Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Motorcycle fatalities stay steady while auto deaths decline]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/motorcycle-fatalities-stay-steady-while-auto-deaths-decline/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/motorcycle-fatalities-stay-steady-while-auto-deaths-decline/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/motorcycle-fatalities-stay-steady-while-auto-deaths-decline/#commentsFiled under: , ,

crashed motorcycle

The numbers haven't been definitively crunched, but it is expected that the estimated 32,310 traffic fatalities in 2011 were the lowest on record in the 62 years that records have been kept. Yet the good news about the total number of fatalities masks regrettable news for traffic safety authorities: automobile fatalities are down, but motorcycle fatalities are up.

After a steady rise in motorcyclist death rates through the first decade of the new century, numbers fell in 2009 and the beginning of 2010. Observers hoped the trend would continue, but that didn't happen when deaths ticked up slightly over the course of 2010 and stayed steady through 2011.

Causes are varied, from high gas prices leading more people to ride motorcycles to inadequate training for both riders and automobile drivers on how to ply the roads safely. A report breaking down the numbers also "noted that 29 percent of fatally injured riders in 2010 had a blood-alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit, and 35 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding." It didn't, however, indicate how much of those numbers overlapped - how many of those riders were over the limit when they died.

Nor does it look like current developments will allay the trend in the near-term. Only 19 states require riders to wear helmets, Michigan just repealed its compulsory helmet law and five other states are considering such measures. Again, the overall number of fatalities is welcome news considering how many more people and cars there are on the roads now compared to 1949, but the takeaway for motorcyclists is that there is now more reason to be extra careful when you ride.

Motorcycle fatalities stay steady while auto deaths decline originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car accidentsfatalitiesmotorcycle accidentsmotorcycle fatalitiesmotorcyclesnational highway traffic safety administrationroad safetytraffic fatalitiesFri, 25 May 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243284/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/motorcycle-fatalities-stay-steady-while-auto-deaths-decline/20243284/article-detail.xml 20243284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/crashed-motorcycle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/crashed-motorcycle.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA broadening Chevy Cruze fire probe to 370,000 sedans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - red - front three-quarter view

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded its investigation into Chevrolet Cruze engine fires to two model years.

In April, NHTSA began investigating two complaints concerning fires erupting in 2011 Cruze engine compartments. Now, Reuters is reporting that the government agency has added 2012 Cruze models to the list, upping the number of total vehicles from 177,000 to 370,000.

General Motors told Reuters it has cooperated with investigators and there have been no reported injuries or accidents related to the probe.

According to a pair of complaints filed on NHTSA's website, two Cruze sedans were on the the open road when smoke began streaming out from under the hood. A few minutes later, the cars were ravaged by fire.

"In two minutes, the car was fully engulfed and flames were 15-feet high," one complaint said. "GM needs to find out and correct this problem before someone get [sic] seriously hurt."

NHTSA broadening Chevy Cruze fire probe to 370,000 sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet cruzechevroletchevrolet cruzechevycruzegmnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaThu, 24 May 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244525/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/nhtsa-broadening-chevy-cruze-fire-probe-to-370-000-sedans/20244525/article-detail.xml 20244525 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy recalls 2013 Malibu Eco over unintended airbag deployment fears]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/chevy-recalls-2013-malibu-eco-over-unintended-airbag-deployment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/chevy-recalls-2013-malibu-eco-over-unintended-airbag-deployment/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/chevy-recalls-2013-malibu-eco-over-unintended-airbag-deployment/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco - black - front three-quarter view

General Motors has announced the automaker is recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu models for a potential sensor failure. Under hard braking, the vehicle's sensing and diagnostic module may reset itself, and if that occurs just before an abrupt turn, the vehicle could trick itself into sensing a rollover. In that event, the roof rail airbag could deploy outside of a crash situation. What's more, the seat belt pretensioners could then fail during a severe crash. Needless to say, it could be a dangerous situation.

The recall covers a total of 4,304 units manufactured between October 24, 2011 and March 31, 2012. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM will notify owners and reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. The campaign is set to get underway on June 1. Check out the full recall notice for yourself.

