Mandatory Back Up Cameras

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The Department Of Transportation has delayed a ruling proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to make backup cameras mandatory on all passenger vehicles. The NHTSA was hoping the ruling would be finalized today, but the DOT has decided that further studies are needed in order to ensure the most protective and efficient rules possible. A law to improve and standardized rear visibility for vehicles was first introduced in 2008, but the deadline has been extended several times. The new rule requirements would see 10% of new vehicles equipped with backup cameras by the end of 2012, 40% by the end of 2013 , and 100 % by the end of 2014.

According to the NHTSA, over 17,000 people are injured and approximately 230 people die in backup accidents involving cars, trucks and SUVs. Statistics show that most on these accidents involve children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. It is estimated that using a camera to eliminate the rear blind spot could cut that number in half. Unfortunately, it could also add up to $200 more per vehicle for a total of approximately $3 billion to the auto industry, most of which would be passed on to the customer.

The NHTSA provides a 60-day comment period on this rule making that begins when the proposal is published in the Federal Register. The proposal and information about how to submit comments is at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Laws-Regs

Nissan Fuel Pressure Sensor May Leak

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Nissan is recalling certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles for a fuel pressure sensor that may not have been tightened to the correct manufacturers specifications. The sensor may loosen as a result of heat and vibration, causing fuel to leak and increasing the risk of fire. Nissan will inspect and replace the the fuel pressure sensor as necessary. Owners can contact Nissan customer service at 615-725-1000 for more information. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

Porsche Cayenne Headlight Problem

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Porsche has announced a recall on certain 2011-2012 Cayenne sport utility vehicles (SUV) because the headlamps could become loose and detach from the fender. The driver of the vehicle may experience loss of visibility, and/or the detached headlight could become a road hazard. The vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured between March 08, 2010 to January 31, 2012 and include:

Porsche has already started notifying customers and will replace the headlamp locking assemblies free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243.

Fuel Leaks In Honda And Acura Vehicles

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Honda is recalling certain 2012 Honda Pilot and 2012 Acura MDX vehicles for fuel leaks that could increase the risk of fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vent shut float (VSF) valve case in the fuel tank was not manufactured to the proper specification. Honda will inspect the VSF assembly date and will replace the fuel tank assembly accordingly. The recall is expected to affect almost 9,000 vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Honda customer services at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda Odyssey Defective Liftgates

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Honda is recalling certain 2008-2009 Odyssey minivans, equipped with power liftgate systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began an investigation into the problem last September after receiving seven complaints alleging unexpected closing of the vehicle’s liftgate. The results found that a manufacturing flaw in the doors gas filled struts, allows the pressurized gas to leak, reducing the strut performance. Honda will be notifying owners and dealers of the problem and will replace both struts free of charge. For more information on the defect, contact Honda customer service center at 1-800-999-1009.

NHTSA Investigates GM Door Fires

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain GM vehicles after receiving twelve complaints of smoke and fire from the inside of doors of some Trail Blazer mid-size sport utility vehicles. The complaints are similar to consumer reports that lead the NHTSA to open an investigation into some 2007 Camry, Camry Solara and Rav4 vehicles, earlier this month. The NHTSA will be focusing on whether window switches on the GM and Toyota vehicles were manufactured by the same supplier. The investigation could affect up to 310,000, 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazers. According to the safety administration, the Buick Rainer, Saab 9-7x, and the GMC Envoy share the same parts at the Trail Blazer, but these vehicle are not part of the investigation yet

Honda Airbag Injury Victim Lucky To Be Alive

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A Georgia woman is lucky to be alive after suffering a potentially fatal neck wound from a chunk of metal from an airbag deployment in her 2001 Honda Civic. Kristy Williams wounds are similar to injuries sustained by a teenager in Oklahoma and a mom in Virginia who were not as lucky when their airbags deployed with a deadly force. Medical reports show all three women sustained similar injuries and all women drove 2001 Honda vehicles.

Honda’s first airbag recall came in November 2008, and has been expanded four times to cover 2.5 million vehicles. The recall, however, stops at the 2003 models even though regulators have received 127 complaints about Honda and Acura models over the last 10 model years whose airbag went off with no crash. In Williams case, the surprise deployment was linked to an improper repair after an airbag replacement done to the vehicle before she bought it.

Honda Airbag Problems Expand

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A recent recall on certain 2012 Honda Accord and Crosstour vehicles has been expanded to include an additional 627 vehicles. The recall is over driver and passenger side curtain airbag inflators that were not manufactured according to manufacturers specifications. In the event of an accident, the side curtain airbags may fail to deploy, leaving the occupants unprotected. Honda will inspect and replace the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain airbags as required. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. The vehicles included in the recall include: