Hyundai Investigated For Shattering Sunroofs

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigating into certain 2012 Hyundai Veloster after receiving 11 complaints from drivers who say their panoramic sunroof shattered unexpectedly. Of those complaints, seven happened while the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds.

While there have been no reported accidents related to the problem, shattering glass could cause injury to occupants and could distract the driver. Hyundai and NHTSA are working together to determine if a recall will be required.

Honda Accord Sub Frame Rusting

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The Center for Auto Safety is urging Honda to issue a recall on certain 1999-2002 Honda Accords after an exclusive 5 On Your Side investigation exposed a potential safety issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there have been 11 complaints since 2009 of sub frame rust that have left owners with vehicles that are unsafe to drive. The complaints allege that water from the air conditioning drain hose dips down onto the passenger side sub frame rusting it so badly that the frame can separate from the vehicle. The above video shows that while the passenger side disintegrated from rust, the driver side is often rust free.

A spokesperson for Honda confirmed that the company has also received similar complaints, but said they do not believe the defect warrants a safety bulletin or recall. In 2003 Honda changed the location of the drain hose, but said that the design change is unrelated to the problem. If the investigation should lead to a recall, approximately 1.5 million vehicles could be affected.

Honda Headlight Problem Expanded

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A recall of certain Honda vehicles has been expanded to cover over one million automobiles, including certain 2002-2003 Honda Civic and 2004-2005 Honda Pilots. In April of this year, Honda announced that they had found a problem in certain 2002-2004 CRV and 2003 Pilots, where tension on the headlight wiring harness could cause excessive wear on the terminals of the high/low beam headlight switch increasing the electrical resistance of the terminals. The terminal ends could melt leaving the driver without headlights. Honda said that they will inspect and replace the harness and lighting switch as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Advancements In Auto Headlight Technology

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The first automobile headlamp was introduced in the 1880’s. It used burning acetylene or oil because the flame was resistant to wind and rain. By the early 1940’s, the first round sealed beam headlamp was introduced and soon became a requirement for all vehicles sold in the United States. Since then the shape has changed, there has been the invention of replaceable bulb construction, halogen infrared reflective (HIR) lighting, and high intensity discharge (HID) lighting. For most, automobile headlamps did not offer much excitement, Until Now!

In 2004, Lexus introduced the first light emitting diodes (LEDs) headlight. The LED not only offered a fascinating assortments of tiny bright light sources, but can be used for multiple functions, such as parking lamps, brake lamps, and turn signals. This allows automobile manufacturers develop headlights that fit in with the sleek futuristic design of today’s vehicles. They also offer lower power consumption and a longer lifespan.

The biggest innovation to come with LED headlamps is the ability to allow automatic headlamp systems. Automatic headlamps have been available since the mid 1960’s, but until now, have only been offered on luxury models. These systems can optimize the headlight beam to the vehicles steering and suspension, as well as weather, visibility, vehicle speed, and road curvature and contour. The driver no longer needs to activate the correct beam for driving conditions because everything is done automatically, allowing the driver to focus on the road.

LED’s have had a dramatic aesthetic impact on vehicle lighting. They can be arranged in countless configurations and combined with reflectors and filters to produce awe inspiring effects. Because they are now manufactured in large quantities they can be found on both inexpensive and luxury vehicles, and are expected to eventually surpass the use of HID headlamps.

Dodge Truck Rear Axle Could Seize

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Chrysler will be contacting owners of certain 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2009-2010 Dodge Dakota trucks about a problem with the rear axle pinion nut. Because of a lack of adhesive, the nut could loosen resulting in the rear axle locking up. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven the driver will experience a loss of control, increasing the chance of an accident. Chrysler will be contacting owners starting in November and dealers will secure the nut by installing a pinion nut retainer. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Teen Driving Safety

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Automobile accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States. Statistics show that in 2010, approximately 2,700 teens were killed and almost 282,000 were treated for injuries, giving them the highest average annual crash and traffic violation rates of any other age group. What causes teenage drivers to be such risky drivers? According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there are several risk factors. They include:

  • Poor hazard detection
  • Low risk perception
  • Higher risk taking
  • Lack of seat belt use
  • Lack of skill
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Distractions
  • Carrying passengers
  • Night driving

The NHTSA believes there are proven methods to help teens become safer drivers, and have developed strategies to prevent motor vehicle related deaths and injuries. In July 1998, California enacted a new law that requires all new teen drivers to obtain drivers licenses through a three-step process. Research suggests that these graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programs can reduce accidents by up to 40%, by allowing teens to get their initial driving experience under low risk conditions. Under the program, step one includes:

  • The student must drive with an adult over 25 years of age or with a licensed instructor.
  • New drivers must complete a 6 hour drivers training course.
  • He or she must keep a clean driving record.
  • A zero tolerance towards alcohol must be followed.
  • Effective July 2008, a ban on all devices, with or without hands free capability, must be followed by drivers under 18 years.

Once the student is ready to move on to the second step, they will receive a provisional license. Under the provisional license the driver must be older than 16 and have passed a behind the wheel driving test. For the first 12 months, or until the driver is 18, they are not allowed passengers under the age of 20 or to drive between the hours of 11 P.M. – 5 A.M. unless a licensed driver 25 years or older is present.

A full-privilege license may be granted after the driver successfully undergoes the first two steps for the proper amount of time and there are no outstanding DMV or court-ordered restrictions, suspensions, or probation’s on the driver’s record. The NHTSA encourages parents to work with their teenagers and monitor their driving to ensure their safety and the safety of everyone on the road.

Mercedes Benz Potential Engine Fires

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According to Mercedes-Benz, in house testing to replicate a worst case scenario frontal crash, has uncovered a problem that could result in an engine fire. Testing of certain 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012, showed that if the air conditioner refrigerant line should rupture, the gaseous mixture released into the engine compartment could ignite and quickly spread. Mercedes will be asking owners of these vehicles to bring them in to have the refrigerant and all associated lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

BMW Possible Engine Failure

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BMW will be contacting drivers of certain 2013 BMW M5 and 2013 BMW M6 coupe and convertibles high performance vehicles with twin turbocharged V8 engines. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles may be equipped with an oil pump that may fail because of a problem with the manufacturing process. The oil pump drive shaft could separate from the rotor starving the engine of oil. If the vehicle is not pulled over immediately, the engine will overheat and eventually seize. BMW will be notifying customers of the the problem starting this month, and will replace the oil pump free of charge. Owners wanting more information may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

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