The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Ford Motor’s Freestyle crossover SUV after receiving almost 240 complaints of unintended lunging. Reports filed with the NHTSA say that the vehicles lunged forward at low speeds when the driver’s foot was not on the accelerator pedal. 18 of the reports claimed to have resulted in an accident, including one with minor injuries. Owner said that the problem seemed to have worsened when the vehicles’ air conditioning was turned on or the steering was turned sharply. Spokesperson for the Michigan based automaker said that, Ford will fully cooperate with the NHTSA in an attempt to rectify the problem. The investigation will include about 170,000 Ford Freestyle SUV’s, of the 2005 to 2007 model years.
Tag Archives: automobile investigation
Chevrolet Cruze Experiences More Problems
If you have received a recall to check the steering shafts on your new 2011 Chevy Cruze, you may want to get the transmission shift linkages inspected while you are there. The automobile maker announced that within the group of vehicles to be checked for steering, they plan to inspect over 120,000 vehicles with automatic transmissions to make sure the shift linkages are installed properly. Improperly installed linkages may lead the driver to think they are in a certain gear when they are not. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or go to the Chevy owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Shattering Windows In Ford SUVs
A preliminary investigation into shattering rear windows for 2010-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner sport utility vehicles (SUV) has been opened after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 18 complaints that the rear lift-gate window shattered while opening or closing the lift-gate. Many of the incidents were reported to have happened during cold weather conditions and one alleged cut injuries to a 10 year old boy.
In 2004, Ford issued a recall for certain 2001-2005 SUV’s because the rear lift-gate latching system did not meet the inertia load requirements of the federal motor vehicle safety standards. There were over 150 reports of minor injuries when the door hinges failed allowing the glass to break.
Owners wanting more information about Ford vehicle recalls can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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