Continue reading Chevy recalls 2013 Malibu Eco over unintended airbag deployment fears

Chevy recalls 2013 Malibu Eco over unintended airbag deployment fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet malibu eco2013 chevrolet malibu recallchevroletchevrolet malibu ecochevrolet recallchevymalibumalibu ecomalibu recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallThu, 24 May 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20244203/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/chevy-recalls-2013-malibu-eco-over-unintended-airbag-deployment/20244203/article-detail.xml 20244203 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2013-chevrolet-malibu-eco-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep recalls nearly 68,000 Wrangler models over... skid plate fires?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/jeep-recalls-nearly-68-000-wrangler-models-over-skid-plate-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/jeep-recalls-nearly-68-000-wrangler-models-over-skid-plate-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/jeep-recalls-nearly-68-000-wrangler-models-over-skid-plate-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Chrysler is recalling 67,872 Jeep Wrangler models over a potential issue with the transmission skid plate. The recall deals solely with Wranglers from the 2010 model year, equipped with automatic transmissions. It's been found that debris can collect on the skid plate that protects the transmission, leading to the risk of a fire if the debris makes contact with the nearby catalytic converter.

Chrysler will begin notifying owners this month, at which time they can take their Wranglers to be repaired free of charge at the dealer. Scroll down for the complete release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration.

Continue reading Jeep recalls nearly 68,000 Wrangler models over... skid plate fires?

Jeep recalls nearly 68,000 Wrangler models over... skid plate fires? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 jeep wranglerchryslerjeepNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationrecallrecallswranglerMon, 21 May 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241487/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/jeep-recalls-nearly-68-000-wrangler-models-over-skid-plate-fi/20241487/article-detail.xml 20241487 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/wranglerskidrecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/wranglerskidrecall.jpg <![CDATA[Feds investigating 2012 Hyundai Elantra after airbag separates driver from his ear]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/feds-investigating-2012-hyundai-elantra-after-airbag-separates-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/feds-investigating-2012-hyundai-elantra-after-airbag-separates-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/feds-investigating-2012-hyundai-elantra-after-airbag-separates-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Hyundai Elantra - blue - front three-quarter view

Safety features like airbags are supposed to keep us safe in the event of a collision. But one driver allegedly met with a nasty surprise when an airbag in his car reportedly sliced his ear in half.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the incident occurred on April 7 when an unnamed owner of a 2012 Hyundai Elantra was in a crash. Apparently the side curtain airbag on the driver's side rapidly inflated (like it's supposed to) but took with it a metal bracket (which it's not). The result was a severe laceration to the driver's ear in an automotive reenactment of Holyfield-Tyson II.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is apparently looking into the event, but has yet to issue a recall. Hyundai for its part insists the incident was isolated, and that it has not received reports of anything similar happening to any other drivers.

Feds investigating 2012 Hyundai Elantra after airbag separates driver from his ear originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai elantra2012 hyundai elantraair bagairbagelantrahyundaihyundai elantrainjurynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallsafetyMon, 14 May 2012 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237767/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/feds-investigating-2012-hyundai-elantra-after-airbag-separates-d/20237767/article-detail.xml 20237767 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/elantra08_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/elantra08.jpg <![CDATA[Gov't unsure on who can establish distracted driving laws]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/govt-unsure-on-who-can-establish-distracted-driving-laws/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/govt-unsure-on-who-can-establish-distracted-driving-laws/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/govt-unsure-on-who-can-establish-distracted-driving-laws/#commentsFiled under: ,

Texting while driving

Turns out the federal government's attempts to create enforceable oversight of cellphone use in vehicles has hit a Swiftian snag: it seems there isn't a government agency specifically empowered with the authority to do so. The legislative boundaries of the Federal Communications Commission end at the phone itself, those of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration end at the vehicle itself. Neither is equipped to address how people combine the two while driving.

So, according to a report in Automotive News, what NHTSA honcho David Strickland wants is to have Congress bestow the authority on some agency to make such laws. For now, the recommendations NHTSA drafts are only just that - recommendations. Automakers aren't bound by them.

Not that it should or will stop Strickland's minions, but 37 states and our nation's capital already have laws - with teeth - addressing the use of phones while driving. If our time on the roads is any indication, those laws are almost universally ignored by police, and we can't see how a federal fiat would change that, but such laws are on the books. Strickland has testified in front of Congress on the matter, however, no one expects movement on it anytime soon.

Gov't unsure on who can establish distracted driving laws originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonedavid stricklanddistracted drivingfccfederal communications commissionNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsaray lahoodWed, 09 May 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232534/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/govt-unsure-on-who-can-establish-distracted-driving-laws/20232534/article-detail.xml 20232534 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/texting-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/texting-driving.jpg <![CDATA[BMW recalling 7,600 3 Series models over faulty head restraints]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/bmw-recalling-7-600-3-series-models-over-faulty-head-restraints/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/bmw-recalling-7-600-3-series-models-over-faulty-head-restraints/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/bmw-recalling-7-600-3-series-models-over-faulty-head-restraints/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 BMW 3 Series

BMW is recalling certain 2012 3 Series models for head restraints that can be raised beyond the federal limit. As a result, in a collision, the head rest could move down slightly, increasing the risk of a neck injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall covers 7,600 vehicles manufactured between October 18, 2011 and March 18, 2012.

BMW plans to notify owners this month, and dealers will address the problem by installing a small clip to limit the head rest's travel. The work will, of course, be done for free. For more information, head over to the NHTSA website or scroll down or the full recall bulletin.

Continue reading BMW recalling 7,600 3 Series models over faulty head restraints

BMW recalling 7,600 3 Series models over faulty head restraints originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 3 series recall2012 bmw 3 series3 seriesbmwbmw 3 seriesnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallTue, 08 May 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233654/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/bmw-recalling-7-600-3-series-models-over-faulty-head-restraints/20233654/article-detail.xml 20233654 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-bmw-3-series-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-bmw-3-series-628.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. traffic deaths fall to lowest level in 62 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/u-s-traffic-deaths-fall-to-lowest-level-in-62-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/u-s-traffic-deaths-fall-to-lowest-level-in-62-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/u-s-traffic-deaths-fall-to-lowest-level-in-62-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

Woman wearing seat belt

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 32,310 people died last year in traffic accidents, the lowest number since 1949.

NHTSA obtained that number though a statistical projection, which shows that traffic fatalities dropped 1.7 percent compared to 2010 numbers. The announcement, released today, also shows Americans collectively drove 1.2 percent less in 2011 - dropping 35.7 billion vehicle miles traveled. (NHTSA expects the fatality rate to drop in 2011 as well, predicting 1.09 American deaths for every 100 million miles driven.)

U.S. traffic fatalities have dropped seven years in a row, with the 43,510 people dying in traffic accidents in 2005. NHTSA attributes a number of factors to the continued decrease in fatalities including increased seat belt use and more safety devices inside vehicles.

By region, NHTSA noted that accidents in New England dropped the most, 7.2 percent, while accidents in California and Hawaii increased the most, 3.3 percent, compared to the year before.

U.S. traffic deaths fall to lowest level in 62 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathshighwayNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsaroad deathsroad fatalitiessafetyMon, 07 May 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232775/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/u-s-traffic-deaths-fall-to-lowest-level-in-62-years/20232775/article-detail.xml 20232775 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/seat-belted-woman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/seat-belted-woman.jpg <![CDATA[120,000 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models recalled over electrical issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/120-000-chrysler-300-and-dodge-charger-models-recalled-over-elec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/120-000-chrysler-300-and-dodge-charger-models-recalled-over-elec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/120-000-chrysler-300-and-dodge-charger-models-recalled-over-elec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall concerning 2011-2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models. A fuse controlling the power distribution unit for the ABS and ESC system can overheat, causing both features to fail.

Charger Pursuit vehicles were recalled a couple of months ago over the same issue and it was thought that severe usage was the culprit. However, a number of civilian reports convinced Chrysler to recall all of the vehicles in question.

Chrysler will begin notifying the 119,072 owners this month. Affected vehicles can be taken to the dealer to have the fuse in question relocated, free of charge. Scroll down for the official NHTSA bulletin.

Continue reading 120,000 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models recalled over electrical issue

120,000 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger models recalled over electrical issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300chargerchryslerdodgenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallsafetyMon, 07 May 2012 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/120-000-chrysler-300-and-dodge-charger-models-recalled-over-elec/20232019/article-detail.xml 20232019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-dodge-charger-rallye-v6-review_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2011-dodge-charger-rallye-v6-review.jpg <![CDATA[Turn signal neglect results in over twice as many crashes as distracted driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/turn-signal-neglect-results-in-over-twice-as-many-crashes-as-dis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/turn-signal-neglect-results-in-over-twice-as-many-crashes-as-dis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/30/turn-signal-neglect-results-in-over-twice-as-many-crashes-as-dis/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volvo XC60 taillamp

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has taken dead aim at stamping out distracted driving and with good reason. Last year, inattentive drivers caused around 950,000 accidents. But according to a new study by the Society of Automotive Engineers, there's another issue causing even more accidents across the country: turn signal neglect. According to their research, drivers neglect their turn signals, either by failing to turn when their signal is activated or not activating the signal at all, an astonishing 750 billion times a year. What's more, neglecting the signals may be responsible for as many as two million accidents per year.

SAE says the solution lies in the implementation of so-called "Smart Turn Signals," which use sensors to shut off turn signals before they become a safety hazard. What's more, engineers can integrate a "Turn Signal Assist" feature, which uses a vehicle information display to alert the driver if they fail to use turn signals on a regular basis or don't shut them off in a timely manner. The report says that since the system uses sensors already integrated into the stability control module, there would be no cost added to the vehicle's bottom line.

This is our skeptical face. We're major proponents of proper and consistent turn signal use, but we're bigger fans of creating smarter drivers through education than we are of building smarter cars. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Turn signal neglect results in over twice as many crashes as distracted driving

Turn signal neglect results in over twice as many crashes as distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsasaesafetysignal usesociety of automotive engineersturn signalturn signalsMon, 30 Apr 2012 14:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227147/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/30/turn-signal-neglect-results-in-over-twice-as-many-crashes-as-dis/20227147/article-detail.xml 20227147 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/volvo-turning-indicator_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/volvo-turning-indicator.jpg <![CDATA[UK judge finds mom culpable for child's injuries because of incorrect child seat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/uk-judge-finds-mom-culpable-for-childs-injuries-because-of-inco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/uk-judge-finds-mom-culpable-for-childs-injuries-because-of-inco/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/29/uk-judge-finds-mom-culpable-for-childs-injuries-because-of-inco/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Child Safety Seat

Any time a parent's poor judgment results in harm or injury to a child, it's a sad case. This story, however, seems particularly tragic. According to The Telegraph, a British woman whose daughter was seriously injured in a car crash was found negligent and partially responsible for her daughter's injuries because the girl was riding in an inappropriate child safety seat.

While the accident was judged to be entirely the fault of the other driver, according to the report, his insurance company insisted that part of the responsibility for the girl's injuries fell on her mother. Despite having an appropriate car seat with a five-point harness in the vehicle, the three-year-old girl was riding in a booster seat designed for older children. The judge agreed with the insurer and ruled that the mother was 25 percent liable for her child's head, spinal and internal injuries, which the report said will affect her for the rest of her life. The decision means the woman will receive less financial compensation from the insurance company.

While we're sure that the woman - who was described by the judge as "an excellent and caring mother," according to the report - feels no small measure of guilt, her case reinforces the necessity of proper seatbelt and child safety seat use. For more information about keeping kids safe in and around cars, please visit Parents Central, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

UK judge finds mom culpable for child's injuries because of incorrect child seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car seatChild safetychild safety seatnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsasafetySun, 29 Apr 2012 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20225931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/29/uk-judge-finds-mom-culpable-for-childs-injuries-because-of-inco/20225931/article-detail.xml 20225931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/carseat-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/carseat-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA upgrades investigation into Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey rust issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/nhtsa-upgrades-investigation-into-ford-freestar-mercury-montere/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/nhtsa-upgrades-investigation-into-ford-freestar-mercury-montere/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/nhtsa-upgrades-investigation-into-ford-freestar-mercury-montere/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2006 Ford Freestar

If you are still stuck driving a prematurely rusty 2004 Ford Freestar or Mercury Monterey minivan, you have our deepest sympathies. But for all your suffering, you might still gain some small measure of satisfaction from Ford.

Remember the investigation launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last year? Well, the good news is that NHTSA has upgraded the issue to a full-fledged engineering analysis, according to The Detroit News. Specifically, the Feds are trying to figure out whether there's any difference between the 2004 models, vehicles that have engendered 22 reports concerning rust in the rear wheel wells, and 2005-2007 models, for which there are no registered complaints. (A 2006 model is pictured above.)

More than 82,000 vehicles are potentially affected by the rust problems, according to the report, with symptoms including difficulty latching the rear seats and anchor plates that have detached from the vehicle.

NHTSA upgrades investigation into Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey rust issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2004 ford freestar2004 mercury montereyfordfreestarmercurymontereynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarustFri, 27 Apr 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20226153/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/nhtsa-upgrades-investigation-into-ford-freestar-mercury-montere/20226153/article-detail.xml 20226153 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2006-ford-freestar-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2006-ford-freestar-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA working with automakers to accelerate vehicle-to-vehicle communication]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/nhtsa-working-with-automakers-to-accelerate-vehicle-to-vehicle-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/nhtsa-working-with-automakers-to-accelerate-vehicle-to-vehicle-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/nhtsa-working-with-automakers-to-accelerate-vehicle-to-vehicle-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GM ENV-Concept

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration head-honcho David Strickland is big on emerging vehicle-to-vehicle communication, according to The Detroit Free Press. As a keynote speaker at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit this week, Strickland lauded the technology, saying it could eliminate up to 80 percent of crashes.

We've recently heard General Motors speaking enthusiastically about creating a network effect on the roadways, using portable devices like smartphones to share information about traffic conditions and what's going on in nearby vehicles to alert drivers and even pedestrians and cyclists. GM has been talking about vehicle-to-vehicle communications for a few years now, incorporating the idea into its EN-V concepts like the one pictured above, "cars" that promise a future in which autonomous driving is a reality.

More immediately, Strickland said NHTSA will be "finalizing a rule to improve rear visibility in passenger vehicles," and that the agency is "beyond proof of concept" for a system to prevent an intoxicated person from driving, according to the report.

NHTSA working with automakers to accelerate vehicle-to-vehicle communication originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david stricklanden-vgeneral motorsgmnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsasaesociety of automotive engineersvehicle to vehicle communicationsFri, 27 Apr 2012 00:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20225284/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/nhtsa-working-with-automakers-to-accelerate-vehicle-to-vehicle-c/20225284/article-detail.xml 20225284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011conceptenv05175-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2011conceptenv05175-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Bombardier recalls 3,200 Can-Am Spyder RT trikes over brake failure fears]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bombardier-recalls-3-200-can-am-spyder-rt-trikes-over-brake-fail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bombardier-recalls-3-200-can-am-spyder-rt-trikes-over-brake-fail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bombardier-recalls-3-200-can-am-spyder-rt-trikes-over-brake-fail/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a bulletin for the recall of the 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT to rectify an issue with its brakes. A pin in the brake pedal connecting rod on 3,259 units potentially affected could come loose; if that happens, total loss of braking is possible.

Bombardier Recreational Products, maker of the three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder, is notifying owners. Dealers will replace the pins in question free of charge. Scroll down for the official word and more information from NHTSA.

Continue reading Bombardier recalls 3,200 Can-Am Spyder RT trikes over brake failure fears

Bombardier recalls 3,200 Can-Am Spyder RT trikes over brake failure fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 can-am spyder rtbombardier recreational productsbrpcan-am spydercan-am spyder recallcan-am spyder rtnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallrecallssafetyTue, 17 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216117/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/bombardier-recalls-3-200-can-am-spyder-rt-trikes-over-brake-fail/20216117/article-detail.xml 20216117 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/canamrecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/canamrecall.jpg <![CDATA[BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Drivers of 2010-2011 Rolls Royce Ghost models and several BMW models with turbocharged engines need to get their vehicles to their dealers. The cars are being recalled for a potentially hazardous defect that could turn their high-end autos into smoldering hunks of less luxurious melted plastic and steel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the circuit boards on the cars' water pump could overheat and possibly catch fire.

The 2011 BMW models affected are the 5 Series and 5 Series Gran Turismo. 2012 models are the 6 Series, 7 Series, X5 and X6. All affected models have either the turbocharged V8 or V12. NHTSA says the number of BMWs affected is 2,846. About 60 Rolls Royce Ghosts will be recalled.

The recall is nearly identical to one announced last November that recalled 2010 Rolls Royce Ghosts. This campaign seems to address the same problem that plagued 2011 models.

Continue reading BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards

BMW, Rolls-Royce issue recall over smoldering circuit boards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series5 series gt6 series7 seriesbmwNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsarecallrolls roycerolls royce ghostx5x6Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216669/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/bmw-rolls-royce-issue-recall-over-smoldering-circuit-boards/20216669/article-detail.xml 20216669 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rrghost-recall-2011-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rrghost-recall-2011-opt.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA: BMW 7 Series gearshift issue has resulted in 16 crashes, 5 injuries]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2002 BMW 7 Series

You had to figure that this might happen when BMW decided to reinvent the gearshift lever for the 2002 7 Series. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been investigating the 2002-2008 7 Series since last fall, and has now "upgraded the probe to an engineering analysis," according to an Associated Press report in The Detroit News. The Feds have found 16 crashes and five injuries related to transmission issues, and received 50 complaints about the issue, according to the report.

NHTSA's Monthly Defect Investigations Report calls the problem "Vehicle Rollaway Allegations," which are likely related to the design of the gear selector in the E65/E66. This generation of the 7 Series moved the traditional gearshift lever from the floor console to the steering column to make more room in the center console. In doing so, BMW abandoned the traditional P-R-N-D layout and adopted an electronic push-button selector for "Park." The AP says at least some of the problems may be related to owners not realizing their cars were in neutral instead of park.

Our own experience has shown that even in more recent BMW's with floor-console-mounted shifters, it can be difficult to tell whether the vehicle is in Park or not, and we find the BMW gear selector as a whole to be non-intuitive - we're frankly surprised that NHTSA has not received more than 50 complaints concerning the issue.

NHTSA: BMW 7 Series gearshift issue has resulted in 16 crashes, 5 injuries originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2002 bmw 7 series7 seriesbmwbmw shift leverbmw shiftere65e66National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsaMon, 16 Apr 2012 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/nhtsa-bmw-7-series-gearshift-issue-has-resulted-in-16-crashes/20216647/article-detail.xml 20216647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2002-bmw-7-series-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2002-bmw-7-series-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Older women, people under 20 are most often at fault for pedal misapplication crashes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/older-women-people-under-20-are-most-often-at-fault-for-pedal-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/older-women-people-under-20-are-most-often-at-fault-for-pedal-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/older-women-people-under-20-are-most-often-at-fault-for-pedal-m/#commentsFiled under: ,

elderly woman driving

We hate to reinforce stereotypes as much as anybody else, so we'd like to point out that the source for this story comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With that out of the way...

According to TheDetroitBureau.com, the recent study found that older women and people under the age of 20 are most likely to mistake the gas pedal for the brake, causing what many have dubbed unintended acceleration. What's more, the majority of pedal misapplication cases take place in parking lots.

In stark contrast, NHTSA has found that nearly two-thirds of all motor vehicle accidents are caused by male drivers. So, why are women so much more likely to mistake their pedals? Says the study:

"Possible explanations might include greater exposure by women where these crashes occur most often (parking lots); a poorer "fit" in their cars due to shorter stature, which may increase the likelihood of a pedal application error; or a disproportionately high rate of one or more functional deficits that contribute to pedal errors, such as neuropathy."

Due to the recent abundance of unintended acceleration claims, NHTSA has proposed that brake override systems be made mandatory on all new cars sold in the United States.

