The owners of certain 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer about a problem affecting the driver and right front passenger seat mounted side airbags. According to the defect report, a manufacturing error could result in airbag components being propelled into the passenger compartment when they are deployed, potentially injuring occupants. Continue reading

If you search online for “Honda CR-V engine vibrations” there is no shortage of complaints and video’s from drivers who say that their vehicle excessively vibrates. The problem is found primarily in the 2015 CR-V, but a few complaints have been showing up in some newer models as well. Owners say the shutter can be felt while idling, accelerating, and driving, and is difficult to pinpoint because it resonates throughout the vehicle. In November 2015, Honda released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 15-046) addressing the problem, but the repairs have left many owners unsatisfied. Continue reading

Honda will be contacting certain 2008-2010 Accord owners about a defect affecting the deployment of the airbag system. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, manufacturing issues with the power supply integrated circuit (IC) of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may allow moisture to enter the IC metal layer. Over time, corrosion and expansion in the layer could result in a voltage drop, making the SRS ECU unit inoperative. The SRS indicator warning light will immediately illuminate if the SRS ECU fails. Continue reading

As an owner of a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, you may have experienced repeated problems with your vehicle. The 2014 model year currently has nine recalls issued against it, and with over 650 complaints, the manufacturer continues to investigate problems.

One of the most recent and well known safety issues affecting the Grand Cherokee is security vulnerabilities that allow an unauthorized third party to access the vehicle control systems. Although Fiat Chrysler say that the defect is not a safety problem, they continue to conduct a remedial campaign in the interest of protecting its customers. Continue reading

Nissan will be notifying the owners of certain 2013-2015 Altima‘s about a safety problem affecting the hood latch of their cars. According to reports, these vehicles have been previously repaired under recalls 14V-565 and 15V-116.

A manufacturing error affecting the hood latch assembly in some of the subject vehicles may result in poor paint adhesion to the latch. Over time exposed metal may corrode and cause mechanical binding that may result in the latch to remain in the open position. If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving. Continue reading

It’s been over a decade since the first known rupture of a Takata airbag, but safety regulators and automakers are still struggling to understand the extent of the problem. The company announced that 5.1 million U.S. vehicles have already been affected and recently reported an 11th death that may be linked to the defect. While most of the vehicles in previous recalls included older models, investigations are including newer models which could be subject to recall at a later date. Continue reading

The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a new public awareness campaign this week called “Safe Cars Save Lives”. The program is focusing on ways to encourage drivers to regularly check for open recalls and to get them fixed as soon as possible. According to NHTSA statistics, last year there were close to 900 recalls affecting 51 million vehicles nationwide, with an average 25 percent of recalls left unrepaired. Continue reading

With the beginning of 2016, California enacted new laws affecting the day-to-day operations of California residents. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are reminding everyone that several of these laws will directly affect transportation. SB 491 (Earbuds & Headsets) is one notable law that makes it illegal to wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears, while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle. (This law does not apply to persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, construction equipment and refuse or waste equipment while wearing a headset or safety earplugs.) Continue reading