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
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) faced criticism during a consumer protection subcommittee last week as Senator Clair McCaskill questioned the agencies effectiveness in protecting consumers from defective automobiles. Deputy Administrator, David Friedman was grilled about the agencies roll in the delay of General Motors’ recalls, including defective ignition switches which have been linked to 20 deaths. Continue reading
In June 2014 Chrysler opened an investigation into shocks installed on certain 2015 Chrysler 200, 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 2014 Ram 1500 vehicles, as a result of shock supplier, Hitachi, having a KL rear shock ring split during bushing press operation. The investigation found that, due to an inadequate inspection process at the supplier, the ring loop at the rear shock attachment may have a weld that is insufficient to carry the load of the vehicle. The loss of one of the two welds could result in damage to chassis components and tires, and decreased brake function. Continue reading
Hyundai/Kia will be contacting owners of certain 2014 Kia Soul subcompacts about a safety problem affecting the vehicles steering system.
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, an improper application of thread locking adhesive during the manufacturing process could result in the pinion gear separating from the steering gear assembly. If this happens, drivers could experience loss of steering and an increased chance of an accident. Continue reading
Drivers of certain 2008-2010 Chrysler and Dodge minivans and crossover SUVs could experience an unexpected engine shut off while driving over rough roadway condition or when the driver accidentally bumps the vehicle key Fob. According to reports filed on the NHTSA website, when the vehicle is started, the key FOB could over travel and hang up between the ON and ACC detents of the ignition. Continue reading
General Motors continues to expand their recall for ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut of when the ignition key is bumped or when driving on rough road conditions. The problem has resulted in unexpected loss of engine power and can affect power steering, power braking, and airbag deployment. Until the problem can be fixed, drives are asked to remove all items from their key ring leaving only the vehicle key. Continue reading
Certain 2008-2011 Mazda Tribute vehicles built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant between October 2006 to September 2010 could be affected by a problem that could lead to loss of power steering assist. Mazda will be sending notices sometime in July, but are encouraging drivers experiencing issue with their steering to return their vehicle to a manufacturer approved dealer to have repairs done as soon as possible. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, approximately 33,000 vehicles in the United States and its territories are potentially affected. Continue reading
GM has identified a problem in some 2012 Chevrolet Sonic cars equipped with 6 speed automatic transmission and a 1.8L four cylinder engine. The vehicles in question, may have a condition in which the transmission turbine shaft could fracture due to a production non-conformance. Continue reading