Older women, people under 20 are most often at fault for pedal misapplication crashes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderly driverfemale driversnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsapedal misapplicationsudden accelerationunintended accelerationFri, 13 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20215346/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/13/older-women-people-under-20-are-most-often-at-fault-for-pedal-m/20215346/article-detail.xml 20215346 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/elderly-woman-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/elderly-woman-driving.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA wants Brake-Throttle Override systems added to official Safety Standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/nhtsa-wants-brake-throttle-override-systems-added-to-official-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/nhtsa-wants-brake-throttle-override-systems-added-to-official-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/12/nhtsa-wants-brake-throttle-override-systems-added-to-official-sa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

car pedals

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced plans to update the agency's current vehicle safety standards. In order to protect drivers in the event they depress both the accelerator and the brake pedal at the same time, automakers will be required to install a bake-throttle override on new vehicles moving forward. The hope is that the systems will curb instances of unintended acceleration. The new standards will apply on all cars, trucks and buses regardless of weight. NHTSA says many manufacturers are already including similar systems on their products.

The update will replace Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124, Accelerator Control Systems. The public has 60 days to comment on the proposed change, which may be viewed in full PDF form here.

Early last year, NASA engineers found no electronic cause for the claims of unintended acceleration levied at Toyota. The report prompted Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to blame the cases on "pedal misapplication." Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading NHTSA wants Brake-Throttle Override systems added to official Safety Standards

NHTSA wants Brake-Throttle Override systems added to official Safety Standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brake-throttle overridenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaoverrideray lahoodtransportation secretary ray lahoodunintended accelerationThu, 12 Apr 2012 16:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20214330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/12/nhtsa-wants-brake-throttle-override-systems-added-to-official-sa/20214330/article-detail.xml 20214330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/car-pedals_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/car-pedals.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA ends 27-month investigation into Ford E-Series vans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/nhtsa-ends-27-month-investigation-into-ford-e-series-vans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/nhtsa-ends-27-month-investigation-into-ford-e-series-vans/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/nhtsa-ends-27-month-investigation-into-ford-e-series-vans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2008 Ford E-250 Commercial van - front three-quarter view, silver

More than two years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the 1997-2008 Ford Econoline/E-350 and E-450 over faulty HVAC temperature controls. According to The Detroit News, stories of melting switches leading to smoke and hot buttons on the dash were recounted in 1,036 complaints received by NHTSA. Two years ago, the government agency upgraded the case to an engineering analysis, but its testing has led to the case being closed without determining that a recall is required.

Two fires due to the short circuits were also reported, but NHTSA found that the layout of the switch tended to prevent a fire when it went bad. Although there won't be a recall, Ford has redesigned the switch and is informing dealers and customers about replacing the switch and electrical connector.

The vans that were under the agency's microscope overlap with the 1999-2008 E-Series models in question in a lawsuit over flaking fuel-tank liners. Still, for perspective, the E-Series has been America's best-selling full-sized van for decades, and according to Ford, those from 1997-2008 have done more than a billion miles.

NHTSA ends 27-month investigation into Ford E-Series vans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-350e-450e-serieseconolinefordford 3-450ford e-350national highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20212092/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/10/nhtsa-ends-27-month-investigation-into-ford-e-series-vans/20212092/article-detail.xml 20212092 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2008forde-350nhtsa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2008forde-350nhtsa.jpg <![CDATA[Ford recalls 140,000 new Focus models over wiper concern]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/ford-recalls-140-000-new-focus-models-over-wiper-concern/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/ford-recalls-140-000-new-focus-models-over-wiper-concern/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/ford-recalls-140-000-new-focus-models-over-wiper-concern/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Ford Focus hatchback - yellow - front three-quarter view

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has announced on its website that Ford is recalling 140,000 Focus models built between August 1, 2010 and October 18, 2011. The defect in question is a seal in the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor that may be missing.

If the seal is AWOL, water can build up in the connector, which could over time render the passenger-side wiper useless. And if that happens, visibility could of course be altered, resulting in a higher probability of a crash.

To fix the issue, affected Focus owners need to take their vehicles to a Ford dealer for a free inspection of the wiper connector. A technician will clean and seal any connector that needs it, and any wiper motor that no longer works will be replaced free of charge. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.

Continue reading Ford recalls 140,000 new Focus models over wiper concern

Ford recalls 140,000 new Focus models over wiper concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford focusfocusfocus recallfordford focus recallford recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallwiperwiring harnessSun, 08 Apr 2012 12:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20210741/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/08/ford-recalls-140-000-new-focus-models-over-wiper-concern/20210741/article-detail.xml 20210741 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead1-2012-ford-focus-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead1-2012-ford-focus-fd.jpg -1 2