NHTSA
Seat Belt Use at its Highest Level
It’s a little thing that does so much. By buckling up in the car, you increase your chances of surviving a serious car accident. And now, seat belt use in the U.S. has risen to 85 percent – its highest level yet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released these new stats that show…
NHTSA Investigating MINI Cooper for Power Steering Failures
It’s been announced that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently opened an investigation into possible power steering failures in MINI Cooper cars. NHTSA decided to investigate after receiving complaints from 54 drivers and confidential field reports where the MINI Cooper suddenly lost power steering assistance. The issue seems to only be presenting…
NHTSA Says Child Seats Still Not Being Used Properly
It’s time to double check your car seats. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is saying that many young children are still being placed in the wrong restraint or booster seat systems. Last week was Child Passenger Safety week, so now is the right time to ensure that you have the right car seat…
U.S. Traffic Fatalities Hit 60-Year Low
It’s always great to get some good new regarding traffic. And this recent report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) falls into the good new category – they say that the number of fatalities on America’s highways is at its lowest level since 1950. Compared to 2008, deaths caused by vehicle collisions fell…
NHTSA Investigating Ford F-150 For Fuel Tank That Could Drop
The Ford F-150 is now a part of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for fuel tank straps that may break due to corrosion, which could lead to a fire. In total 1.4 million F-150 models are affected, dating from 1996-2001. NHTSA has received 32 complains regarding this issue from owners…
Drunk Driving Campaign Steps Up For End of Summer
We’re all a little sad to see the end of summer. We usually send it off with a long weekend, lots of backyard BBQs and a few pool parties. Since most of these types of shindigs involve alcohol, there’s always an increased risk of intoxicated drivers on the road. That’s why the National Highway Traffic…
Jeeps Being Probed for Fuel Tank Defects
However, the center also said that these post-crash fires, on their own do not establish a manufacturing defect with the vehicles.
Dealers Investigated For “Cash For Clunkers” Fraud – $94 Million At Stake
The United States Federal Government’s cynical Keynesian vehicle scrappage program scheme was by all accounts a success (if you believe that blind consumption is a win), but some dealers apparently skirted the rules, and now the government is looking for dealers who may have gamed the system – and may withhold $94 million in rebates…
NHTSA Investigates 1.2 Million 2005-2007 Toyota Matrix And Corolla For Engine Stalls
After receiving 1,100 complaints regarding the 2005-2007 Toyota Matrix and Corolla, NHTSA has decided to broaden their investigation into the vehicles, after launching a preliminary inquiry in November of 2009. According to reports, Toyota told NHTSA that a problem with the car’s ECU (engine control unit) that causes stalling, rough shifting and stops the car from re-starting…
Driver Error to Blame in Most of Toyota’s “Unintended Acceleration” Cases: Report
As early leaked reports indicated, Toyota is being exonerated after Congress pushed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reveal the preliminary findings of its investigation into the cases of “unintended acceleration” of Toyota vehicles. A Department of Transportation investigation of the black box recorders in 58 Toyota vehicles involved in “unintended acceleration” crashes…
Stability Control for Big Rigs May Become Mandatory
Do you clench the steering wheel in fear every time a big rig passes you on the highway? Loosen your grip a little bit – a mandate for the installation safety systems, courtesy of The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), may be on the horizon. Right now, automakers must legally install stability control to…
2011-2012 BMW 5 Series, 5 Series GT Models Get Recalled For Faulty Fuel Tank Sensors
BMW is recalling 6,080 5-Series and 5-Series GT models for a malfunctioning fuel tank sensor. The vehicles manufactured between January 12 and July 1, 2010 are prone to the problem, which can wedge itself against the fuel tank and cause an incorrect reading. Drivers could conceivably run out of gas at the side of the road, and…
Nissan Cube Recalled for Possible Gas Leak Resulting from a Crash
Nissan has just announced a recall for the 2009-10 Cube model for a recall involving the fuel system. According to a NHTSA press release, the vehicle did not pass its fuel leak test, in which the amount of fuel leaking from the car exceeded, “allowable limits” in the agency’s crash test. A fire could result…
Toyota Denies Allegations That It Planted Story In Wall Street Journal
Toyota has officially spoken out against allegations that it planted a story in the Wall Street Journal that absolved the company of an responsibility in their unintended acceleration scandal. The mess began after The Wall Street Journal published a story citing “people familiar with” the investigation who claimed that the evidence pointed to driver error…
Report: Toyota ‘Planted’ Driver Error Story Claims NHTSA Insider
Recently a Wall Street Journal story revealed that with one exception, it was driver error and not mechanical or electrical issues that resulted in the “unintended acceleration” of Toyota vehicles. Now, another outlet, Just-Auto.com is claiming an unnamed source within NHTSA has confirmed the story was planted by Toyota as part of a public relations…
Chrysler Recalls Ram 1500, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty for Brake Issues
The recall is scheduled to begin at the start of August and dealers will inspect the brake lines on the affected vehicles and replace them for free if they are discovered to be faulty.
Lexus HS250h Recalled For Possibility Of Going KA-BOOM!
Lexus is recalling their 2010 Lexus HS250h hybrids because of the possibility of an excess amount of fuel leaking out of the back in the event of a rear end crash. Readers might recall another famous case of fuel leaking during a rear end crash, and with Toyota’s recent spate of quality problems, you can…
BMW Recalling 2011 X5 And X6
A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association says that BMW is recalling an unknown number of X5 and X6 SUVs over incorrect tire pressure labels. According to Inside Line, NHTSA claims not only are the pressures wrong, but the wheel sizing is off as well. “The vehicles are equipped with 20-inch wheels, but…
Silent But Deadly – Safety Regulation May Make Hybrid and Electric Cars Louder
As quiet as ninjas, hybrid and electric cars can be just as deadly. But while ninjas sneak up on you quickly, hybrid and electric vehicles are most likely to get you at low, parking lot speeds. According to a report that came out last fall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hybrids tend…
Suzuki Recalls Equators for Suspension Issues
Like the Frontier, the problem stems around potentially weak welds on the lower front ball joint collars that could come apart, affecting vehicle handling and alignment.
Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan Being Investigated for Toyota-Like Floor Mat Issues
Ford‘s Fusion sedan and Mercury Milan are currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for accessory floor mats that can become stuck. The investigation involves 249,301 Fusion and Milan models from the 2010 model year where an accessory floor mat may entrap the accelerator pedal – in essence causing a sticking…
Honda Says Brake Override Will be Standard in All Models by 2011
With increased pressure from Congress in the wake of Toyota’s recall crisis, Honda has announced it will include a brake override feature in all of its models by the end of 2011. “We are committed to applying Brake Priority Logic on 100 percent of Honda and Acura passenger vehicles produced for the North American market…
NHTSA Ups Toyota’s Unintended Acceleration Death Toll to 89
Already overrun with legal issues relating to its unintended acceleration issues, Toyota‘s problems are about to get worse as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just increased the number of deaths that may be related to the faulty pedal and floor mat recalls. A new NHTSA document now places the total number of…
Recall Notice: Ford Recalls Ranger for Faulty Parking Brake
This would result in extended pedal travel meaning the parking brake would not operate, a potentially serious problem during hill starts or other incline related situations.
