Category Archives: safety

Continental Tire Tread Separation Recall on Ford F-Series. Explorer Firestone Tire Failure Drama Now in Sequel

Posted on 19 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Continental Tire is recalling 390,657 tires installed on Ford F-250 and F-350 heavy duty pickup trucks in the U.S. About 65,000 trucks are potentially affected by a tire tread separation defect – the same problem as the infamous Firestone tire recall on the Ford Explorer that dominated headlines a decade ago. Continue reading →

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Is Coca-Cola Part of Japan’s Nuclear Power Problem?

Posted on 18 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The Coca-Cola statement on the Japanese triple crisis of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power disaster is straightforward. Coca-Cola sends condolences, pledges $7.3 million in cash and products, and is running TV and radio ads to encourage energy conservation. What’s missing … Continue reading →

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NRC Sends more Experts on Nuclear Reactors to Japan

Posted on 15 March 2011 by Ken Zino

In what is a politically sensitive area in Japan, as a result of the U.S.’s deployment of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima, home of Mazda, and Nagasaki that ended the war in 1945, NRC said that “only if asked” would it be part of the Japanese government’s decision making process” on the reactors. Continue reading →

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Kia Recalls 2006-2008 Optima Sedans for Bad Shift Cable

Posted on 15 March 2011 by Ken Zino

If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll creating the risk of a crash. Continue reading →

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Renault Spy Case Executive Firings Wrong Prosecutor Says. French Government Investigations Continue into the Fraud

Posted on 14 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The board of directors of Renault met today in an unscheduled meeting after a French prosecutor said earlier that three executives dismissed by Renault are innocent of claims by Renault that industrial spying was going on and that the executives were depositing payments into bank accounts in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Continue reading →

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Another Computer Software Glitch as GM Recalls 2011 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX Models for Failed Defrosters

Posted on 10 March 2011 by Ken Zino

General Motors is recalling 2011 model Buick LaCrosse sedans and Cadillac SRX crossover models because the software in the electronic climate control module may prevent adjustment of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system settings. When this happens, the driver will not be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle. Decreased visibility can result in an accident. Continue reading →

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Volkswagen Recalls Routan Minivans for Engine Shut Offs

Posted on 10 March 2011 by Ken Zino

It is the same recall that was announced by Chrysler earlier this week because a Mexican-built part from Continental apparently is defective. Chrysler supplies Routan minivans to Volkswagen. Continue reading →

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Department of Transportation Releases New “Faces of Distracted Driving” Video. Deadly DD Epidemic Continues

Posted on 8 March 2011 by Ken Zino

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released the latest video in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Faces of Distracted Driving” series.

The video features Loren Vaillancourt, whose 21-year-old brother Kelson was killed in a 2009 distracted driving crash in Huron, South Dakota. Continue reading →

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Toyota Recalls Trucks For Tire Pressure Monitor Defect

Posted on 8 March 2011 by Ken Zino

About 22,000 trucks are affected in the U.S. and had optional wheels with LT tires instead of the standard P-metric tires installed during truck manufacturing in California, Indiana and Texas. Either Toyota vehicle processing centers or Toyota dealers could have switched the wheels and tires. Continue reading →

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Labor Group Blasts Ford for Chinese Sweatshop Abuses

Posted on 3 March 2011 by Ken Zino

The Institute for Global Labor & Human Rights released a new report today that said Ford Motor Company is guilty of worker rights violations at what it terms is a Chinese sweatshop that supplies Ford. Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls Civic Hybrid Models for Electrical Failures

Posted on 3 March 2011 by Ken Zino

It is no longer a given – or it shouldn’t be – among shoppers or government safety officials that the Japanese are automotive quality leaders. Continue reading →

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Spiders Cause Mazda 6 Fuel System Recall?

Posted on 3 March 2011 by Ken Zino

Mazda is recalling 2009 and 2010 Mazda 6 models built at the Flat Rock, Michigan plant because spiders can weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line, causing a blockage that leads to fuel tank cracks and leaks during normal operation. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls Ranger Pickup Trucks for Fuel Leaks

Posted on 3 March 2011 by Ken Zino

This latest Ford recall is the fifth of 2011 according to a Ford spokesperson, and thus far more than half of the nine safety recalls Ford had in 2010. Continue reading →

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Fatal Intersection Crashes Declining

Posted on 3 March 2011 by Ken Zino

A new study issued today by the National Safety Council says that fatal crashes at intersections with traffic lights decreased by 17%, and fatal crashes at intersections involving red-light running decreased by 27% from 2005 to 2009. The study analyzed … Continue reading →

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Accelerator Pedal Recall Causes More Lexus and Toyota Recalls! Technicians Did Not Correctly Replace the Carpeting. Original Recall Now Expanded to Include More Toyota Vehicles

Posted on 25 February 2011 by Ken Zino

Why owners should trust technicians to correctly perform a second modification is a question that will surely be debated. Continue reading →

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