According to a recent investigation report, the NHTSA have opened a probe into the 2013 recall of certain 2011-2012 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Ambulance package vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engines. In October 2013 these vehicle were recalled due to an exhaust sensor problem that led drivers to experience loss of power followed by an engine stall. To date, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has experienced 30 more complaints affecting vehicles both within and outside the scope of the subject recall. Continue reading
Category Archives: Automotive News
Auto Recalls Expected To Increase In 2015
Newly appointed head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mark Rosekind is warning vehicle owners to expect automobile recalls in 2015 to surpass the record set last year. In 2014, the NHTSA was under scrutiny by safety officials and advocates for their slow response to recalls involving Takata airbags and GM ignition switches. Continue reading
Should Foreign Safety Recalls Lead To U.S. Recalls?
With a record number of recalls this year, the automobile industry has been under tight scrutiny. But even with increased efforts to address problems, known safety recalls continue to evade the United States market. According to a New York Times review of over 500 international recalls, there have been dozens of instances within the last ten years which have prompted recalls or other safety related actions in foreign countries, that have not been treated the same in the United States. Continue reading
2008 Toyota Sienna On The Safety Watch List
Using publicly available data from the NHTSA, manufacturer early warning reports, and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), The Safety Institute release a list of vehicles which they feel show early signs of potential problems. According to The Safety Institute’s most recent quarterly vehicle safety watch list, released in October 2014, the Toyota Sienna shows repeated problems affecting the power train and suspension. Continue reading
Used Vehicles With Recalls Continue To Be Sold
A Fresno, California man says he may have died after buying a used 2009 Dodge RAM with an open recall on it. The vehicle had undergone a 125 point inspection, but after owning it for approximately four months, the drive shaft separated from the rear axle while he was driving on Highway 41. According to the general sales manager of the dealership, the missed recall was a case of human error, but an Action News investigation shows that the problem is wide spread with dealerships across the Valley. Continue reading
Takata Airbag Defects Expanding
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are demanding that airbag manufacturer, Takata Industries along with automobile manufacturer’s BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota, expand their airbag recall to include vehicles beyond the initial geographical areas. This decision comes after a recent driver’s side air bag failure in a vehicle outside the current regional recall area, previous fatalities, and many injuries that have been linked to the problem. Continue reading
In Dash Electronic Problems Top Consumer Auto Complaints
In recent years, in-dash electronics have seen substantial growth and increased popularity among automobile buyers. Not only does it allow drivers to link to their cellphone or connect to an iPod or other music device, but built-in navigation, vehicle controls for climate and lighting, and apps that remind you where you parked or whether you locked the doors have become increasingly popular. Continue reading
Takata Airbag Defect Affects Many Manufacturers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of certain BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota vehicles to take immediate action and replace defective Takata airbags. Vehicle owners receiving regional recalls are especially urged to get the problem taken care of, as consistent hot and humid conditions are suspect to intensify the problem. These areas include: Florida, Puerto Rico, areas in Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Guam, as well as Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Virgin Islands and Hawaii. Continue reading
