GM’s ignition switch problems have raised the question of whether push button ignition systems may be safer to use in automobiles than the standard keyed ignition. Key-less ignition systems have been used in luxury cars since the 1990’s, and most of today’s automobile manufacturers offer them as an option in approximately 72% of their vehicles sold today. Continue reading

A record fine of $35 million U.S. will be paid out by GM after a government investigation into how GM handled the recall of 2.59 million vehicles over faulty ignition switches. GM’s agreement with regulators also includes significant changes into how the automobile manufacturer reviews safety problems and decides when to issue a recall.

  • G.M. will be required to meet monthly with regulators and provide a list of every safety problem under consideration, as well as report on any new communications with their dealers.
  • The company must also improve information sharing across its different units, make recall decisions more quickly and revise its analysis practices to improve the ability to identify safety issues.

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The NHTSA is ending an investigation into allegations of electronic throttle failure in Ford and Mercury vehicles. Instead, Ford will be conducting a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) in which they will be contacting owners to take their vehicles to a manufacturer approved dealership to update the power-train calibration software to improve vehicle performance. Ford will also extend their power-train warranty coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles. Continue reading

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened a preliminary investigation into whether certain 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey Minivans should be recalled. There have already been six consumer complaints of sudden airbag deployment and forty one complaints alleging the vehicle’s air bag warning light illuminates intermittently. Continue reading

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expanding an investigation into defective power window switches in some Toyota and GM vehicles. Both investigation began in February after vehicle owners reported intermittent power windows, the smell of smoke, and in rare occasions fires. If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 1.4 million Toyota and 342,000 GM vehicles could be involved. The vehicles under investigation includes:

  • 2007-2009 Toyota Camry
  • 2007-2009 Toyota Yaris
  • 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs
  • 2006-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUVs

The NHTSA said that it also will evaluate other GM vehicles with the same underpinnings. They include:

  • Buick Rainier
  • GMC Envoy
  • Isuzu Ascender
  • Saab 9-7X SUVs