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.
Tag Archives: automobile investigation
NHTSA Investigates BMW 7Series Vehicles
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
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.
NHTSA Decides No Recall For Ford Minivans
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to not issue a recall for some 2004-2007 Ford Freestar and 2004-2007 Mercury Monterey minivans after a year long investigation. The NHTSA started the investigation in August 2010 after receiving complaints that water could run down onto the cowling under the hood in the windshield wiper area and would drip onto the power train control module (PCM). The module would short, causing a variety of problems including stalling, poorly shifting transmission, erratic power, and a lit malfunction light. The NHTSA found that the failure rate was below what would be considered a defect trend and decided not to issue a recall. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and take further action in the future if warranted.
NHTSA Investigates 2005-2006 Lotus Elise
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation that could lead to over 4,000 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles being recalled. Reports filed with the NHTSA stated that while driving, the oil cooler line failed, resulting in a spray of oil in the engine compartment. Driver complaints consist of smoke developing in the interior of the vehicle, loss of vehicle control because of oil leakage on a tire, and one complaint was reported to have resulted in an engine fire. The NHTSA is not aware of any injuries related to this problem.
Toyota And Lexus Hybrids Recalled For Stalling
Toyota has announced a recall that will affect about 82,000 Toyota and Lexus hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUV’s). The recall involves about 45,000 2006-2007 Toyota Highlander and 36,000 2006-2007 Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV models from the 2006-2007 model years. The recall is the result of an investigation that began in February after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received complaints of the vehicles stalling for no reason. Toyota has reported that the problem is with the transistors inside the system’s inverter which can overheat and fail. Drivers will be alerted of the problem by warning lamps illuminating on the dashboard, and in most cases the vehicle can be driven a short distance due to a fail safe driving mode. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or go to www.toyota.com/recall or Lexus at 800-255-3987 or go to www.lexus.com/recall.
NHTSA Investigates Jeep Wranglers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into some 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles after receiving almost 30 complaints of illuminated airbag warning lights. The investigation has lead the NHTSA to a defective clock spring wiring assembly that may prevent the airbag from deploying during an accident. The problem seems to be more prevalent in right hand drive Wranglers, but the NHTSA wants to investigate the problem further before issuing a recall. If the investigation should lead to a recall, about 220,000 Jeep Wranglers could be affected.
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.
