Difficult steering in BMW’s 2004-2005 Mini Cooper has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade its investigation to include almost 60,000 vehicles. The investigation began last fall with over 500 complaints filed with the NHTSA, and 4,500 warranty claims with BMW. Among the complaints were allegations of five minor crashes, three of which resulted in a fire. The suspect part is a malfunctioning cooling fan which causes an under voltage condition in the power steering electrical system. Drivers have complained about loss of power assist making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, and the inability to restart the vehicle because of a drained battery. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 200,000 Minis built between 2001-2007 could be involved.
Tag Archives: NHTSA investigation
Honda CR-V Vehicles Experience Headlight Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened up an investigation into Honda’s 2002-2004 CR-V models. There have been 12 reports from consumers alleging that the low beam head lights stopped working at the same time. Several of the complaints reported that the headlight switch and its wiring harness connector needed to be replaced due to overheating damage.
Last September, the NHTSA opened up an investigation for similar problems with Honda’s 2007-2008 Fit vehicles. In December, the investigation lead to a recall. The problem was blamed on an error during installation where the wires were pulled tighter than indended. After repeated use of the headlight switch, a terminal on the switch could become worn leading to the oxidation and low conductivity.
GM Investigates Faulty Fuel Gauges On SUVs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started an investigation into over 850,000 General Motors SUV’s after receiving complaints of inaccurate fuel gauges. Of the 668 complaints received, 58 said that their vehicle ran out of fuel even though the fuel gauge said there was still fuel in the tank. The vehicles involved in this investigation include:
- 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2005-2007 G.M.C. Envoy
- 2005-2007 Buick Rainier
- 2005-2007 Saab 9-7x
Corrosion Investigation For Nissan And Infiniti
>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into 1996-2004 Nissan Pathfinders and 1997-2003 Infiniti QX4 vehicles over corrosion issues. There have been 35 reports of failure of the front suspension with over half of the complaints saying that steering control was affected. If the investigation should lead to a recall, over 400,000 Pathfinders and QX4 vehicles could be recalled.
