News on Automotive Safety

U.S. investigators look at welds on Chevy Volt: memo

2011-12-07T18:30:08Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulators are examining welding as part of their investigation into battery fires in Chevy Volts that could lead to a recall for the plug-in car.

The DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co is closing in on a package of proposed fixes for the Chevrolet Volt battery pack that engineers believe would e...

GM nears possible Volt battery fix - sources

2011-12-06T21:00:34Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co is closing in on a package of proposed fixes for the Chevrolet Volt battery pack that engineers believe ...

GM explores Volt battery design changes

2011-12-02T12:30:29Z

December 2 - General Motors Co is exploring design changes to the Chevrolet Volt battery to address issues raised after federal safety officials opened a probe into the plug-in electric car, a top executive said on Friday.

"We are looking to say, 'Are there some design chan...

Honda recalls 304,035 cars globally due to faulty air bag

2011-12-01T23:30:41Z

TOKYO (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co said on Friday that it is recalling 304,035 cars globally after finding the models were equipped with air bags that could burst due to faulty inflators.

(Reporting by Mayum...

GM may redesign Volt battery, CEO says

2011-12-01T11:30:31Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Motors Co may redesign the battery for its Chevrolet Volt to address issues raised after federal officials opened a safety probe into the plug-in electric car, GM's c...

GM offers Volt owners loaner cars during probe

2011-11-28T12:30:23Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co said on Monday that it will offer loaner vehicles to more than 5,000 owners of its Chevrolet Volt as it works w...

GM provides Volt drivers cars during probe

2011-11-28T11:00:34Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co will allow Chevrolet Volt owners to drive other GM vehicles while U.S. regulators investigate the ...

More Chevy Volt battery fires lead to US probe

2011-11-26T05:30:20Z

US federal regulators have launched a formal safety defect investigation of the Chevrolet Volt after new battery fires in tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

Earlier this month, US officials said they had launched an...

U.S. opening formal probe into GM Volt fire risk

2011-11-25T16:30:10Z

(Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulators are opening a formal investigation into fire risks in General Motors' Volt vehicles, the Nat...

U.S. probes GM Chevy Volt batteries after fire

2011-11-11T11:30:13Z

(Reuters) - A fire involving a General Motors Co Chevy Volt has prompted a U.S. government safety investigation of batteries used to power electric vehicles.

The Reuters) - U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation into an estimated 36,000 Mini subcompact cars after receiving 12 complaints about engine compartment fires.

The probe involves BMW AG's Mini Cooper S cars from model years 2007 and ...

KIA Sportage Offers Power, Value

2011-10-18T07:30:05Z

Crossover competes well in crowded marketplace

KIA Sportage Offers Power, Value

By Jim Bray
TechnoFile.com

KIA's Sportage small SUV/CUV has taken a big leap forward with its current incarnation, going from being kind of the ugly stepsister in its niche to a handsome and competitive choice.

I never drove the old model, but after spending a ...

Overcoming America's lost decade of IT security

2011-10-11T04:30:11Z

An overreliance on compliance and limited information sharing between the federal government and the private sector have resulted in attackers holding a firm edge over security professionals. How do we take back a decade of losing?

Let's be honest, the information security industry has lost tremendous ground over the last decade.

In spite of the new offerings from the same vendors every year, the security products that are the mainstay of enterprise IT envi...

Over 800,000 vehicles recalled in U.S. last week

2011-09-19T12:30:09Z

(Reuters) - Automakers, including Hyundai Motor Co and Subaru recalled more than 800,000 cars and trucks last week for defects including faulty airbags, according to federal regulators.

Separately, the Reuters) - U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation into warranty claims regarding the brake effectiveness of a 2008 Mazda Motor Corp sport utility vehicle.

The probe deals with leaking brake fluid that could degrade the brakes of 2008 m...

NHTSA probes BMW 7-series cars for roll-away issue

2011-08-09T06:30:14Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Safety regulators have opened an investigation into an estimated 120,000 BMW 7-Series sedans for a potential issue with the car not shifting into park and then rolling away.

