Issues

An American Auto Safety Tragedy

February 8, 2007

Click here to view “An American Auto Safety Tragedy”

Volvo Electronic Throttle Module Settlement Agreement

February 8, 2007

Click here to view the settlement agreement

Cops eye cruiser flaw in fatal crash

January 22, 2007

Crown Vic sometimes accelerated at random, Beverly chief says

By Paul Leighton and Amanda McGregor , Staff writer
Salem (MA) News, January 22, 2007

BEVERLY – The police cruiser that slammed into a parked car on Cabot Street
and killed a woman on Saturday had a history of problems with the
accelerator, according to police. Police Chief John Cassola said yesterday
that officers had complained about "random acceleration" problems with three

Safety data a trade secret?

January 9, 2007

 

 

 

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.

No wrench required

January 9, 2007

Bad throttle in your Volvo? Oil sludge in your Saab? Audi won’t start? Car owners are using the Internet to investigate and share their cars’ ailments, and, in some cases, prod manufacturers into addressing problems that might otherwise be dismissed as isolated incidents.

A woman from Milburn, N.J., was fearful of her new car — and said so on the website ConsumerAffairs.com.

TOYOTA DEAL: HERE COMES THE SLUDGE JUDGE

January 9, 2007

Mark Rechtin, Automotive News / January 8, 2007

LOS ANGELES — Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. has quietly settled a
class-action lawsuit that covers about 3.5 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles
that may have been damaged by engine oil sludge. Details of the settlement,
which allows for third-party mediation of sludge claims rejected by Toyota,
have been mailed to 7.5 million current and previous owners.

Critics contend Toyota has told customers and dealers too little about

Unwary dealers get Katrina cars

December 18, 2006

Arlena Sawyers
Automotive News
December 18, 2006

Mazda to scrap all cars on board Cougar Ace

December 18, 2006

Mark Rechtin
Automotive News
December 18, 2006

Fort Worth officer killed while helping motorist

December 18, 2006


By ALEX BRANCH
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

12/17/06

FORT WORTH — A 34-year-old Fort Worth police officer with two young daughters died early Sunday when his patrol car was rear-ended and burst into flames along Interstate 35W.

Officer Dwayne Freeto was pronounced dead at the scene. He had responded to a stranded motorist call on southbound I-35W at Morningside Drive around 3:45 a.m.

NHTSA Rules Key Volvo Roof Crush Document Public

December 14, 2006

Click here to view “Rollover According to Volvo”