Tag Archives: NHTSA

Automobiles

Report: Ford recalls 2013 Focus, C-Max and Escape over faulty child safety locks

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

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We have yet to find any official documentation from either Ford or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but Edmunds and Cars.com are both reporting that there is a recall on the 2013 C-Max, Focus and Escape. All three vehicles were assembled with a faulty child door lock mechanism on the left rear door that might not work properly allowing a child to accidently open the door from the inside.

Affected vehicles were built in the middle of November, 2012 totaling somewhere between 5,600 and just over 7,000 units, and concerned owners can call Ford at 866-436-7332 or NHTSA at 888-327-4236 to see if their vehicles are involved in this recall. The recall doesn’t go into effect until March 25, but in the meantime, owners can probably check the operation of the door or position children on the right side of the car, if possible, until the recall has been performed.

Ford recalls 2013 Focus, C-Max and Escape over faulty child safety locks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

Report: NHTSA could add 1M cars to GM recall

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By Zach Bowman

2010 Chevrolet Malibu

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The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may expand a recall campaign for faulty brake lamps. The agency is currently looking into complaints that certain 2004-2011 Chevrolet Malibu models as well as some 2007-2009 Saturn Aura sedans may have brake lights that do not illuminate when the driver presses the pedal. Alternatively, the lamps may also illuminate without input from the driver. General Motors recalled 8,000 Pontiac G6 models from the 2005 model year for the same problem, and NHTSA is currently investigating whether to add 550,000 more G6 models built between 2005 and 2009 to the list for the same issue.

In addition, investigators are currently examining 97 complaints from Malibu and Aura owners with the same trouble. If NHTSA adds those models to the recall campaign, more than one million units could be covered. GM, meanwhile, says there have been no accidents or injuries as a result of the problem.

NHTSA could add 1M cars to GM recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

NHTSA Nixes Probe Of Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln Aviator

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In August of 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation of the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, the 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator, and the 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer. According to a notice on NHTSA‘s website, the agency had received numerous reports of those SUVs mysteriously slipping out of park. During the course… …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at The Car Connection

Automobiles

Report: NHTSA closes rollaway investigation into 1.56M Ford SUVs

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By Chris Paukert

2002 Ford Explorer - front three-quarter view, maroon

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It’s taken four years of study, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has finally closed the books on its investigation into rollaway accusations surrounding 1.56-million Ford SUV models.

The probe, which centered on the 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator, ends without the federal agency calling for a recall. According to The Detroit News, the investigation was closed due to a “low number of complaints” – NHTSA documented 180 such complaints that resulted in 14 crashes and six minor injuries, but the number of incidents have been slowing. The suspected defect rate for the trucks’ automatic transmissions was found to be 4.4 per 100,000 units, and the brake-shift interlock mechanism failure rate was judged to be even lower at 3.4 per 100k.

NHTSA closes rollaway investigation into 1.56M Ford SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

Ford finally issues recall for 230K minivans over rust problems

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By Jonathon Ramsey

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The rust issue in the rear wheel wells of 2004-2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans has finally led to a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation into the matter in 2011, said investigation being upgraded to an engineering analysis a year later while NHTSA tried to figure out how many model years should be included in the assessment.

Ford has decided to recall all of the 230,000 minivans potentially affected, namely those sold in salt-belt states and countries like Canada. The excess rust in the rear wheel wells was also able to prevent the third-row seats from locking to the floor of the minivan. To repair the problem, owners can take their minivans to dealers, and the dealers will place new panels in the wheel wells, replace the third-row seat mounting brackets and relocate the latches to an area away from any corrosion.

Ford says it will begin notifying owners during the last week of March.

Ford finally issues recall for 230K minivans over rust problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

Official: NHTSA investigating 725k Ford, Mercury vehicles for stalling issue

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

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Owners of Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models, listen up. According to a report on Automotive News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into these four vehicles totaling an estimated 725,000 units. The investigation appears to center around a malfunctioning throttle body on non-hybrid models of the 2005-2012 Escape and 2011-2012 Fusion. With Mercury dying off after the 2011 model year, this probe will also apply to the 2005 through 2011 Mariner and the 2011 Milan. There has been some discussion around the Escape stalling issue for some time now, but this investigation appears to be larger in scope than before.

Though not a recall yet, NHTSA‘s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 123 complaints of stalling or surging vehicles, while Ford itself has logged 1,472 complaints. The investigation report, which is posted below, seems to indicate that a faulty circuit board for the throttle body could cause the vehicle to go into limp mode, which, according to NHTSA, could cause complaints of both stalling and surging.

Continue reading NHTSA investigating 725k Ford, Mercury vehicles for stalling issue

NHTSA investigating 725k Ford, Mercury vehicles for stalling issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NHTSA investigating 561k Toyota Prius hybrids for possible steering shaft defect

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By Seyth Miersma

2007 Toyota Prius - front three-quarter view, blue

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The Detroit News is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will investigate some 561,000 Toyota Prius models for potentially defective steering shafts. The affected hybrid models are from the 2004-2009 model years. The story indicates that NHTSA is weighing whether or not to grant a defect petition, which claims that Toyota incorrectly assembled the hatchback’s steering linkage.

As of this writing, there is no recall. However, a recall based on the Prius steering shaft would be the third related to steering issues for the model since 2006. Seven years ago, Toyota recalled 170K Prius models for potential cracking of the intermediate shafts, and in November of 2012, the automaker recalled 670K units to replace the steering shaft extension assembly.

We’ll be monitoring NHTSA‘s signals to see if this investigation turns into a full-fledged recall. For now, stay tuned.

NHTSA investigating 561k Toyota Prius hybrids for possible steering shaft defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

BMW recalling nearly 570,000 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models over electrical issue

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By Steven J. Ewing

BMW 135i Coupe

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BMW is recalling roughly 570,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada due to faulty battery cable connectors that can fail, causing the engines in these cars to stall. Of the nearly 570,000 affected vehicles, just over 504,000 are here in the US.

The affected vehicles include 1 Series coupes and convertibles (both 128i and 135i) from the 2008 to 2011 model years; 3 Series sedans, coupes, convertibles and sport wagons (both 328i and 335i) from the 2007 to 2011 model years; and Z4 roadsters from the 2009 to 2011 model years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “the connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time,” which can eventually lead to a break in the electrical connection and a loss of power in the vehicle. If the car loses power, the engine can stall, which could possibly lead to a crash. The Detroit News reports that BMW knows of one minor collision in Canada as a result of this problem, but no injuries.

The official recall program will kick off in March, at which point BMW will notify owners and dealerships will replace the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. Scroll down for the official NHTSA report.

Continue reading BMW recalling nearly 570,000 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models over electrical issue

BMW recalling nearly 570,000 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models over electrical issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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News, Politics, Government

BMW recalls nearly 570,000 cars to fix cables

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BMW is recalling almost 570,000 cars in the U.S. and Canada because a battery cable connector can fail and cause the engines to stall.

The recall affects the popular 3-Series sedans, wagons, convertibles and coupes from the 2007 through 2011 model years. Also included are 1-Series coupes and convertibles from 2008 through 2012, and the Z4 sports car from 2009 through 2011.

The cable connectors and a fuse box terminal in the cars can degrade over time, and that can break the electrical connection between the trunk-mounted battery and the fuse box at the front. If that happens, the cars could lose electrical power, causing the engines to stall unexpectedly, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents posted on its website Saturday.

The company says in documents sent to the NHTSA that the problem stems from movement between the battery cable and the fuse box.

BMW says it knows of one minor collision in Canada due to the problem, but no injuries.

The German automaker says dealers will replace the battery cable connector and secure it without charge. It will start notifying owners in March.

The 3-Series is BMW‘s most popular car in the U.S., dominating the small luxury car market. The company sold nearly 100,000 of them in the U.S. last year.

The recall affects more than 504,000 cars in the U.S. and another 65,000 in Canada.

BMW, Toyota and other automakers have experienced large recalls in recent years because they use common parts on multiple models in order to save money.

Owners can call BMW with questions at (800) 525-7417.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Fox US News

Automobiles

2003-04 Dodge Viper recalled for sudden airbag deployment

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By Steven J. Ewing

2003 Dodge Viper SRT10

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As if driving the old Dodge Viper (not the fancy new SRT model) isn’t intimidating enough, imagine trying to wrangle that V10 beast and then suddenly having the airbags deploy. Yikes. That’s apparently what could happen to some 3,660 Viper models from the 2003 and 2004 model years, and as such, Chrysler has issued a recall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the car’s airbag control module may fail, causing the bags or seatbelt pre-tensioners to deploy without warning while the vehicle is in operation. That’s a dangerous scenario in any car, let alone one offering insane horsepower a near-total paucity of safety nannies should things get squirrely.

Owners will be notified this month about the recall, though a remedy is not expected to be available until later this year. Scroll down for the full NHTSA statement.

Continue reading 2003-04 Dodge Viper recalled for sudden airbag deployment

2003-04 Dodge Viper recalled for sudden airbag deployment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalling 278,222 trucks and SUVs over bad rear axles

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By Steven J. Ewing

2009 Dodge Ram

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Chrysler has issued a recall of 278,222 light trucks and sport utility vehicles here in the United States. The reason: bad rear axles. Specifically, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear axle pinion nut may lack a necessary adhesive patch, which could cause the nut to loosen. If this happens, the axle can lock up, which could cause all sorts of havoc on the road.

This is an expansion of the rear axle recall announced in October of last year, where 44,300 Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota models were being called in. At that time, 12 accidents had been reported due to the faulty axle pinion nut.

Affected vehicles include Ram 1500 trucks from the 2009 to 2012 model years, Dodge Dakota models from the 2009 to 2011 model years, and both the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUV twins, both from the 2009 model year only.

The official recall will kick off in March, where owners will be able to take their vehicles to dealerships and have a pinion nut retainer installed, free of charge. Scroll down for the official NHTSA bulletin.

Continue reading Chrysler recalling 278,222 trucks and SUVs over bad rear axles

Chrysler recalling 278,222 trucks and SUVs over bad rear axles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

Report: Audi's next-gen "matrix beam lighting system" under threat from Washington

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By Zach Bowman

Audi Crosslane Coupe concept premiere - front three-quarter view

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Automotive News reports Audi may have a hard road ahead of it when it comes to convincing federal regulators to allow the company’s new matrix beam lighting. The system uses small cameras to detect other vehicles on the road and darkens specific elements of the high-beam pattern to provide maximum nighttime visibility without blinding other drivers. Audi has been displaying this technology on its concept cars for a couple of years now (including the Crosslane Coupe Concept shown above at its 2012 Paris Motor Show reveal). Audi hopes the technology will effectively do away with the industry’s current high and low beam settings, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn’t allow such a system under its current laws. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 specifically says headlamps are not to shine in this dynamic of a way.

Audi has asked has asked NHTSA for more clarification to determine what, if any elements of the matrix beam lighting technology can legally be used on US-specification vehicles. But American buyers may have to settle for systems that automatically dim their high beams until the rules get a bit more clarification.

Audi’s next-gen “matrix beam lighting system” under threat from Washington originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls 8,500 Chevrolet Malibu models for rear suspension glitch

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

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2013 Chevrolet Malibu - front three-quarter view, maroon

According to a letter from General Motors to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, flaws in the build process of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have led to the recall of 8,519 cars. Units built between December 6, 2011 and January 15, 2013 may have been assembled with rear suspension cradles that had insufficient torque applied to certain bolts. That out-of-spec assembly could lead to issues ranging from slight noises to a loss of vehicle control.

The problem was first noticed in December of last year by a GM test fleet driver and eventually tracked back to the improperly torqued bolts on the suspension cradle assembled through July 2012 by a supplier located not too far from the Malibu’s Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant. Since an official NHTSA recall notice has not been issued yet, it isn’t clear whether or not Detroit-built Malibus were the only ones affected (the 2013 Malibu is also built at GM‘s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas). Dealers will fix the problem by inspecting vehicles for proper torque specs, retightening if not within specs and, in some cases, perform a rear-wheel alignment.

GM recalls 8,500 Chevrolet Malibu models for rear suspension glitch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: How social media is changing the way car defects and complaints are discovered

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By Jonathon Ramsey

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Social media can allow direct and faster access to a person, a group or discussion of an issue, and that has led to wide ranging players in the automotive world figuring out how to use it in order to improve performance. Dealers encourage customers to use sites like Google+ and DealerRater.com for reviews, automakers like Hyundai and Chrysler have someone dedicated to watching Twitter for complaints, and federal agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration survey forums and websites for hints about possible defects.

Said Hyundai Motor America’s executive vice president of sales on using Twitter to speak to customers, “The function is the same: People have problems, and we take care of the problems.” The company’s interaction with Twitterers didn’t exist a year ago, but things could progress to the point where Twitter forms part of the way that dealer satisfaction surveys are submitted by the automaker. There’s work to do and knowledge to gain before that happens, but it’s envisioned in the field of play.

Bodies like the NHTSA are said to “routinely search” the web “for information that might lead to an investigation.” By going straight to the sources where car buyers are highlighting issues with their cars, the NHTSA has a line into early indicators of issues that might be defects, and it can begin to gather data or can supplement the data it already has. The other side of the equation: Law firms are taking note as well, with a university professor saying the increased and more public exposure of potential issues “could mean higher litigation.”

How social media is changing the way car defects and complaints are discovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect

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By Jonathon Ramsey

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Toyota is recalling sixteen models from the 2009 to 2013 model years over a potential issue with passenger seat airbag calibration. In spite of the large number of different Toyotas covered by the recall, just 3,235 units are included. These were vehicles installed with accessories like leather seat covers and headrest DVD systems by Southeast Toyota Distributors, and during the modifications the passenger seat occupant sensor system might not have been calibration tested. If the sensors aren’t set up properly, the passenger airbag might not work as it should.

