Tag Archives: automobile investigation

Chevy Volt Investigated For Fire

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into General Motors electric hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. The investigation comes after a battery fire consumed three vehicles at their test facility, two weeks after performing side impact and rollover tests. Follow-up tests to simulate the incident resulted in two out of three vehicles resulting in a thermal reaction within the battery. According to the NHTSA there have been no reports of real world crashes resulting in fire.

GM has assured customers the the Chevy Volt’s fire risk after an accident is lower than any standard gas engine vehicles. The company said that the vehicles OnStar safety system notifies the company of any crashes involving a Chevy Volt and a team is dispatched within 48 hours to drain the battery. GM has offered to buy back vehicles or offer loaner cars at the customers request. If the investigation should lead to a recall, over 6,000 Volts could be affected.

Shifting Problems With GM Cars

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A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into GMC’s 2007-2008 Saturn Aura has been extended to include the 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 and the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The NHTSA said the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shifter lever to the transmission can become damaged from regular use. The cables could corrode and eventually weaken giving drivers inaccurate transmission readings. There have been seven reports of crashes caused by the problem, with one involving injuries. According to GM the problem affects mainly models with four-speed transmissions, the Malibu and G6 have similar shift systems as the Saturn Aura, but the problem happens far less frequently on those cars.

BMW Mini Cooper Investigated For Engine Fires

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into some 2007-2008 BMW Mini Cooper S vehicles after receiving twelve complaints of engine fires, including five which resulted in a total vehicle loss. Eight of the complaints alleged the the fires started while the vehicles were parked with the ignition off. Because the complaints have significantly increased in the last year, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has decided to open a preliminary evaluation to assess the cause, scope and frequency of the alleged defect.

Transmission Problems For Nissan

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Owners of some Nissan trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUV) are urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation for transmission problems. Reports filed with the NHTSA alleged that an internal crack on the oil cooler tube in some Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras, could force coolant into the transmission causing transmission failure. Last October, Nissan extended the warranty on radiators of 2005-2010 Frontiers, Pathfinders, and Exterras to eight years or 80, 000 miles, but under the extended warranty, Nissan did not have to cover vehicles bought used. Owners feel that Nissan extended the warranty on these vehicles, knowing they would surpass 80,000 miles before having problems with the transmission. They want Nissan to issue a recall to all owners and reimburse those who have already paid for transmission repairs.

NHTSA Investigates Mazda CX 9 Brakes

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into some 2009 Mazda CX-9 sport utility vehicles (SUV) after reports of a high number of warranty claims for servicing brakes. Reports found that the high number of warranty claims on brakes was due to an internal brake fluid leak from the master cylinder into the vacuum booster. Drivers reported reduced brake effectiveness and extended stopping distances. A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. If the investigation should lead to a recall, about 40,000 vehicles could be affected.

NHTSA Investigates Ford Mustang Transmissions

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Complaints of the inability to shift gears on some 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs, equipped with six speed manual transmissions, has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation to see if the sports car should be recalled. Erratic shifting behavior while merging into traffic or turning left across oncoming traffic, were reported to have caused near collisions with other vehicles on the road. The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation will assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 30, 000 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs could be recalled.

NHTSA Investigates BMW 7Series Vehicles

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into BMW 7 Series vehicles after receiving consumer complaints alleging vehicles rolling away when in “park”. The vehicles under investigation are equipped with BMW’s Comfort Access, electronic access and ignition system, and an electronic transmission shifter with the gear selector mounted on the steering column. The shifter is designed to automatically shift the vehicle to “park” under certain conditions. The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation will assess the scope, frequency and cause of the rollaway incidents. The vehicles under investigation include:

  • 2002-2008 BMW 7 Series
  • 2003 BMW 730D
  • 2003 BMW 730I
  • 2002-2003 BMW 735I
  • 2002 BMW 735LI
  • 2002, 2003, 2005 BMW 745I
  • 2002-2005 BMW 745LI
  • 2007 BMW 750I
  • 2006-2007 BMW 750LI
  • 2005 BMW 760I
  • 2005, 2007 BMW 760LI

Volkswagen Jetta Investigated For Fuel Leak

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After receiving seven complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to open an investigation into fuel line leaks in some 2011 Volkswagen Jetta and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Sportswagen vehicles. Drivers complained about leaks at the fuel line to the number two fuel injector on Jetta vehicles equipped with 2.0L TDI common rail diesel engines. Because these engines operate at extremely high fuel injection pressures, the NHTSA’s wants to do a preliminary evaluation to assess the frequency and potential safety consequences of the defect.