The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into a May 7th fatal crash involving a Tesla electric car. At the time of the accident, it is believed that the “Autopilot” was controlling the vehicle while the driver was distracted. Witnessed say the driver of the car may have been watching a movie when the collision happened. Continue reading
Recall Rental Law Protects Drivers From Safety Defects
On December 4, 2015 President Obama signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act (Pub. L. No. 114-94) into law. Although the federal act focuses primarily on maintaining infrastructure, a major provision within the regulations includes rules affecting automobile rental companies. The legislation was championed by the family of Raechel and Jacqueline Houck, sisters who died in a rental vehicle that was under a safety recall that had not been repaired.
Beginning June 1, 2016, any company or dealer with fleets greater than 35 will be prohibited from renting vehicles with recalls until the problem has been fixed. Although the bill passed with the support of the rental car industry and the input of the American Car Rental Association, smaller independent companies question how the bill will affect their business. Often, automakers will announce a recall without a timeline for repairs or parts, leaving some fleets with cars parked for a potentially long time. Continue reading
Chrysler Recalls Vehicles For Unexpected Rollaway
An investigation into gear shifters problems, suspected to be linked to the death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, has been closed by the NHTSA following a recall issued by Chrysler. The vehicles affected are equipped with an 8 speed transmission and a monostable gear selector and include:
- 2012-2014 Chrysler 300
- 2012-2014 Dodge Charger
- 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
According to the defect report, drivers may not be adequately alerted when they exit the vehicle and the transmission is not in the “Park” position. Drivers could be struck and injured if they get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged. Continue reading
2016 Mercedez Benz AMG GT S Loss Of Engine Power
Delaimer has decided that a problem affecting powertrain safety exists in certain 2016 Mercedez Benz AMG GT S vehicles. According to the defect report, the strength of the adhesive between the drive shaft and the flange might be compromised due to insufficient cleaning of the respective bonding surfaces. The carbon fiber driveshaft could separate from the flange and spin, resulting in loss of traction between the engine and transmission. Drivers will experience loss of motive power.
Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the carbon driveshaft inspected and replace as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308.
2016 Mercedes Benz SLK300 – Change In Rear Wheel Alignment
Mercedes Benz (MBUSA) will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 SLK300 cars about a problem affecting the rear wheel suspension. Excessive etching of the locknut between the tie rod and wheel carrier could result in loosening of the screw connection. Although the connection will not completely separate, the reduced tension force may lead to a change of alignment and independent steering of the rear axle. Continue reading
2014 Maserati Ghibli & Quattroporte Misleading Transmission Indication
Maserati will be notifying the owners of certain 2014 Ghibli and Quattroporte vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, about a safety problem affecting the powertrain system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the vehicles were manufactured with a gear shift lever which could mislead drivers into believing their transmission is in “Park”. The problem could result in the vehicle unexpectedly rolling away. Continue reading
Infiniti Q50 Loss Of Steering Responsiveness And Turning Radius
Nissan North America will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 and 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid‘s about a problem that could diminish the responsiveness of the steering. The vehicles affected are equipped with an optional DAS (steer-by-wire) system. Continue reading
2016 Hyundai Tucson Hood Could Unexpectedly Open
Hyundai will be asking the owners of certain 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair a problem that could cause a dangerous driving situation. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the secondary hood latch may not adequately secure the hood. If the primary hood latch has been inadvertently released while the vehicle is being driven, the hood could unexpectedly open. Continue reading
