Tag Archives: nhtsa

More Recalls for Takata Airbag Shrapnel

Posted on 7 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The numbers – tens upon tens of millions – and corresponding expenses are now so large that at least one company – General Motors – is questioning the need for the ongoing expansion of mandatory repairs by NHTSA of vehicles with Takata airbag inflators. Continue reading →

Posted in litigation, news analysis, recalls | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

General Motors v NHTSA over Expanding Takata Airbag Recall

Posted on 2 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The GM move follows the announcement yesterday that Ford Motor is recalling another 1,896,443 vehicles with potentially deadly Takata airbag inflators that send shrapnel into the interior as they blow up. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Takata, Facing Bankruptcy over Airbag Inflator Deaths Hires Lazard to Raise Money and Cut Deals with Fleeing Automakers

Posted on 25 May 2016 by Ken Zino

In the automotive equivalent of the “Hail Mary pass,” Takata Corporation today that it has retained Lazard to find new investment for Takata as part of a desperate attempt to address Takata’s dire financial and operational issues. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Open Safety Recalls Plague Automakers, Consumers, NHTSA

Posted on 16 May 2016 by Ken Zino

Valvoline Instant Oil Change claimed today that it will become the first quick lube retailer that will use Carfax to help customers know about open automaker safety recalls on their vehicle. Continue reading →

Posted in recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Subaru Recalls 2016-17 Legacies, Outbacks for Steering Loss

Posted on 16 May 2016 by Ken Zino

Subaru recalls model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles because the steering column may be improperly machined by supplier NSK Steering Systems America so that turning the steering wheel will have no effect on the direction of the front wheels. Continue reading →

Posted in recalls, safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Recalls from Nissan, Toyota, GM, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz

Posted on 10 May 2016 by Ken Zino

There are recalls for bad chemistry in an airbag inflator, weak welds, corrosion and the increasingly problematic software programming that renders airbags inoperative. Continue reading →

Posted in recalls | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

NHTSA Expands Takata Airbag Inflator Recall by 40 Million

Posted on 4 May 2016 by Ken Zino

This is the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history. Under the Coordinated Remedy Program, NHTSA and manufacturers have committed to seek a 100 percent recall completion rate. Continue reading →

Posted in litigation, recalls | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Nissan Recalls 3.2 Million Vehicles for Airbag Failures

Posted on 2 May 2016 by Ken Zino

It’s just the latest example of how software is an increasing problem in late-model vehicles – an issue that the entire auto industry and its suppliers are struggling with. Continue reading →

Posted in recalls | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

More Compliance and Safety Recalls at Ford Motor

Posted on 29 April 2016 by Ken Zino

At least four accidents and one injury are known at this time. Continue reading →

Posted in recalls, safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

GM Seat Belt Recall on All 2014-15 Silverado, Sierra Pickups

Posted on 25 April 2016 by Ken Zino

Simply getting into the driver’s seat is enough to cause the safety defect in some of GM’s most popular – 895,232 are recalled – and profitable vehicles. Continue reading →

Posted in recalls, safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Wabash National has ‘Safer’ Under Ride Rear Guard for Trailers

Posted on 28 March 2016 by Ken Zino

Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC) is making a new rear impact guard design ed to mitigate car under ride optional on its 53-foot dry van trailers. The so-called RIG-16 Guard System is engineered to prevent under ride in multiple offset, … Continue reading →

Posted in safety | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Volkswagen Recalls e-Golf for Shutting Off

Posted on 28 March 2016 by Ken Zino

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 5,561 model year 2015-2016 e-Golf electric vehicles because diagnostics for the high-voltage battery management system may falsely detect an electrical surge shutting the electric drive motor suddenly. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Global Safety Recalls Grow as Economies of Scale Often Aren’t

Posted on 11 March 2016 by Ken Zino

The pandemic in safety recalls continues unabated. Several factors are in play. First and foremost is competition among automakers is forcing a concentrated search for scale for the obvious financial benefits of reduced piece cost. However, this is not without risk. Increased scale, simply put, amplifies problems and reduces the margin for error since the numbers are are so large. Continue reading →

Posted in recalls, safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

NHTSA Investigating F-150 Brake Failures

Posted on 7 March 2016 by Ken Zino

This is potentially a huge brake failure recall for Ford Motor on its flagship vehicle because there are an estimated 420,000 units sold in the United States representing ~36% of 2013-2014 F-150 sales Continue reading →

Posted in safety | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Many More Takata Airbags Recalled in Ongoing Safety Scandal

Posted on 16 February 2016 by Ken Zino

BMW, Daimler Vans – including Sprinter Vans labeled Mercedes-Benz, Dodge and Freightliner – Ford, Honda, Acura, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz including Chrysler, and Volkswagen and Audi have now expanded their Takata airbag recalls recalls to include vehicles equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that Takata has declared defective. Continue reading →

Posted in auto news | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment