Autoblog

NHTSA opens investigation into Ford Super Duty trucks over steering woes

Zach Bowman — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into certain 2008 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickup trucks. The investigation covers some 340,000 trucks after the government agency received five complaints of steering box failures. Owners claim internal failures resulted in the complete loss of their vehicles' control. In one case, steering box failure is being blamed for an F-Series crashing into another vehicle at around 20 miles per hour, while another another driver said his truck left the road and impacted a guardrail at around 35 mph.

Ford says it is cooperating with NHTSA in the investigation. We'll keep tabs on the investigation and let you know if a recall results.

NHTSA opens investigation into Ford Super Duty trucks over steering woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2005-2007 Corvette investigated for faulty headlamps

Zach Bowman — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

The Detroit News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 103,374 Chevrolet Corvette models built between 2005 and 2007. The administration is currently looking into a headlight issue after receiving 30 complaints from owners saying that the vehicle abruptly lost both low beams. Demonstrating its uncanny affinity for the obvious, NHTSA said, "The loss of illumination impairs the driver's ability to see the roadway." Such a condition could lead to a crash.

Some of the complaints state that the problem is intermittent, while others say the issue only began after driving over an object in the road. Still others say the low beams return after the vehicle has been parked for some time. Both high-beams and fog lights remain functional in every case, however.

2005-2007 Corvette investigated for faulty headlamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA upgrades Ford floor mat unintended acceleration probe

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

According to a Bloomberg report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded an investigation into complaints of unintended acceleration lodged against Ford vehicles. The investigation began in June of 2010 when just three complaints had been received and it only concerned the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, but this was at a time when the phrase "unintended acceleration" made grown men go pale. With 49 additional complaints received since then, the investigation has been reclassified as an engineering analysis - the last phase before a recall - and it has been expanded to include the Lincoln MKZ, making for a total of "around 480,000" units affected between the three sedans from the 2008 to 2010 model years.

The ostensible cause is that floor mats are trapping the accelerator pedal, but according to a Ford statement at the time, the entrapment is due to owners placing the optional all-weather floor mats, or aftermarket floor mats, on top of the car's standard floor mats. NHTSA has backed up that assessment, pinning the blame on "unsecured or double stacked floor mats."

On the face of it, it would appear that NHTSA has upgraded the status not because of Ford's error, but owner error, and Ford has stated publicly that it is "disappointed" in NHTSA's move. On top of NHTSA still being skittish after that other unintended acceleration debacle, it could be seen to be taking its time investigating all of the variables: it's reported that Ford changed its accelerator pedal design in 2010, a "heel blocker" in the floorpan has been considered a potential culprit in how the floor mats could be trapping the pedal, some drivers have said the floor mats weren't anywhere near the pedal, and according to a report in the LA Times, in "a letter sent by Ford to NHTSA in August 2010, the automaker said it found three injuries and one fatality that 'may have resulted from the alleged defect.'"

If that last part is true, that's strange enough by itself; in June 2010 there were apparently only three complaints in total, but two months later Ford was supposedly saying there might - let's emphasize might - be three injuries and a death involved. This sounds like the kind of thing that could take a while to sort out. Ford has said it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

NHTSA upgrades Ford floor mat unintended acceleration probe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA to probe 2011-2012 Jeep Patriot over stalling fears

Chris Tutor — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler, Jeep

After receiving a dozen complaints about stalling Jeep Patriots, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has decided to launch a formal investigation. The probe will look at about 112,000 Patriots from the 2011 and 2012 model years.

NHTSA says some owners report their vehicles' engines are completely shutting off at speeds above 65 mph. In at least eight cases, the drivers could not restart the vehicle, and in at least one incident, the stall involved a crash that injured two people.

If the investigation turns up enough cases, the agency will issue a recall of the vehicles. A Jeep spokesman said the company is looking into the issue.

NHTSA to probe 2011-2012 Jeep Patriot over stalling fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA probing Hyundai Veloster for shattering sunroofs

Sharon Silke Carty — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hyundai

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation following complaints from drivers that the sunroofs on the Hyundai Veloster are prone to spontaneously exploding.

There are 15 complaints in the NHTSA database from drivers who say they heard a loud bang, and then sat through a downpour of glass.

One woman said she was driving home from getting her first oil change and tire rotation on the Veloster.

"All of the sudden there was a loud bang like a gunshot, and I heard something raining down on my car," reads the complaint, which is listed without any identifying information in the NHTSA database. "I looked in the mirror and saw glass flying everywhere... The glass was in my hair, down the back of my shirt and my pants."

All of the incidents happened on very new models, with less than 3,000 miles on the odometer. Two people said the roof exploded while the car was parked. One person was hosing the car down in the driveway when the glass shattered. This person said the glass flew as far as six feet away from the car.

Jim Trainor, a spokesman for Hyundai, said the company is working with NHTSA to look into the problem.

"Our evaluation is in the very early stages and Hyundai is in the process of examining each report," Trainor said. "As always, we will work closely with NHTSA on this evaluation."

NHTSA probing Hyundai Veloster for shattering sunroofs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Japanese suppliers plead guilty for bid-fixing, will pay record fines

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing

Two more Japanese auto industry suppliers, Yazaki and Denso, have been fined by the U.S. Department of Justice and four executives from Yazaki will go to jail, according to reports in the New York Times and Automotive News. Yazaki's $478 million fine and Denso's $78 million fine come on top of the $200 million penalty paid by another Japanese supplier, Furukawa Electric Company, last November as part of a probe into price fixing. Three Furukawa execs also were sentenced to prison.

The DoJ opened the investigation two years ago into collusion among firms setting prices for parts like wire harnesses and ECUs, but is said to have found evidence of such practices since 2000. Yazaki was charged with three felonies, fixing the prices of wire harnesses, instrument panel clusters and fuel senders. Denso was charged with two felonies, conspiring to fix the prices of ECUs and heating control units. Four Yazaki employees, working mainly for its North American operations in Ohio and Kentucky, were charged with violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and will serve from 15 months to two years in prison.

Both companies have pledged to retrain their employees and bolster their antitrust compliance, and both Yazaki's Chairman and CEO said they would return half their pay for three months. The Justice Department investigation continues, and said the CEO of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, "I'm dead certain that there has to be a lot of concern out there."

Feel free to read over the official statements from both Yazaki and Denso after the break.

Continue reading Two Japanese suppliers plead guilty for bid-fixing, will pay record fines

Two Japanese suppliers plead guilty for bid-fixing, will pay record fines originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Ford Fusion safety investigation opened by NHTSA

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Ford

The 2010 Ford Fusion is the subject of a preliminary investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Problems and complaints that would have been mere blips on the radar in the past are now cause for further scrutiny, and four complaints against the 2010 Fusion, three from the same fleet, have sparked interest.

Even though most of the complaints come from the same 22-car fleet, different operators were behind the wheel when the cause of the complaints occurred. The concern is that the wheel studs could fracture, as the complaints allege happened, which could then lead to a wheel leaving the vehicle and, rather obviously, loss of control.

Though they certainly are not screws at all, you could think of the wheel studs as the "screws" to which lug nuts are attached to secure a wheel to the vehicle, and in this case, the Fusion has five wheel studs per wheel.

A full recall could involve some 280,000 vehicles, and Ford is reportedly cooperating with the agency to bring the situation to a resolution.

[Source: Detroit News]

2010 Ford Fusion safety investigation opened by NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler Pacifica being investigated by NHTSA for fires

Dan Roth — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Chrysler

Investigators for the National Highway Traffic safety Administration are taking a closer look at 2007 Chrysler Pacificas equipped with the 4.0-liter V6. There is a concern that the vehicles could be prone to engine bay fires. A cross-threaded power steering fitting that prevents proper sealing of the hydraulic system could be the root cause. Chrysler has received 166 warranty claims and 25 complaints reporting smoke and fire breaking out. NHTSA has also received three complaints, and the fires seem to be localized to the front of the vehicle, indicating that a power steering leak could indeed be to blame.

Chrysler is aware of the problem, which is specific to the 4.0-liter equipped Pacificas, and traced it to a tube nut on the high pressure power steering line. The nut was found to have been cross threaded when attached to the steering gear, which prevents the o-ring from sealing. Chrysler has put extra quality assurance and assembly processes in place to solve the problem. The automaker also explained that owners should monitor the level of power steering fluid and listen for a noisy pump; both telltale signs that offer a degree of early warning before the Pacifica goes up in smoke. If NHTSA continues to see a problem, a recall of the 2007 Pacifica could be imminent.

Thanks to Autoblog reader Thedevil (we don't make this stuff up) for the tip.

[Source: ConsumerAffairs.com]

Chrysler Pacifica being investigated by NHTSA for fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schumacher under investigation for taxi-driving affair

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:42:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

When news broke of Michael Schumacher's adventure behind the wheel of a taxi in Germany, most of us chuckled at the thought of the multiple-champion driver hustling a cab through the streets of Munich. German police were evidently not quite so amused, and have reportedly launched an investigation into the matter.

Both Schumacher and Tuncer Yilmax, the cabbie whose taxi Schumacher commandeered in exchange for fare plus a 100-Euro tip, are under investigation by the Coburg traffic authority for their respective involvement in the erstwhile-amusing affair.

"That was an offence against transport laws. We will have a hearing," said a local law enforcement official. Schumacher's response: "You just have to laugh about it". We'll go with Michael's approach, but keep you posted on what couldn't very well turn into the court-room drama of the year.

[Source: Autosport, photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty]

Schumacher under investigation for taxi-driving affair originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Passat being investigated for fires

Dan Roth — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

Boy, that's one hot car, that Passat. But is it so hot, in fact, that it self-immolates? The NHTSA seems to think that the ignition coil packs are prone to faults that can lead to fires underhood, in the instrument panel, or underneath the vehicle. Passats from 2000 to 2003 are currently under investigation by the NHTSA after 19 reports of spontaneous Teutonic combustion (hey!). Lucky owners who opted for the frugal TDI or spendy W8 can motor along blissfully, while gas-fueled four and six-pot drivers should start parking at the curb. No recall has been issued, but preliminary investigations such as this often end with the manufacturer issuing a recall. If it comes to that, VW's looking at fixing about 350,000 cars.

[Source: Bloomberg via Winding Road]

VW Passat being investigated for fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota officials under investigation for recall negligence

John Neff — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Toyota

The Associated Press is reporting that three Toyota officials are under criminal investigation for allegedly avoiding a recall for eight years, during which time the defective part in question may have caused an accident.

The story goes like this. On August 12, 2004, five people were injured in a head-on crash in Japan that was caused when the steering of a 1993 Toyota Hilux Surf failed. Toyota then carried out a small recall in October of 2004 for 330,000 Hilux Surf SUVs built between 1988 and 1996 for a part used in the steering system that could fail. The Hilux Surf that caused the accident was built in 1993.

The investigation seems to revolve around the fact that Toyota officials had already accumulated five reports of steering problems way back in 1996, but didn't recall any vehicles because problems were "limited to repeatedly turning the wheel during parking." After the accident and additional problems were reported in 2004, Toyota decided to do a major recall of 1.2 million potentially affected vehicles sold in 180 nations. Only that one accident has ever been attributed to the problematic steering part.

The three officials, of which only two are still working for the company, oversaw quality control at Toyota during the period under investigation. The formal charges against these officials were filed today with prosecutors in southern Japan.

This type of publicity is the last thing Toyota needs as questions about the company's ability to maintain its impeccable quality standards amidst rapid growth are being asked as the number of recalls it has risen dramatically in recent years.

(Thanks Don L. for the tip)

[Source: Associated Press via MLive]

Toyota officials under investigation for recall negligence originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Government investigating if Big Oil thwarting biodiesel

Joel Arellano — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Government/Legal, Green

This week, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and the state's two U.S. senators, Richard Durbin and Barack Obama, sent letters to the heads of the six major oil companies as part of an investigation to see if they have any policies that are inhibiting construction and operation of biodiesel and ethanol pumps at fuel service stations. The state is the biggest user of ethanol and the country's second largest producer of the alternative fuel. However, only three of the 108 service stations selling E-85 (gasoline mixed with 85 percent ethanol), are franchises branded by the oil companies.

Also, U.S. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman has indicated he will speaks with the oil companies, though he plans to discuss their policies on promoting alternative fuels. The oil companies in question? BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, Shell Oil Co., and Valero Energy.

[Source: Reuters]

Government investigating if Big Oil thwarting biodiesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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