The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into possible fire hazards in some 2007 Camry, Camry Solara and Rav4 vehicles. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, owners experienced a burning odor, and eventually flames coming from inside the doors. The problem is suspected to be caused by a malfunctioning power window master switch control. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 830,000 vehicles could be affected.
Tag Archives: NHTSA investigation
NAS Recommends Improvements To The NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is being urged by the National Academy of Science (NAS) to refine its investigative techniques and add technical help to meet increasingly complex automobile technology. The academy feels that the NHTSA lacks the understanding of hardware and software automakers are installing in their new vehicles, which became prevalent during the NHTSAs investigation into unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles in 2009/2010. Members of the NAS said that the NHTSA did all they could during the investigation, but a lack of understanding of the technology slowed down the process.
Some of the recommendation made by the NAS include:
- A push to have automakers install “black boxes” on all new vehicles to record crash data.
- The federal agency form an advisory panel of specialists who can assist both in regulatory reviews and specific vehicle investigations.
- Review of how the agency’s investigators share data with its researchers.
The safety agency says it has already taken steps to strengthen its expertise in electronic control systems, and will continue to work with the National Academy of Sciences to do more to ensure the safety of consumers.
Ford Wheel Stud Fractures
Ford has announced a recall for certain 2010-2011 Ford Fusion and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles equipped with 17 inch steel wheels. The recall comes after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation in January, where customers complained of cracking wheel studs on their low mileage vehicles. Ford said drivers could experience vehicle vibration leading to the wheel separating from the vehicle completely. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
BMW Mini Cooper Investigated For Steering
Difficult steering in BMW’s 2004-2005 Mini Cooper has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade its investigation to include almost 60,000 vehicles. The investigation began last fall with over 500 complaints filed with the NHTSA, and 4,500 warranty claims with BMW. Among the complaints were allegations of five minor crashes, three of which resulted in a fire. The suspect part is a malfunctioning cooling fan which causes an under voltage condition in the power steering electrical system. Drivers have complained about loss of power assist making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, and the inability to restart the vehicle because of a drained battery. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 200,000 Minis built between 2001-2007 could be involved.
Honda CR-V Vehicles Experience Headlight Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened up an investigation into Honda’s 2002-2004 CR-V models. There have been 12 reports from consumers alleging that the low beam head lights stopped working at the same time. Several of the complaints reported that the headlight switch and its wiring harness connector needed to be replaced due to overheating damage.
Last September, the NHTSA opened up an investigation for similar problems with Honda’s 2007-2008 Fit vehicles. In December, the investigation lead to a recall. The problem was blamed on an error during installation where the wires were pulled tighter than indended. After repeated use of the headlight switch, a terminal on the switch could become worn leading to the oxidation and low conductivity.
GM Investigates Faulty Fuel Gauges On SUVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started an investigation into over 850,000 General Motors SUV’s after receiving complaints of inaccurate fuel gauges. Of the 668 complaints received, 58 said that their vehicle ran out of fuel even though the fuel gauge said there was still fuel in the tank. The vehicles involved in this investigation include:
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2005-2007 G.M.C. Envoy
- 2005-2007 Buick Rainier
- 2005-2007 Saab 9-7x
Corrosion Investigation For Nissan And Infiniti
>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinders and 1997-2003 Infiniti QX4 vehicles over corrosion issues. There have been 35 reports of failure of the front suspension with over half of the complaints saying that steering control was affected. If the investigation should lead to a recall, over 400,000 Pathfinders and QX4 vehicles could be recalled.
