According to a recent investigation report, the NHTSA have opened a probe into the 2013 recall of certain 2011-2012 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Ambulance package vehicles equipped with a 6.7L diesel engines. In October 2013 these vehicle were recalled due to an exhaust sensor problem that led drivers to experience loss of power followed by an engine stall. To date, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has experienced 30 more complaints affecting vehicles both within and outside the scope of the subject recall. Continue reading

A defect affecting certain 2014 Ford Escape and 2015 Lincoln MKC SUVs will have approximately 10,000 owners returning to their dealers to have their fuel pump replaced. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, contamination due to improper nickel plating could cause excessive pump friction and eventual pump failure. The engine could stall without warning and/or fail to start. An engine stall without warning while driving could increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading

A poorly placed ignition button will have owners of certain 2015 Lincoln MKC returning to their dealership to have the problem repaired. According to reports, the ignition button could be accidentally pressed as drivers reach to shift gears or use the dashboard touch screen. The engine may shut off while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the likelihood of an accident. There have been no reports of injury related to the problem, but two complaints by consumers on the NHTSA website say they have accidentally pushed the button and shut off the engine while driving. Continue reading

Ford will be asking 56,479 Fusion owners to return to their nearest Ford or Lincoln dealer because their vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.” According to reports filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical key and dual screen cluster that may allow drivers to remove the key even if the transmission is not in park. The vehicles could unexpectedly roll away possibly striking and/or injuring the driver, other vehicle occupants, or other bystanders. Continue reading

Ford will be asking owners of certain 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car, and 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis to return their vehicles to their dealership to inspect a previous repair. According to the defect report, vehicles repaired under the previous safety recall 13V-385, may have been improperly serviced. As a result, the upper arm intermediate shaft could separate resulting in loss of steering control and an increased chance of an accident. Continue reading

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of certain BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota vehicles to take immediate action and replace defective Takata airbags. Vehicle owners receiving regional recalls are especially urged to get the problem taken care of, as consistent hot and humid conditions are suspect to intensify the problem. These areas include: Florida, Puerto Rico, areas in Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Guam, as well as Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Virgin Islands and Hawaii. Continue reading

The Safety Institute is a non-profit organization who’s main goal is injury prevention and product safety as a basis for a healthy and productive society and as a vital component to reducing health care costs. The group is currently involved in a variety of issues regarding product safety, including reports that monitor vehicle defect trends and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall and enforcement activities. Their quarterly compiled early warning list shows the top 15 vehicle trends that they say automakers and government should be paying attention to. Continue reading