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
Tag Archives: auto safety
Honda Airbag Injury Victim Lucky To Be Alive
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
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:
Subaru Air Bag Defects
Subaru is recalling certain 2012 Legacy and 2012 Outback vehicles for problems with the side curtain airbags. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) an incorrect propellant mixture for the initiator component could result in an insufficient output of compressed gas. The airbags may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury during an accident. The recall is expected to begin in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Honda Defective Window Mechanism
Two disgruntled Honda drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against Honda for defective window mechanisms that allowed the vehicles window to fall inside the door. According to the suit, a defective piece of plastic used to keep the windows in place while it is being operated, wears and breaks under normal operating conditions. The defect not only poses a hazard to drivers and passengers, but the $400 bill and loss of the use of the vehicle while repairs are being made are unacceptable. The suit also alleges that Honda knew that the fix made available to consumers resulted in repeated window regulator failures on the same vehicle. The vehicles involved in the law suit include the Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Honda Civic, and Acura MDX from model years 1994 to 2007.
Weak Head Restraints In Ford Trucks
Ford is recalling some 2012 Ford Expedition and 2012 Lincoln Navigator SUVs because some vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for head restraints. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some vehicles may have inadequate welds on the head restraint support brackets for the second row, right hand seat. In the event of an accident, the passenger may not receive the proper head restraint protection increasing their chance of injury. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Nissan Versa Automatic Transmission Problem
Nissan is recalling certain 2012 Versa vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. According to the recall report filed by Nissan, because of interference between the shifter rod and the shift knob, the vehicles may be shifted out of “park” without depressing the brake pedal. If the driver should inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle could unexpectedly lurch forward increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the shifter knob and/or the shifter assembly as needed. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Maserati Granturismo Tail Light Failure
Maserati is recalling certain Granturismo and Granturismo convertible sports cars manufactured between June 2008 to March 2010. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), faulty lap assemblies could lead to the rear tail and brake lights failing. The visibility of the vehicle will be reduced increasing the chance of an accident. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.
