The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) have opened a preliminary evaluation (PE13-013) into certain 2012-2013 Ford Focus electric vehicles after receiving thirty complaints of the vehicles shutting down while driving. The complaints show an increasing trend, with most received within the past five months. Continue reading
Category Archives: NHTSA
Fuel Economy Labels For Used Cars
The Government has taken steps to improve the fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in America by establishing some of the toughest fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles in U.S. history. These standards are expected to save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump and reduce carbon pollution by six billion metric tons. As part of the program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) developed a window sticker for new vehicles which allows consumers to compare conventional cars, hybrids and all electric vehicles by giving information on greenhouse gas ratings, emissions, smog ratings, and fuel costs. The new label came into effect for all 2013 model vehicles. Continue reading
Mercedes Benz Investigated For Electrical Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain 2008-2009 Mercecdes Benz C-Class vehicles after receiving 21 complaints from owners who say they experienced a loss of one or more rear lamp assemblies as well as overheated electrical connector that resulted in melting connectors, smoke, and fires from the rear lamp connector in the trunk. Continue reading
Mandatory Black Boxes On Automobiles
The use of black boxes in automobiles dates back to the 1990’s when General Motors first installed them on test vehicles to conduct quality studies. Since then, approximately 96% of all new vehicles sold in the United States come equipped with black boxes. The amount of information stored has expanded, letting engineers and researches use the information to study how vehicles perform in the real world and allows them to identify safety problems. Government regulations require that the presence of a black box be disclosed in the vehicle owner’s manual, but most drivers are not aware that they are there, capturing and recording speed, brake position, seat belt use, etc… every time they get behind the wheel. Continue reading
Self Driving Automobiles And Roadway Safety
Automobile manufacturers around the world are at a historic turning point for automotive travel. Engineers predict that affordable innovative technology will change the motor vehicle and driver relationships, improving highway safety, increasing environmental benefits, expanding mobility , and creating new economic opportunities for jobs and investment. One of the most controversial technologies being debated is the use of autonomous vehicles. Continue reading
Automakers and Dealers Oppose Rental Recall Bill
A Tuesday meeting of the senate, automobile manufacturers, and auto dealers resulted in a negotiation stalemate with the proposed new rental recall legislation that would prohibit automobile rental companies from renting or selling vehicles that have recalls on them. Continue reading
NTSB Recommends Lower Blood Alcohol Levels
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), approximately 10,000 people die in drinking and driving related crashes every year. In an attempt to reach a goal of zero alcohol and impaired related deaths, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are recommending that states implement laws that will work toward that goal. Continue reading
NHTSA Click It Or Ticket Seatbelt Safety Campaign
As one of the most effective automobile safety features invented, seat belts save thousands of lives every year. Unfortunately, one in five Americans fail to regularly wear their seat belt while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Continue reading
