Source: Washington Post Federal authorities levied a record $70 million fine on Honda Motor Co. on Thursday for its failure to report more than 1,700 deaths and injuries in its vehicles. “Today’s announcement sends a very clear message to the entire industry that manufacturers have responsibility for the complete and timely reporting of this critical…
DetailsThe Takata exploding airbag defect has elevated to crisis level and now it has come to light that both Honda and Takata had knowledge of this defect for a decade, and yet recalled vehicles are still on the road even today. As investigation into the defect continues, it is apparent that Honda may have under-reported…
DetailsHonda’s Missed Opportunities, Inaction Led to Deadly Consequences. Orlando, FL – (November 17, 2014) – The Didier Law Firm filed a 174-page civil lawsuit today on behalf of the family of Hien Tran, the Orlando woman who died after her airbag exploded upon deployment in an accident on September 29th. Hien Tran’s death was originally…
DetailsGM has recalled 2.6 million vehicles since February because of a faulty ignition switch that may allow the key to unintentionally move or switch to the “accessory” or “off” position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle. The recall includes Chevy Cobalts and HHRs, Pontiac G5s, Pursuits and Solstices…
DetailsFrom all the vehicle safety recalls that get reported on the nightly news, you might think that cars and trucks are becoming more dangerous. The number of recalls has risen in each decade since the first federal auto safety law was enacted in 1966. The population of cars and light trucks recalled in a given…
DetailsU.S. auto safety regulators have decided not to open a formal investigation into the Oct. 2 fire that damaged a Tesla electric car near Seattle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday there’s no indication at this time that the fire was caused by a safety defect or that there was any violation of…
DetailsWriting in Forbes in September, 1958, John D. Williams, a mathematician at the RAND Corporation, suggested the U.S. was getting a little carried away with its interest in auto safety. “I am sure that there is, in effect, a desirable level of automobile accidents — desirable, that is, from a broad point of view; in…
DetailsNew systems come as company lags rivals on old-school features Toyota Motor Corp. is forging ahead on advanced safety systems, even as it falls behind rivals on more mundane crash-protection technology. A week after receiving only marginal ratings in a critical new crash test for its Corolla small car, Toyota outlined plans to introduce by…
DetailsThe big, black Mercedes-Benz is going 70 on the 101 Freeway making minor steering adjustments to hold the lane. I have taken my hands off the steering wheel. A computer is driving. After maybe 10 seconds, the steering wheel icon on the dash turns bright red, as if to say: Dude! Hands back at 10…
DetailsToyota Motor Corp. is recalling about 780,000 crossovers and hybrid sedans for a second time to fix looseness on rear-suspension lower arms that could cause the threads to rust and wear out, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The recall covers 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrids and 2006-11 Toyota RAV4 crossovers. The original recall…
DetailsAfter initially defying federal regulators, Chrysler abruptly agreed Tuesday to recall some older-model Jeeps with fuel tanks that could rupture and cause fires in rear-end collisions. But the recall, which came in an 11th-hour deal between the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, covers only 1.56 million of the 2.7 million Jeeps that…
DetailsThe average medical claim from a motorcycle crash rose by more than one-fifth last year in Michigan after the state stopped requiring all riders to wear helmets, according to an insurance industry study. For more than 40 years, Michigan required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. State legislators changed the law last year so that…
DetailsAs concerns have intensified about driver distraction from electronic gadgets, automakers have increasingly introduced voice-activated systems that allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. But a new study says that the most advanced of these systems actually create a different, and worse, safety risk, by taking a driver’s…
DetailsU.S. auto safety investigators are investigating whether Honda Motor Co. should recall 320,000 minivans for air bag problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is opening a preliminary investigation into whether 320,000 2003-04 Honda Odyssey minivans should be recalled. NHTSA has received six consumer complaints on 2003-04 Honda Odyssey vehicles from owners alleging…
DetailsIn an effort to provide more relevant and useful vehicle safety ratings for specific audiences, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing two new safety ratings geared toward older drivers and families. In a posting to its website, the NHTSA said it is considering updating the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and is…
DetailsAs the summer driving season gets under way, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is again reminding all 15-passenger van users to take appropriate precautions to guard against the possibility of a tragic rollover crash. Recognizing that 15-passenger vans are particularly sensitive to loading, the agency warns users never to overload these vehicles under…
DetailsBehind a podium, near the steps of Capitol Hill, Florida resident Ellen Adams spoke about the day her life changed forever. On September 9, 2003, Ellen’s husband Matthew accidentally backed over their one-year-old daughter Ashleigh when she wandered behind his car as he backed out of the family driveway. Sadly, the tragedy wouldn’t end there…
DetailsWhen you head out to buy a new car, what is the first thing you consider? Price? Performance? For many consumers, when selecting a new car, safety is definitely a big concern but with high prices at the pumps holding steady over the last few years, gas mileage is by far at the top of…
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