Affected models include: Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius V, Rav4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and Venza. Scroll down for the relevant model years for each.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the recall will begin this month. Southeast Toyota will inform owners, at which time they can take their Toyotas to dealers for testing and repair. The complete bulletin from the NHTSA with more information is below.

Continue reading Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect

Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA

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By Chris Tutor

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2013 Ford Fusion

Ford’s Fusion and Fusion Hybrid have both received the highest five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The rating is a big upgrade for the Fusion, which was completely redesigned for 2013. The previous model fell one star short of the top rating, after scoring only three stars in the frontal crash test and four stars in the side crash test and rollover evaluations. The 2013 Fusion received four stars in side crash and rollover testing and a full five stars in the front crash test.

Test results for the 2013 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid were greatly improved at least in part due to Ford’s Personal Safety System. The system utilizes smarter sensors to gather crash data and tailor the car’s restraint systems to the occupants. Seatbelt usage and seat position are taken into account to ensure airbags deploy with less pressure for smaller drivers, more for larger drivers.

The 2013 Fusion twins also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ designation. Read the official press release below.

Continue reading Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA

Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

Report: NHTSA mulling adding small-overlap and angled crash tests

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

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2012 Buick Verano NHTSA crash test - front three-quarter view, post test

For the sake of safer cars, it sounds like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could be moving to create stricter crash tests that are similar to (and potentially even more rigorous) than what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently instituted. In an interview with Automotive News, chief NHTSA administrator David Strickland said that the agency is looking into adding a new offset test as well as an angled impact test.

A small overlap test just recently became a part of the barrage of crash tests performed by IIHS where only 25-percent of the vehicle tested makes contact with a barrier, and Strickland said this is “very similar” to the test being considered by NHTSA. The government agency’s current frontal crash tests, as shown above with the five-star-rated Buick Verano, consists of the car hitting a wall head-on, so it isn’t clear how much overlap would be considered small for this new test. Another new scenario being investigated is called the oblique test, which involves the test subject hitting a barrier at a fixed angle rather than straight on. Neither test figures to be in use for at least the next couple years or so, but they would undoubtedly make it much harder for cars to receive a five-star crash rating.

NHTSA mulling adding small-overlap and angled crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

GM recalls Chevy Express, GMC Savana over rollaway concern

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By Jeffrey N. Ross

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall notice for a small number of General Motors fullsize vans due to possible rollaway concerns. On certain 2013 Chevrolet Express and 2013 GMC Savana models, it is possible to remove the key from the ignition without the shifter being in park.

Only 980 total units are being affected by this recall, and GM is fixing the issue by replacing the ignition cylinder and associated keys. Affected Chevy vans were built during most of November and December while its GMC counterpart was only built for a week in November. The recall goes into effect on January 23, and to find out if your vehicle applies to the recall, the GM and NHTSA contact numbers can be found on the official recall notice, which is posted below.

Continue reading GM recalls Chevy Express, GMC Savana over rollaway concern

GM recalls Chevy Express, GMC Savana over rollaway concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Polaris recalling GEM electric runabouts over parking brake fears

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By Zach Bowman

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GEM

Polaris is recalling 4,394 GEM electric vehicles due to faulty parking brakes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the mechanism may prematurely wear, leaving the brake inoperable. If the brake fails and the driver exits the vehicle, the EV could roll away and cause a crash. The recall only applies to models built between January 14, 2010 and November 23, 2012.

As you may recall, Polaris purchased GEM from Chrysler in 2011 and promptly shifted production from Fargo, North Dakota to Minnesota and Iowa.

Owners can expect Polaris to replace the parking brake lever assembly free of charge once the recall campaign gets under way on February 4. You can read the full recall notification below for more information, or head over to the NHTSA site.

Continue reading Polaris recalling GEM electric runabouts over parking brake fears

Polaris recalling GEM electric runabouts over parking brake fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobiles

Report: NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey

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By Zach Bowman

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Detroit News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially closed its investigations into 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey models. The separate probes found no issues that pose safety concerns. NHTSA began investigating certain Grand Cherokee SUVs over complaints that power steering hoses could detach during operation, thereby increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Of the 24 reports of failure, none alleged smoke or fire in the engine bay, and Chrysler has since modified the power steering cooler assembly to reduce the likelihood of the failure.

Meanwhile, certain Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles garnered a government probe after receiving complaints that the models were equipped with faulty scissor jacks. The agency had received six reports of the jacks failing or causing injuries, including one incident that resulted in a fatality. But NHTSA says the jack failure rate is similar to those found in other vehicles. In those six cases, the government agency found the jacks were being used for something other than changing a tire, and investigators could not determine whether the emergency brake was set or the rear tires were properly chocked.

NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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