The DETROIT (Reuters) - Auto safety regulators have opened preliminary investigations into new Ford Motor Co Mustangs with manual transmissions for possible shifting problems and diesel Volkswagen ...

Ford recalls up to 1.2 million trucks in US, Canada

2011-08-01T19:30:31Z

Ford is recalling up to 1.22 million older pickup trucks due to a problem which could cause fuel leaks and a risk of fire, the company and US car-safety regulators announced on Monday.

"Prolonged exposure to road deicing chemicals may cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps which secure the tank to the vehicle," the National Highway Traffic Safety Adm...

Ford recalls 1.2 million pickups for corrosion issue

2011-08-01T13:30:16Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co said on Monday it is recalling 1.22 million older pickup trucks in the United States and Canada to replace stra...

Nissan recalls about 20,000 Altima sedans in the U.S.

2011-08-01T07:30:27Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co Ltd said it will recall about 20,000 Altima sedans to fix a potential problem that could lead to steering difficulties and cause accidents, according to DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC has recalled 11,351 vehicles for a possible missing or incorrectly installed part that could compromise the steering column's performance in an accident, potentially increasing the risk of injury for the driver.

Some of the 2011...

Chrysler recalls 11,000 vehicles for steering issue

2011-06-16T06:30:10Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC has recalled 11,351 vehicles for a possible missing or incorrectly installed part that could result in loss of steering capability and increase the risk of a crash.

Some of the 2011 model-year vehicles were built with a missing ...

Design, technology changes boost SUV safety in U.S.

2011-06-09T09:30:30Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Sport utility vehicles are emerging from a long period of scrutiny with design and other changes that have markedly improved safety.

Influenced by deadly Ford Explorer rollovers linked to defective Firestone tires a decade ago, SUVs now sit lower on car...

Ford Freestyle vehicle in safety investigation

2011-05-16T09:00:16Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. safety regulators are investigating reports that the Ford Motor Co crossover SUV Freestyle lunges forward or backward unexpectedly, according to a posting on the regulator's w...

U.S. upgrades BMW Mini probe over steering complaints

2011-05-09T07:30:08Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Safety regulators have upgraded an investigation into almost 60,000 BMW Mini cars for a potential steering problem associated with five minor crashes.

The Nat...

Ford F-150 truck probe expands to 2.7 million

2011-05-09T07:01:37Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. safety regulators said they have expanded to 2.7 million vehicles an investigation into the possibility that straps holding fuel tanks can rust and break on Ford Motor Co F-150 pickup...

NHTSA opens three probes into Ford, GM, Honda

2011-05-02T12:01:21Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Federal safety regulators have opened a probe into some Ford Motor Co SUVs due to complaints that the liftgate windows can shatter without warning and are also looking at some GM and DETROIT (Reuters) - Federal regulators are investigating 865,000 General Motors Co sport utility vehicles for potential faulty fuel gauges that could mistakenly tell drivers their vehicles have more gas than they do.

The Reuters Life!) - Children still too young to walk are finding ways to wriggle out of protective car restraints and are increasing their risk of serious injuries, a study shows.

Researchers at Yale University's School of Medicine found some children as young as 12 months ca...

Toyota to recall 333,000 SUVs for airbag risk

2011-04-21T18:00:08Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said on Thursday it would recall about 333,000 RAV4 and DETROIT (Reuters) - Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz is recalling 136,750 M-Class and M-Class AMG vehicles in the

New Explorer Covers New Territory for Ford

2011-03-05T10:30:06Z

Big SUV gets major overhaul for 2011

New Explorer Covers New Territory for Ford

By Jim Bray
TechnoFile.com

Quebec, Canada – It bristles with high tech new features, and Ford is hoping ...

Ford recalls 144,000 F-150 trucks for airbag risk

2011-02-23T15:00:09Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co said it would recall about 144,000 F-150 models in the United States and DETROIT (Reuters) - U.S. safety regulators have opened an investigation into consumer complaints that model year 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid SUVs stall while driving.

"The complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with all but one received within the past year," the

Government to release review of Toyota throttles

2011-02-07T17:30:10Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration will release on Tuesday the findings of its long awaited review of Toyota Motor Corp's electronic throttles over complaints of unintended acceleration.

