Of those complaints, seven happened while the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds.
While there have been no reported accidents related to the problem, shattering glass could cause injury to occupants and could distract the driver. Hyundai and NHTSA are working together to determine if a recall will be required.
Honda Accord Sub Frame Rusting
Monday, October 22nd, 2012The Center for Auto Safety is urging Honda to issue a recall on certain 1999-2002 Honda Accords after an exclusive 5 On Your Side investigation exposed a potential safety issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there have been 11 complaints since 2009 of sub frame rust that have left owners with vehicles that are unsafe to drive. The complaints allege that water from the air conditioning drain hose dips down onto the passenger side sub frame rusting it so badly that the frame can separate from the vehicle. The above video shows that while the passenger side disintegrated from rust, the driver side is often rust free.
A spokesperson for Honda confirmed that the company has also received similar complaints, but said they do not believe the defect warrants a safety bulletin or recall. In 2003 Honda changed the location of the drain hose, but said that the design change is unrelated to the problem. If the investigation should lead to a recall, approximately 1.5 million vehicles could be affected.
Chrysler Deals With Jeep Death Wobble
Thursday, August 9th, 2012Chrysler has released a technical service bulletin (TSB) alerting Jeep dealers, owners, and employees of Jeep Death Wobble, and have issued procedures on how to repair and prevent the problem. Death Wobble has been a problem in certain 2005-2010 Jeep Wranglers since November 2010 after hundreds of drivers complained of experiencing shimmy symptoms at speeds above 45 mph, after hitting a pothole. The highest number of complaints came from owners of 2007 models.
The bulletin advises that the steering system be inspected regularly for damaged, especially if the system has not been maintained. Chrysler warns owner that the installation of aftermarket steering and suspension components or wheel and tire assembles incompatible with Jeeps is the biggest cause of steering system vibration. There has been no reported deaths related to the problem, but owners experiencing the wobble have been justified in being frightened for their safety and the safety of others on the road.
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