Auto Defects
One-fifth of inspected commercial vehicles in Texas deemed unsafe
November 18, 2011
Unsafe Buses Run Until Fatal Crashes After U.S. Inaction
By Jeff Plungis – Oct 4, 2011
When executives of Sky Express Inc. met with U.S. bus-safety regulators for an audit in March, the problems were clear even in the rough English of records translated from Chinese.
One driver worked 11 consecutive days without a rest period, according to audit documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Four of 10 drivers couldn’t understand enough English to identify their employer. An insulin-dependent driver made a 938-mile run without medical clearance. All those infractions violated U.S. law.
2004-05 Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey Transmission Problems
Ford Minivans Investigated for Transmission Failure, NY Times, 11-19-09
NHTSA EA09-016 Investigation Opening Resume, 11-10-09
Class Action Complaint, 6-8-10
Car Owners Upset About Bad Paint Jobs
Dorese Ramsey, Midlothian mother of five, needed a combination of form and function when she was shopping for a vehicle three years ago.
She decided on a used white Ford Expedition, the same kind model her husband drives.
Ford Minivans Investigated for Transmission Failure
By CHRISTOPHER JENSEN
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has intensified its investigation into transmission failures on about 205,000 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans from the 2004-2005 model years.
The agency began a preliminary evaluation in July, saying it had received 178 complaints from owners about transmission failure. Some cases resulted “in a sudden loss of vehicle propulsion.”
Service Campaigns
News and Information
Why Auto Repair Bulletins Aren’t on Regulators’ Web Site
Letter from NHTSA to U.S. Rep Chris Van Hollen Promising Service Campaign Bulletin Disclosure
Honda Odometer Settlement
Statement by American Honda Regarding Automatic Transmission Control Module Software Recall: 2005-2010 Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element
Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.5 million vehicles in the U.S. to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. Certain 2005-2010 4-cylinder Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element vehicles will be included in the voluntary recall.
Statement on Failure to Pass Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010
by Clarence Ditlow, Executive Director Center for Auto Safety
With highway deaths once again rising after a 4-year downturn, Congress’ failure to pass the Motor Vehicle Safety Act is a public healthtragedy. In a year that began with runaway Toyota’s & ended with Windstar rear axle fractures, one thing is clear – NHTSA does not have the authority or resources to stand up to an auto industry that always has and always will place profits above safety.
Statement on Failure to Pass Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010 by Clarence M. Ditlow, Executive Director, Center for Auto Safety
With highway deaths once again rising after a 4-year downturn, Congress’ failure to pass the Motor Vehicle Safety Act is a public health tragedy. In a year that began with runaway Toyota’s & ended with Windstar rear axle fractures, one thing is clear – NHTSA does not have the authority or resources to stand up to an auto industry that always has and always will place profits above safety.