Defect Investigations

Safety data a trade secret?

 

 

 

David Lazarus
San Francisco Chronicle
1/7/07

Before you buy a car, would you want to know how many complaints people had made to the manufacturer about defects, or how many warranty claims had been paid, or how many dealers had reported problems with the vehicle?

Federal law says you have a right to such info. But the Bush administration and the auto industry are quietly trying to change that.

Defect Investigations Category Description

The Center for Auto Safety works tirelessly to ensure that you, the consumer, are aware of government defect investigations that may protect you in a collision and save you money on vehicle repairs.

Ford Says to Check Steering on Trucks

Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Christopher Jensen
Plain Dealer Auto Editor

Ford has sent letters to millions of owners of its most popular trucks emphasizing the importance of regularly inspecting the tie rods, crucial steering components investigated in 1998 by the federal government for a possible safety defect.

Technology Puts Unintended Acceleration Back in Spotlight

By Jayne O’Donnell and David Kiley, USA TODAY

Again, NHTSA Probes Sudden Acceleration – March 22, 2004

By Harry Stoffer
Automotive News / March 22, 2004