Issues
2007 Car Book “Best Bets”
Subcompact
BMW Z4
Hyundai Accent
Kia Rio/Rio5
Volkswagen Beetle
Compact
Audi A4
BMW 3-Series
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Spectra
Nissan Sentra
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Rabbit/GTI
Volvo S40/V50/C70
Intermediate
Acura TSX
Chevy Malibu/Maxx
Ford Fusion/Milan/MKZ
Honda Accord SDN/TL
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Texan’s Death Rekindles Ford Switch Issue
Family of retiree files suit blaming component linked with engine fires.
Ford expands recall.
David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
March 6, 2007
WASHINGTON — Al Gavegan Sr.’s death in a house fire last summer left family
and friends in San Antonio searching for answers — and they say the
evidence leads straight to Ford Motor Co. and a faulty electrical switch.
The retired government contractor was well-known as the guy who operated the
time clock at high school football games and taught kids with special needs.
2003-06 6.0L Diesel Spat Snarls 2007 6.4L Ford Super Duty launch
Engine supply for hot pickup remains in doubt
Automotive News / March 5, 2007
Richard Truett
A festering dispute between Ford Motor Co. and International Truck and
Engine Corp. is threatening to stall the launch of Ford’s most profitable
vehicle, the Super Duty pickup. Late last week, a Michigan judge issued a
temporary order forcing International to resume production of the Super
Duty’s 6.4-liter diesel engine. In return, the judge ordered Ford to pay
full price for the engine, rather than demand reimbursement for hefty
Unsafe Roads in Your Home Town
With 43,000 traffic deaths every year, there’s should to be fatal crash
spots in your home town or the roads you travel. You may no realize it
but a particular location may be so unsafe that it has had number of fatal
crashes since 2001. You can use this map to find those fatal crash prone
sites and avoid them or take extra precautions when you drive there.
- Unsafe Roads in Your Home Town
CAS Calls for NHTSA Investigation of Pontiac GTO Tire Failures
The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) today called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation into tire failures and front suspension problems that occur on the 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO.
An American Auto Safety Tragedy
Click here to view “An American Auto Safety Tragedy”
Volvo Electronic Throttle Module Settlement Agreement
Click here to view the settlement agreement
Cops eye cruiser flaw in fatal crash
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?
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
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.