Certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans, equipped with center third row seats or an optional three passenger second row seat, could experience a malfunction of the seat belt system. According to the defect report, the overhead seatbelt bezels could break and trap the seatbelt in the stowed position. Unbelted occupants could suffer additional injuries and/or become a projectile during a crash. Continue reading
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Honda & Acura Fuel Tank Leaks
Honda will be notifying the owners of certain 2015-2016 Acura MDX, 2015-2016 Honda Odyssey, and 2016 Honda Pilot vehicles about a problem affecting the fuel system. A manufacturing problem may have resulted in insufficient welds on the fuel tank. Over time, the welds could break, allowing fuel to leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a vehicle fire. Continue reading
Toyota Air Bags And Emissions Problems
Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles about problems affecting airbags and the emissions control system.
Last Tuesday, Toyota announced that certain 2010-2012 Toyota Prius and Lexus CT200H cars could have air bag inflators with small cracks in the welds. The problem could lead to the separation of the inflator chambers and an increased risk of injury to occupants.
The automaker announced on Wednesday, that approximately 2.87 million cars may have a fault in the emissions control system. Over time the problem could lead to fuel leaks and an increased chance of a vehicle fire. Certain 2006-2015 Prius, Auris and Corolla models are affected. Continue reading
Tesla Model S Fatality Questions Autopilot Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into a May 7th fatal crash involving a Tesla electric car. At the time of the accident, it is believed that the “Autopilot” was controlling the vehicle while the driver was distracted. Witnessed say the driver of the car may have been watching a movie when the collision happened. Continue reading
Recall Rental Law Protects Drivers From Safety Defects
On December 4, 2015 President Obama signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L. No. 114-94) into law. Although the federal act focuses primarily on maintaining infrastructure, a major provision within the regulations includes rules affecting automobile rental companies. The legislation was championed by the family of Raechel and Jacqueline Houck, sisters who died in a rental vehicle that was under a safety recall that had not been repaired.
Beginning June 1, 2016, any company or dealer with fleets greater than 35 will be prohibited from renting vehicles with recalls until the problem has been fixed. Although the bill passed with the support of the rental car industry and the input of the American Car Rental Association, smaller independent companies question how the bill will affect their business. Often, automakers will announce a recall without a timeline for repairs or parts, leaving some fleets with cars parked for a potentially long time. Continue reading
Chrysler Recalls Vehicles For Unexpected Rollaway
An investigation into gear shifters problems, suspected to be linked to the death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, has been closed by the NHTSA following a recall issued by Chrysler. The vehicles affected are equipped with an 8 speed transmission and a monostable gear selector and include:
- 2012-2014 Chrysler 300
- 2012-2014 Dodge Charger
- 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
According to the defect report, drivers may not be adequately alerted when they exit the vehicle and the transmission is not in the “Park” position. Drivers could be struck and injured if they get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged. Continue reading
2016 Mercedez Benz AMG GT S Loss Of Engine Power
Delaimer has decided that a problem affecting powertrain safety exists in certain 2016 Mercedez Benz AMG GT S vehicles. According to the defect report, the strength of the adhesive between the drive shaft and the flange might be compromised due to insufficient cleaning of the respective bonding surfaces. The carbon fiber driveshaft could separate from the flange and spin, resulting in loss of traction between the engine and transmission. Drivers will experience loss of motive power.
Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the carbon driveshaft inspected and replace as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308.
2016 Mercedes Benz SLK300 – Change In Rear Wheel Alignment
Mercedes Benz (MBUSA) will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 SLK300 cars about a problem affecting the rear wheel suspension. Excessive etching of the locknut between the tie rod and wheel carrier could result in loosening of the screw connection. Although the connection will not completely separate, the reduced tension force may lead to a change of alignment and independent steering of the rear axle. Continue reading
