The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) have opened an investigation (PE16-003) into brake fluid leaks in certain 2013- 2014 Ford F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L engines. There have been approximately 35 driver reports of reduced braking due to brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder into the brake booster. The complaints allege symptoms of brake pedal going to the floor with complete loss of brake effectiveness, an illuminated brake warning lamp, and/or low or empty master cylinder reservoir fluid level with no visible leakage. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Safety Investigation
Newer Model Vehicles Affected by Defective Takata Airbags
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
Are Recall Delays Affecting Your Vehicles Safety?
With record recalls in the past few years, part shortages have owners concerned that they may be driving vehicles that could potentially harm them. Part of the challenge is that companies send defect notices to drivers before parts are available and will send a second notice when the parts are obtained, but according to consumer advocate Rosemary Shahan, even when parts do become available, limited repair facilities and a shortage of technicians are making it difficult to get the repairs done quickly. She says automobile manufacturers are not doing enough to help consumers.
In the above video, a CBS Sacramento investigation tells you what you can do if you have to wait for recall repairs.
Fiat Chrysler Investigated For Recall Deficiencies
In October 2014, the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an audit query to investigate the delays of recall campaigns 13V-528 and 13V-529, after owners complained about difficulty obtaining service appointments and part availability issues. The NHTSA experienced additional concerns with the administration, execution, and pace of an additional 22 safety recalls as a result of complaints from vehicle owners involving part availability issues, lack of notification, and misinformation from dealers. Continue reading
NHTSA Promises To More Aggressively Enforce Auto Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have revealed their plans to more aggressively enforce automobile safety after admitting to missing signs of ignition problems affecting millions of GM vehicles. The Administration will be using a team of auto safety system experts who will spend a year advising the NHTSA about implementing new reforms to strengthen its investigation processes, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. Continue reading
Jeep & Dodge SUVs Investigated For Repeated Electrical Problem
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, an investigation has been opened to examine the effectiveness of a recall repair affecting certain 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.
On July 1st, 2014 Chrysler issued safety recall 14V-391 (Recall #9) to remedy a wiring related fire hazard in which an electrical short in the vanity lamp wiring in the sun visors could overheat and ignite. The Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has received 8 reports of fires occurring after the remedy was installed. Some occupants report smoke, sometimes followed by flames, coming from the headliner. If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 661,888 SUVs could be affected.
NHTSA Investigates Ford Super Duty Trucks
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
2011 Mazda CX-9 Investigated For Poor Brake Performance
The NHTSA have opened a preliminary evaluation (PE14-005) into certain 2010-2011 Mazda CX-9 vehicles. The NHTSA has already received seven reports from divers alleging symptoms of hard brake pedal feel, audible hissing noised during braking, and reduced brake system performance. Continue reading
