Category Archives: safety

Hyundai Motor, Michelin MoU to Develop Tires for Premium EVs

Posted on 20 June 2022 by Ken Zino

It appears a prime motivator of the new research is on tire performance to accommodate the increases in vehicle weight that will occur as automakers rush to convert or spawn EVs in the utility vehicle and luxury segments, which generally speaking are larger and less efficient than their counterparts in the more modestly priced car segments. As the size, weight and range of EVs continue to increase, so do the demands placed on the tires. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls 2.9 Million Vehicles for Rollaways

Posted on 20 June 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 2.9 million 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The Hilex-supplied bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach causing unexpected rollaways. This is an expansion of previous recalls that were based on customer complaints to NHTSA.* Continue reading →

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Too Darn Hot – Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall

Posted on 17 June 2022 by Ken Zino

On recalled Mustangs, Direct Current (“DC”) fast charging and repeated-wide open accelerator pedal movements can cause the high voltage battery main contactors to overheat. This overheating can lead to arcing and deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in an electric relay switch remaining open or a relay switch that welds closed from heat. Ford has not thus far issued instructions to stop driving vehicles under this safety recall? Continue reading →

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Safety Performance of Advanced Vehicle Technologies Murky

Posted on 16 June 2022 by Ken Zino

The set of crashes, which automakers and operators reported to NHTSA from the time the SGO was issued last June, are clearly important. They provide NHTSA with direct information about crashes that occur with vehicles that have various levels of automated driving systems deployed at least 30 seconds before a crash occurred. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Motor Group to Test Autonomous Car-Hailing

Posted on 10 June 2022 by Ken Zino

For the ride-hailing experiment, the Group has obtained a temporary autonomous driving operation permit from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of Korea. It will collaborate with Jin Mobility, a Korean startup operating the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered car-hailing mobility platform ‘i.M.’. Jin Mobility will be in charge of operating the two IONIQ 5 RoboRide units on its i.M application. The Group also plans to expand the pilot service, while further developing autonomous driving technology “with consideration for various conditions, such as driving stability.” Continue reading →

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IIHS Says Toyota Tacoma 2022 MY Marginal in Crash Test

Posted on 9 June 2022 by Ken Zino

Still, this was an improvement. The marginal rating applies to vehicles built after October 2021, when Toyota modified the rear leaf springs. Vehicles built prior to that date are rated poor. In an earlier test of a vehicle built before the changes, one of the rear leaf springs punctured the fuel tank, resulting in a fire risk and an automatic downgrade. Continue reading →

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IIHS – 2022 Jeep Wrangler Tips Over in Crash Test

Posted on 3 June 2022 by Ken Zino

“Even partial rollovers are dangerous, as they increase the chances that an occupant may be completely or partially ejected from the vehicle. That’s especially relevant for the Wrangler, which has a roof and doors that can be removed and lacks side curtain airbags,” said IIHS. Continue reading →

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Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Van Software Recall on 164 Models

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Ken Zino

In all cases, an error in the communication module’s SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Expands Seat Belt Shrapnel Recall

Posted on 31 May 2022 by Ken Zino

This safety defect recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new repair remedy completed. Continue reading →

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NHTSA – Hyundai and Kia Recalls for Rollaways

Posted on 23 May 2022 by Ken Zino

A software error in the Shifter Control Unit (SCU) may disengage the parking mechanism, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway. NHTSA recalls: Hyundai 22V324000 and Kia 22V322000. Continue reading →

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Driverless Cars – People Less Positive Than You Might Assume

Posted on 10 May 2022 by Ken Zino

If you’re like most auto enthusiasts, likely you are comfortable with the progress of technology from manual chokes to feed-back carburetors to port and then direct fuel-injection. When looked at through the windshield of a sports car, electronic shifting and … Continue reading →

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SEC Charges Autonomous Vehicle Supplier NVIDIA with Shoddy Disclosures

Posted on 6 May 2022 by Ken Zino

NVIDIA is a US-based artificial intelligence (AI) computing company that is a significant automotive supplier for an important building block in a network of several individual ECUs (Electronic control units)  used in automated and driverless vehicles. It goes by the name Drive Pegasus. Continue reading →

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Computer Bugs – Ford Launches New Certified Glass Network

Posted on 2 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford has apparently discovered the latest bugs in computerized vehicles. They are not the ones that smear your windshield. Continue reading →

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NLRB – National Labor Relations Act Protects Immigrants

Posted on 2 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Today, National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo released a new protocol to advance immigrant worker protections to freely exercise rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and safely participate in NLRB investigations. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls Explorer, Super-Duty F-Series for Safety Defects

Posted on 2 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor is recalling 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3 L FHEV, and 3.0L ST gasoline vehicles because the rear-axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

In another recall, Ford is recalling 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle’s transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the ‘Park’ mechanism. Debris lodged within the ‘Park’ mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding ‘Park,’ increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away and a crash.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov. Continue reading →

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