The Transportation Department said in the ear...

Ford recalls 363,000 F-150 trucks

2011-02-03T08:00:10Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co is recalling nearly 363,000 F-150 pickup trucks in North America because of a potential problem with the door handle...

Ford recalls 281,000 F-150 trucks in U.S.

2011-02-03T07:00:55Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co is recalling nearly 281,000 F-150 pickup trucks in the United States because of a potential problem with the door ha...

Next Gen Minivan a Honda You Odyssey

2011-01-22T09:30:08Z

New for 2011, Honda raises the minivan bar

Next Gen Minivan a Honda You Odyssey

By Jim Bray
TechnoFile.com

Minivans are the Rodney Dangerfield of the automotive industry: they get no, or little at least, re...

CDC: Seat belt use reaches 85 percent

2011-01-04T09:30:14Z

About 6 in 7 adult drivers buckle up; CDC credits the increase with preventing injuries

Nearly six in seven U.S. adults now wear seat belts, an increase in driver safety that health officials say has helped cut motor vehicle deaths and injuries.

About 85 percent of adults said they wear seat belts in a 2008 survey, up from under 81 percent in 2002. Only 11 percent wore them in 1982, before the first state law requiring seat belt use.

The <...

Chrysler recalls more than 144,000 vehicles: NHTSA

2010-12-30T12:30:34Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC, the automaker managed by Italy's Fiat SpA, recalled more than 144,000 vehicles in three separate filings to federal regulators pos...

Ford recalls F-series pickups, Edge, Lincoln MKX

2010-12-30T06:30:26Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co is recalling 14,737 new vehicles including its biggest seller, the F-series pickup truck, due to the chance than an electrical short could cause a fire, U.S. federal regulators said on Thursday.

Ford will inform owners of its F-serie...

Sensor mat issue prompts GM Cadillac recall

2010-12-23T09:00:16Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co is recalling 109,000 Cadillac CTS cars worldwide for the model years 2005 to 2007 because a mat under the seat that senses the fro...

A list of the insurance industry's safest new cars

2010-12-22T02:00:18Z

The insurance industry's top safety pick winners for the 2011 model year

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized 66 vehicles as winners of their top safety pick award for the 2011 model year. The award honors vehicles for their ability to protect motorists in front, side, rear and rollover crashes. The vehicles must have anti-rollo...

Hyundai, VW top insurance industry safe car list

2010-12-22T02:00:14Z

Hyundai-Kia, Volkswagen win most 'top safety pick' awards from insurance industry group

South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia and German car maker Volkswagen lead the insurance industry's annual list of the safest new vehicles, used by safety-minded consumers looking to buy a new car.

The Toyota to pay a record $32.4M in additional fines for handling of safety recalls

Toyota Motor Corp. has agreed to pay the U.S. government a record $32.4 million in additional fines to settle an investigation into its handling of two recalls at the heart of its safety crisis.

The civil penalties will settle investigations into how Toyota dealt with recalls over accele...

Chrysler recalls 367,000 vans for airbag risk

2010-12-15T11:00:35Z

DETROIT (Reuters) - Chrysler Group LLC is recalling over 367,000 minivans because of the risk that a water leak in the air conditioning system could trigger the airbags, risking injury to passengers.

Chrysler said it had received reports of five minor injuries relate...

Drug Use Among Fatally Injured Drivers Has In...

2010-11-30T12:37:09Z

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Copy-cat car bumpers prove dangerous in Ford tests

2010-11-30T12:37:45Z

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2006 Honda CR-V and 2007 Kia Optima investigated for possible defects

2010-11-29T14:34:33Z

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Mazda prices 2012 Mazda 5 from $19,990

2010-11-29T14:30:38Z

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Mazda prices 2012 Mazda5 from $19,990

2010-11-29T14:30:38Z

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U.S. reviews safety records of car rental agencies

2010-11-29T14:34:58Z

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List of Mitsubishi Car Models

2010-11-30T12:37:52Z

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Government opens up investigation into Honda Accord Hybrid

2010-11-29T14:34:32Z

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NHTSA crash tests pickup trucks under the new, more rigorous ratings system

2010-11-29T14:34:32Z

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US examining auto rental fleet safety

2010-11-22T12:51:31Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulators want to know whether rental car agencies are making necessary repairs on rental fleets totaling nearly 3 million vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety ...

