Issues

Company Involved in G.M. Recall Said the Problem Runs Deeper

June 15, 2010

When General Motors recalled almost 1.4 million 2006-9 vehicles this week, the company said a system that heated the windshield-washer fluid could cause fires, even in vehicles that were turned off. As part of the recall, G.M. said it would remove the system.

But the company that made the system said it was not to blame and warned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last year, in response to an earlier recall, that even after G.M.’s fix, owners remained at risk from fires because it believed the electrical system in the vehicles was flawed.

Before Toyota, There Was Ford-Firestone

May 25, 2010

 

by Myron Levin
FairWarning.Org

4/13/10

Click here for the full article

Nearly a decade before Toyota and sudden acceleration, there was Ford-Firestone, a scandal of similar proportions.

Obama seeks fuel efficiency standards for large trucks

May 25, 2010

detnews.com

May 22, 2010

By David Shephardson

Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign, said "a tough new rule" is needed "that breaks our addiction to oil." He expects tough negotiations between automakers and California….

Chrysler & NHTSA Secret Agreement not to Recall Minivan for Latch Failure

May 18, 2010

Click here to view the agreement.

Toyota Steering Relay Rod Failure Recall

May 11, 2010

Toyota Subpoenaed on Steering Flaws – 7/20/10

NHTSA opens Timeliness Query TQ10-004 re: 05V-389 Toyota 4Runners and T100s

05V-389 Part 573: Defect Information Report

NHTSA Fines APC $650,000

May 10, 2010

On April 22, 2003 NHTSA and American Products Company (APC) entered into a settlement agreement of $650,000 related to APC lamp assemblies’ failure to conform to FMVSS 108, APC’s failure to provide the requisite notifications in regard to these assemblies, and APC’s failure to provide full and accurate responses to NHTSA information requests.

Click here to view the settlement agreement.

NHTSA fines NexL $100,000

May 10, 2010

On September 16, 2004, NHTSA and NexL Sports Products LLC entered into a $100,000 settlement agreement related to NexL’s failure to bring motorcycle helmets into compliance with FMVSS No. 218.

Click here to view the settlement agreement.

NHTSA fines Takata $50,000

May 10, 2010

On January 10, 1997, NHTSA fined the Takata Corporation in the amount of $50,000 for failure to recall seat belt buckles in a timely manner. 

Click here to view the settlement letter.

NHTSA fines Chrysler $95,000

May 10, 2010

On January 2, 2001, DaimlerChrysler Corporation and NHTSA entered a settlement agreement in the amount of $95,000 related to NHTSA’s investigation into Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114 Compliance by model year 1996-2000 vehicles.

Click here to view the settlement agreement.

Ford fined $50,000 by NHTSA

May 10, 2010

On March 16, 1998, Ford Motor Company and NHTSA agreed to a $50,000 civil penalty settlement regarding Recall Query RQ97-001.  The complete text of the penalty agreement may be found here.