The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation that could lead to over 4,000 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles being recalled. Reports filed with the NHTSA stated that while driving, the oil cooler line failed, resulting in a spray of oil in the engine compartment. Driver complaints consist of smoke developing in the interior of the vehicle, loss of vehicle control because of oil leakage on a tire, and one complaint was reported to have resulted in an engine fire. The NHTSA is not aware of any injuries related to this problem.
Category Archives: NHTSA
NHTSA Investigates Jeep Wranglers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into some 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles after receiving almost 30 complaints of illuminated airbag warning lights. The investigation has lead the NHTSA to a defective clock spring wiring assembly that may prevent the airbag from deploying during an accident. The problem seems to be more prevalent in right hand drive Wranglers, but the NHTSA wants to investigate the problem further before issuing a recall. If the investigation should lead to a recall, about 220,000 Jeep Wranglers could be affected.
Nissan Investigated For Brake Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating brake problems with the 2007-2008 Nissan Altima, after receiving twenty complaints of loss of braking power. Altima drivers complained that the “brake warning” light would come on intermittently while driving, and after taking in the vehicle for service, were told that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed replacement. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 440,000 2007-2008 Altimas could be affected.
In 2008-2009, Nissan recalled over 160,000 2007-2008 Sentra vehicles for the same problems.
NHTSA To Make EDRs Mandatory On Vehicles
According to announcements made by the U.S. government, next month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be making an official announcement to make Event Data Recorders (EDR’s) mandatory on vehicles. The bill was proposed by Senator Tom Udall last year, after problems of unintended acceleration on Toyota vehicles.
The information stored by the EDR’s will record a short period of data starting from just before the accident to just shortly after. It will be used by state authorities to determine the cause of the crash, by the NHTSA to compile real world statistics and by American automobile manufacturers to help them understand crashes and how they take place.
Not everyone agrees with mandatory EDR’s. Critics say that the boxes will make the purchase of vehicles more expensive for consumers, while privacy experts question how the information will be used. They say that small modification to the EDR’s could allow your driving to be monitored all the time. Police would be able to issue speeding tickets without actually being at the scene, or insurance companies to judge your driving before they determine your rates. Some feel that the information could go as far as to be used to track a drivers every move.
BMW Mini Cooper Investigated For Steering
Difficult steering in BMW’s 2004-2005 Mini Cooper has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade its investigation to include almost 60,000 vehicles. The investigation began last fall with over 500 complaints filed with the NHTSA, and 4,500 warranty claims with BMW. Among the complaints were allegations of five minor crashes, three of which resulted in a fire. The suspect part is a malfunctioning cooling fan which causes an under voltage condition in the power steering electrical system. Drivers have complained about loss of power assist making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, and the inability to restart the vehicle because of a drained battery. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 200,000 Minis built between 2001-2007 could be involved.
NHTSA Investigates Ford Freestyle SUVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Ford Motor’s Freestyle crossover SUV after receiving almost 240 complaints of unintended lunging. Reports filed with the NHTSA say that the vehicles lunged forward at low speeds when the driver’s foot was not on the accelerator pedal. 18 of the reports claimed to have resulted in an accident, including one with minor injuries. Owner said that the problem seemed to have worsened when the vehicles’ air conditioning was turned on or the steering was turned sharply. Spokesperson for the Michigan based automaker said that, Ford will fully cooperate with the NHTSA in an attempt to rectify the problem. The investigation will include about 170,000 Ford Freestyle SUV’s, of the 2005 to 2007 model years.
Ford F150 Investigation Into Fuel Tanks
An investigation into fuel tank problems could have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalling Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The investigation was started a year ago after 32 complaints of fuel tanks falling off. Today over 240 complaints have been received, with 95% of the reported incidents resulting in fuel spillage. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost three million 1997-2001 F-150 trucks could be recalled. Ford is cooperating with the NHTSA and encourages owners to contact their local dealer if they have any questions about the investigation.
Shattering Windows In Ford SUVs
A preliminary investigation into shattering rear windows for 2010-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner sport utility vehicles (SUV) has been opened after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 18 complaints that the rear lift-gate window shattered while opening or closing the lift-gate. Many of the incidents were reported to have happened during cold weather conditions and one alleged cut injuries to a 10 year old boy.
In 2004, Ford issued a recall for certain 2001-2005 SUV’s because the rear lift-gate latching system did not meet the inertia load requirements of the federal motor vehicle safety standards. There were over 150 reports of minor injuries when the door hinges failed allowing the glass to break.
Owners wanting more information about Ford vehicle recalls can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
