Tag Archives: backup safety

GM Infotainment Problems

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors for problems affecting its IOR 7 inch infotainment system installed in certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. The lawsuit alleges that GM’s infotainment system problems are a dangerous threat to drivers and passengers.

According to vehicle owners, GM dealers refuse to replace or repair the faulty infotainment systems. The automaker has not released a recall, although they have issued a technical service bulletin acknowledging there is a problem. (NHTSA-TSB-PIT572)

The class-action lawsuit claim that certain GM vehicles with IOR 7 inch infotainment systems are prone to experiencing a range of different issues. Some owners say that the ringer never shuts off with incoming Bluetooth calls and the vehicle operator must turn off the ignition, open and close the vehicle door, and restart the ignition to stop it. Some say the rear view camera’s display image will stay on for up to one minute after shifting out of reverse. The biggest complaint reported involves the the system’s audio volume which will suddenly spike to max volume, distracting drivers while they are behind the wheel.

Vehicles Affected Include
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet Blazer
2020 Chevrolet Camaro
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
2020 Chevrolet Sonic
2020 Chevrolet Trax
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet 2500HD
2020 Chevrolet 3500HD
2019 GMC Canyon
2019 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 GMC Canyon
2020 GMC Terrain
020 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 GMC 2500HD
2020 GMC 3500HD

The California lemon law provides a solution for California consumers who have repeated problems related to the use, value, or safety of their vehicle. It applies to all new and many used vehicles, whether purchased or leased, for personal and most small business use. If you think your vehicle could be a lemon, fill out the “Free Lemon Law Case Review” form at the top of this page.

2020 Toyota Corolla Backup Lights Stop Working

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2020 Corolla vehicles because of an electrical problem that could cause the backup lights to fail.

The vehicles affected are equipped with a rear hatch that contains a wire harness for rear end electrical components. During the inspection process, damaged testing equipment may have caused the contact gaps of the wire harness connector to increase. Lower contact pressure inside the connector increases the chances of an oxide layer developing on the surface of certain terminals. Over time the electrical resistance could increase, resulting in loss of backup lamps. If the lamps do not illuminate when the vehicle is backing, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Those receiving notices can return to their dealerships to have the rear hatch wire harness replaced. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 20TB07 and 20TA07 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-205.

2017 Maserati Ghibli, Levante and Quattroporte Safety Defects

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The owners of certain 2017 Maserati Ghibli, Levante and Quattroporte cars will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding problems affecting the power train, tires, and backup camera.

Power Train Problems: Certain 2017 Quattroporte and Ghibli vehicles manufactured July 1, 2016, to October 12, 2016, may have been built with a rear differential pinion nut that was not torqued to the proper specifications. A loose pinion gear could bind, possibly resulting in the rear wheels locking up while driving. Maserati’s number for this recall is 328 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-856. Continue reading →

Auto Backup Camera Debate Continues

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about 300 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of accidents caused by vehicles backing up, with almost 45% of these fatalities involve children under five. A lawsuit filed in New York today, has the Consumers Union and the advocacy wing of Consumer Reports magazine hoping that it will force the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to take steps in setting rear visibility standards for light vehicles. Continue reading →

Mandatory Back Up Cameras

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The Department Of Transportation has delayed a ruling proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to make backup cameras mandatory on all passenger vehicles. The NHTSA was hoping the ruling would be finalized today, but the DOT has decided that further studies are needed in order to ensure the most protective and efficient rules possible. A law to improve and standardized rear visibility for vehicles was first introduced in 2008, but the deadline has been extended several times. The new rule requirements would see 10% of new vehicles equipped with backup cameras by the end of 2012, 40% by the end of 2013 , and 100 % by the end of 2014.

According to the NHTSA, over 17,000 people are injured and approximately 230 people die in backup accidents involving cars, trucks and SUVs. Statistics show that most on these accidents involve children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. It is estimated that using a camera to eliminate the rear blind spot could cut that number in half. Unfortunately, it could also add up to $200 more per vehicle for a total of approximately $3 billion to the auto industry, most of which would be passed on to the customer.

The NHTSA provides a 60-day comment period on this rule making that begins when the proposal is published in the Federal Register. The proposal and information about how to submit comments is at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Laws-Regs