Category: Auto Defects

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into air brake systems in semi-trucks that are reportedly causing fires.

According to a news report, in a July 16 NHTSA notice, the agency confirmed it has launched a probe into Haldex Gold Seal GC3030LCW air brake chambers installed in model year 2015 to 2020 trucks.

The investigation was launched after complaints of air loss resulting in multiple vehicle fires. …Read the rest »

Ford Motor Company is recalling about 675,000 Ford Explorer SUVs because of concerns that the rear suspension could fracture and potentially cause in a crash.

According to Consumer Reports, the recall includes vehicles from the 2013 to 2017 model years. The fracture of the suspension could be triggered by a cross-axis ball joint that seizes, causing a rear suspension link to crack.

If the component breaks apart it could compromise the vehicle’s steering, putting drivers, passengers, and other road users in danger. …Read the rest »

Hyundai and Kia are recalling 37,327 vehicles to address a problem with the fuel pump and fuel rail, which could pose the danger of a fire.

According to Consumer Reports, the recalled vehicles include Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonatas, as well as Kia Sorento and K5 SUVs and sedans from the 2021 and 2022 model years.

A faulty fuel pipe connection could cause a blaze to break out within the car. …Read the rest »

General Motors announced this week that two recent Chevy Bolt EV fires occurred in vehicles that had already received a fix meant to prevent the battery pack from igniting.

The discovery of a battery fire hazard forced the company into a recall last year. But according to a report on The Verge.com, the latest news has raised questions about the recall and sparked fears that the fix was not effective.

In the meantime, the automaker is warning owners of the 2017-2019 model year Bolts not to charge the electric cars overnight and to park them outside in case they catch fire. …Read the rest »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered automakers to report any crashes involving vehicles that are fully or partially automated.

According to a report in the Associated Press, this move by NHTSA indicates that the agency is taking a tougher stance on automated vehicle safety than in the past. So far, the watchdog has been reluctant to issue any new regulations of the new technology over fears that it could hamper the adoption of these modern systems, which are often viewed as the way of the future.

But this new step will help to ensure self-driving vehicles are safe enough to be on the road. …Read the rest »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into an incident where a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid sedan caught fire in Haverford, Pennsylvania when its owner was at the wheel.

According to news reports, the vehicle owner became trapped inside as the blaze broke out, but managed to escape. An investigation has been launched into this potentially lethal fault. …Read the rest »

General Motors is recalling more than 400,000 pickup trucks in the United States because the side airbags could explode without warning and send parts flying in the cabin.

According to an Associated Press news report, the recall covers 410,019 trucks. There are concerns that the roof-rail airbag inflator may deploy without a collision occurring, prompted by a series of accident reports.

This could propel parts into the cabin at high speeds, putting drivers and passengers at risk of major injury. …Read the rest »

Mazda is recalling about 260,000 Mazda 3 sedans and hatchbacks from the 2004-2007 model years over concerns that the airbag deployment could cause the steering wheel logo emblem to shatter, spraying the driver with fragments that could cause serious injuries.

As with most vehicle models, the manufacturer logo is set into the center of the steering wheel. But the faulty material can cause the badge to break apart into sharp slivers when the airbag explodes from within the wheel.

According to Consumer Reports, this recall comes after eight incidents that have been documented outside the United States. There are two lawsuits in the U.S. alleging related injuries. …Read the rest »

A California family that lost a 15-year-old boy when a Tesla hit its pickup truck is suing the automaker, claiming that its Autopilot system was partly responsible for the fatal collision.

According to a report in The New York Times, Benjamin Maldonado and his teen son were heading back from a soccer tournament on a California freeway in August 2019 when a truck slowed down in front of them.

Maldonado flicked his turn signal and moved right and within seconds, his Ford Explorer SUV was struck by a Tesla Model 3 going about 60 mph on Autopilot. …Read the rest »

Audi is recalling more than 62,000 vehicles for defective driver’s-side Takata airbags that could cause serious or even fatal injuries to vehicle occupants.

According to Consumer Reports, the recalled vehicles have faulty driver’s-side airbag inflators that might not work properly due to excessive moisture. In the event of a crash, the airbags may not deploy properly or deploy with too much force, both of which could cause serious or fatal injuries. …Read the rest »