After completing an investigation into difficult steering in certain 2014 FJ Cruiser‘s, Toyota has found a problem that will have owners returning their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility for repairs.

According to reports filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles are equipped with an optional “Trail Teams Ultimate Edition” package in which the front shock absorbers and springs are replaced with more robust off road suspension parts. In some of these vehicles, the two bolts which secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle might have been tightened with insufficient torque . The bolts could loosen and fall out, resulting in the front lower ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle. Drivers could experience complete loss of steering control and an increased chance of an accident. Continue reading

General Motors will be asking owners of certain Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet sedans to return their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have their vehicles steering system inspected and repaired. According to reports filed at the NHTSA website, the fasteners holding the intermediate shaft and the steering gear, and/or at the lower control arm to the lower ball joint may have not been torqued to the correct specifications. The fasteners could loosen, parts could separate, and the driver could experience complete loss of steering. Continue reading

Aston Martin has determined a defect relating to vehicle safety exists on certain 2014 DB9 and 2014 Rapide S sports cars manufactured from June 2013 until July 2014. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the transmission control switches could contain a circuit board with a defect that can cause it to short out. The problem could result in the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral and loss of motive power. While the driver will be unable to maintain speed, the steering and brakes will remain fully functional and in most cases will be drivable again after the engine is shut off and restarted. Continue reading

Owners of certain Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and Ram pickups, have filed complaints with the NHTSA over safety concerns caused by their vehicles’ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM).

The TIPM consists of a computer, relays, and fuses that control and distribute power to the vehicles electrical systems. These include safety systems, security system, ignition, electrical power-train, airbags, fuel pump, windshield wipers, headlights, turn signals, and power windows and doors. Drivers report electrical problems which have resulted in unsafe driving conditions on numerous occasions. Continue reading

General Motors will be asking owners of certain Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles to return to their dealership to repair a problem that could leave the front seat occupant unprotected during an accident.

Some vehicles may have been manufactured with an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly for both front seats. If the assembly is exposed to a high load condition, the hook could separate from the seat track, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. Continue reading