Tag Archives: nhtsa

President Obama to Announce First Fuel Economy Regulations for Heavy Trucks, Buses. $50 Billion in Fuel Savings Claimed

The complicated standards vary by size and type of truck, and whether gasoline or diesel engines are used. However they appear stringent, calling for a 7-20% reduction in emissions with roughly corresponding increases in fuel economy. Continue reading

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NHTSA Investigating Ford Mustang Manual Transmissions

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigations has received 32 complaints alleging an unexpected inability to shift into gear on model year 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs equipped with manual transmissions. According to a filing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration some of the reports allege that the incidents occurred while merging into high speed traffic; others allege that incidents occurred while turning left across oncoming traffic. Continue reading

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Honda Recalls 1.5 Million Accord, CR-V and Element for Software Problem that Leads to Failed Auto Transmissions

American Honda is starting recalls on about 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. Four-cylinder Accord, CR-V and Element models from 2005-2010 have transmission shift software that could damage the transmission and lead to the engine stalling or difficulty engaging park. Continue reading

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Chrysler Recalls 300,000 Minivans for Possible Airbag Defect

Previously minivan recalls were conducted in November 2010 because a defective drain grommet on the heating and ventilation system (HVAC) allowed condensation from a/c operation to leak onto the computer. At the time only the grommet was replaced. Subsequent Chrysler durability testing revealed that some of the computers failed. Continue reading

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NHTSA Scrutinizing Ford Fusion for Wheels Falling Off

Since the root cause is thus far officially unknown, and Ford’s investigation is ongoing – a recall if it comes could include more model years than the one that spawned the inquiry. Fusion is – and has been Ford’s best selling car, meaning more than one million vehicles could be affected, since it’s selling at roughly 200,000 units annually. Continue reading

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Nissan Recalls Altima Sedans for Defective Suspension

Nissan North America is recalling 20,000 2011 and 2012 model Altima sedans because an assembly defect can potentially cause the driver to loose control. Canton Mississippi built compact car – Nissan’s best seller – can have transverse link bolts that were improperly torqued on the assembly line. Continue reading

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Ford Recalls More than 1 Million F-Series Trucks for Fuel Tank Fires. Reverses No Risk Stance after NHTSA Digs Deeper

Ford Motor Company is recalling more that 1 million F-Series pickup trucks and corresponding Lincoln versions built during model years 1997 through 2004 because of fuel tank fires. The Ford recalls result from the automaker’s latest corrosion problem caused by … Continue reading

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Second Smallest U.S. Safety Recall in History? Toyota Recalls 32 Lexus RX 350 SUVs for Defective Antilock Brake Calibration

Toyota is recalling 32 model year 2011 Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicles equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM). The calibration for the hydraulic control valves from ADVICS manufacturing in Ohio is incorrect. Because of this safety defect, Toyota said in a NHTSA filing, there is a possibility that the right front wheel may not be controlled properly during antilock brake system operation or vehicle stability control actuation. Continue reading

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Testing Connected Vehicles to See if They Connect with Drivers

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report found that connected vehicle technology has the potential to address 81% of all unimpaired driver related crashes, but there is no real world data. Continue reading

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Chevy Recalls Colorado, GMC Canyon for Bad Transmissions

The safety defect in violation of FMVSS #114, which deals with the shift interlock design, is caused by a defective automatic transmission adjustment clip built in China. Continue reading

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Kia Loses $40 Million for Death Caused by Defective Seatbelt

At the trial evidence was introduced by the law firm Cunningham Bounds that said in 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration inquired about the buckle problem, and in late December 2002 Kia issued a safety defect recall, but only for model years 1995 through 1998 vehicles.

Kia in response to the verdict said, “We maintain that the evidence at trial clearly demonstrated that the vehicle’s occupants were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. We will petition the court to set aside the verdict and if necessary, file an appeal with the Alabama Supreme Court.” Continue reading

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BMW Recalls X5 SUVs for a Bad Belt Tensioner

BMW is recalling 2012 model X5 SUVs in North America because the belt tensioner can fail as part of a larger global service action. Diesel engine models have a Czech Republic built tensioner with defective welds that can suddenly fail. If the belt tensioner fails a loss of power steering results, thereby increasing the possibility of a crash. Continue reading

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Smallest Recall in History as Volkswagen Recalls Four Cars?

In what could be the smallest safety recall in history, Volkswagen of America is recalling four, yes, four 2012 CC cars. It seems that optional wheels and tires were installed when the cars were imported, but they did not have the correct tire pressure monitoring sensors in them. Continue reading

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Cadillac Recalls 2011 SRX SUVs for Defective Airbags

The SRX computer turns off the right roof-rail airbag if the passenger sensing system determines that the right front passenger seat is unoccupied. Therefore a right rear occupant may not be protected and suffer injuries in frontal and side crashes. Continue reading

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Volvo Recalls S60 for Defective Software and Engine Stalling

Volvo is recalling 2012 model year S60 passenger cars because they can stall without warning. All Volvo S60 models made from 18 November 2010 through 5 May 2011 will have the engine control software reprogrammed to eliminate this safety defect. Continue reading

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