NHTSA reviews claim of Honda acceleration

2010-11-22T12:46:20Z

Federal investigators look into claims of unintended acceleration in a Honda Accord hybrid

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will decide whether to open a full-fledged investigation into possible acceleration problems with the Honda Accord gas-electric hybrid, according ...

NHTSA reviews incident of Honda acceleration

2010-11-29T14:41:10Z

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That whooshing sound could be a new Infiniti Hybrid coming at you

2010-11-29T14:34:31Z

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Has your SUV or minivan been recalled?

2010-11-29T14:29:29Z

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Car Buying Tips for a VIN Number Check

2010-11-29T14:36:59Z

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How Anti-Lock Brake Systems Help You Avoid an Accident

2010-11-29T14:29:24Z

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Ready for the hard winter predicted?

2010-11-29T14:34:55Z

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How to Test Vehicle Stopping Time

2010-11-29T14:43:02Z

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Chevrolet launches Cruze in Canada

2010-11-29T14:34:55Z

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BMW A Car For All Seasons

2010-11-29T14:52:45Z

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Distracted driving: Putting faces in front of the issue

2010-11-29T14:34:29Z

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How to Add Links to Snow Tire Chains

2010-11-29T14:36:49Z

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Ready for predicted hard winter?

2010-11-29T14:34:54Z

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Massachusetts Auto Inspection Checklist

2010-11-29T14:36:39Z

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Ready for the hard winter predicted...

2010-11-29T14:34:54Z

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How to Transport a Wheelchair in an Ambulance

2010-11-29T14:36:37Z

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NHTSA releases second batch of vehicle ratings under new system

2010-11-29T14:34:28Z

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GM recalls cars after fire reports

2010-11-29T14:34:53Z

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Diana Inquest Verdict

2010-11-30T13:50:38Z

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Reducing highway deaths: Major factors that continue to drive vehicle fatalities

2010-11-29T14:34:27Z

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High Tech? Why Tech?

2010-11-29T14:47:48Z

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What's new: 2011 Nissan Rogue

2010-11-29T14:34:52Z

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Inside Mercedes' technology centre

2010-11-29T14:34:52Z

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Safety tech likely to boost bottom lines

2010-11-29T14:33:59Z

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Mitsubishi teases a nav-less i-Miev electric car

2010-11-29T14:33:58Z

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Why U-Haul Will not Rent a Trailer for Towing by a Ford Explorer

2010-11-29T14:51:44Z

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L.A. auto show: Mitsubishi stretches the i-MiEV

2010-11-29T14:30:32Z

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Brake Line Corrosion Suspected in GM Trucks

2010-11-29T14:29:11Z

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NHTSA probes Dodge Caliber complaints

2010-11-29T14:56:48Z

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Honda posts quarterly profit

2010-11-29T14:56:48Z

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Toyota now faces 327 state federal lawsuits

2010-11-29T14:56:48Z

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NHTSA wants more auto recall power

2010-11-29T14:56:48Z

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Traffic Deaths

2010-09-09T11:00:15Z

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator David Strickland, right, accompanied byTransportation Secretary Ray LaHood speaks during a news conference at the Toyota Prius is parked at the Harrison, New York police station waiting to be tested by Toyota personnel and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Wednesday, March 17, 2...

Toyota Recall Safety

2010-06-25T20:09:45Z

National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 11, 2010, before the House Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection subcommittee hearing on NHTSA Oversight. (AP Photo/Harry Toyota, Kevin Haggerty, who experienced sudden unintended acceleration in a Toyota, Joan Claybrook, President Emeritus of Public Citizen and former administrator of the

Toyota Road to Recalls

2010-03-27T23:36:34Z

This undated handout photo provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows an example of an unsecured driver-side floor mat trapping the accelerator pedal in a 2007 Lexus ES350. President Barack Obama's administration was without a federal hi...