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Tag Archives: nhtsa
Safety Performance of Advanced Vehicle Technologies Murky
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
Mercedes-Benz and Daimler Van Software Recall on 164 Models
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
Hyundai Expands Seat Belt Shrapnel Recall
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
Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, hyundai recalls, Ken Zino, nhtsa
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A Closer Look at Biden’s 49 MPG CAFE Standard
The new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards proposed by the Biden Administration# last month require an industry-wide fleet average of ~49 mpg for passenger cars and light trucks in model year 2026, the strongest fuel efficiency standards to date. On … Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, cafe, center for automotive research, Ken Zino, nhtsa, President Biden’s Executive Order 13990, Putin’s war on Ukraine and democracies
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Mercedes-Benz USA – Stop Driving ML, GL, R-Class Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz AG has found that moisture may wick under a rubber sleeve installed around the brake booster housing. Following extended time in the field with significant water exposure, this safety defect could result in corrosion in the joint area of the brake booster housing, thus contributing to a vacuum leak at the brake booster. The brake force support might be reduced, leading to an increase in the brake pedal forces required to decelerate the vehicle and/or to a potentially increased stopping distance.In some cases it could be impossible to stop the vehicle with the brake pedal. Continue reading
Tesla Recalls 48,184 Model 3s and 1, Yes 1, Model X
In yet another safety recall, Tesla is buying back one 2022 Model X vehicle. A body structure reinforcement bracket was not installed at the second-row seat. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 207, “Seating Systems” and 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.” Tesla will replace the vehicle, free of charge. An owner notification letter is expected to be mailed June 6, 2022. Continue reading
Posted in news analysis
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, nhtsa, Tesla Recalls
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Ford Recalls Explorer, Super-Duty F-Series for Safety Defects
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
Green Autonomous Mobility at Michigan State University
The Spartan bus completed on-campus testing, which did not include written college admission tests. More than 650 test runs of its route during all hours of the day helped make the official deployment possible. As part of the process to accept passengers, validation of the bus, route and infrastructure was granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It appears to be the first and only SAE Level-4 automated bus that has NHTSA approval. Continue reading
Ford Recalls 653,000 F-Series, Expeditions, Navigators for Bad Wipers – 18 Products Affected by Safety Defect
During August of 2021, Ford became aware of stripped wiper arm splines on certain Expedition vehicles as the defect was brought to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group for review (CCRG). “Routine Ford monitoring of field data had identified reports related to driver or passenger wiper arms coming loose, not working, or detaching. Passenger and driver side wiper arms are independently attached to the wiper system linkage assembly. Several warranty reports contained technician comments indicating stripped splines in the wiper arms, as well as assembly alignment keys that fell out or were missing.” Ford said. Continue reading
Tesla Recalls Half of 2021-22 Model Xs for Bad Airbags
As such, these vehicles with a major safety defect fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.” All of the more than 7000 unsafe vehicles involved remain covered under the new vehicle warranty. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls, safety
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, nhtsa, Tesla Recalls
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Ford Recalls F-150 Pickups for Sudden Shifting into Neutral
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is recalling 47,084 model year 2021 F-150 vehicles for shifting into neutral without warning. Affected vehicles are equipped with 3.5L GTDI, 2.7L and 5.0L engines, 10R80 transmissions and not equipped with Auto Start-Stop technology built between … Continue reading
Ford Motor Recalls 160,000 F-150 Pickups for Bad Wipers
The front windshield wiper motor made by Trico in Mexico may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail. An inoperative wiper motor has the potential for reduced visibility or loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. In the require NHTSA filing Ford said, “The primary causal factors that led to inoperative or poorly performing wipers were poor quality motor brush plate spot welding, insufficient motor magnet adhesive being applied, and insufficient motor nut assembly torque. Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, quality, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, F-150 Pickup recalls, Ken Zino, nhtsa
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Hyundai, Kia Recall 2022 Seat Belts for Shrapnel Explosions
Hyundai Motor America and Kia Motors America are recalling seat belts because during a crash the front passenger-side seat-belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment sending metal fragments into the interior. The actual incident that remains under investigation occurred in February … Continue reading
Posted in customer satisfaction, recalls
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, hyundai recalls, Ken Zino, kia recalls, nhtsa
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Tesla Recalls Model S for Bad Side Curtain Airbags
This results in an airbag that did not meet specifications. The replacement airbag was assembled with an inflator with a correct number of components that meet specifications whereas the recalled airbag was assembled with an inflator with an additional component that did not meet specifications. Continue reading
Too Darn Hot – Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall
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 →