Issues

NCSA Response re: Acura Fire Deaths

April 12, 2005

Response from NHTSA NCSA

April 12, 2005

Big 3 play catch-up in the hybrid game

April 11, 2005

But automakers have different approaches

By Richard Truett
Automotive News / April 11, 2005

8 Engines That Missed

April 11, 2005

Automotive News / April 11, 2005

Toyota Broadens Sludge-Repair Program

April 8, 2005

Toyota broadens sludge-repair program
Automaker alters V-6, insists neglect is cause

By Richard Truett
Automotive News / April 08, 2002

Sludge bustingToyota’s latest moves to address engine sludge

  • Changes 3.0-liter V-6 engines at factory to improve oil circulation
  • Extends coverage for sludge-related repairs to 8 years from purchase

    List of suspects

  • Memos: Ford made Explorer roof weaker

    March 30, 2005

    Automaker says SUV exceeds federal safety standards and is a safe vehicle.

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When 26-year-old Claire Duncan died of a fractured skull after a severe rollover accident in her 2000 Ford Explorer, her family wanted answers.

    Active Safety Technology Issues

    March 22, 2005

    Presentation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
    November 10, 2004
    Clarence M. Ditlow, Executive Director
    Center for Auto Safety

    The Center for Auto Safety has generally advocated that crashworthiness and occupant restraint are the most critical areas in which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should regulate and issue consumer information. Nevertheless, we agree that new developments in electronics, computer systems and sensors offer major opportunities for crash avoidance.

    2005 Car Book “Best Bets”

    March 21, 2005

    Subcompact
    Hyundai Accent
    Mazda MX-5 Miata
    MINI Cooper
    BMW Z4
    Hyundai Tiburon
    Volkswagen Beetle

    Compact
    Hyundai Elantra
    Audi A4
    BMW 3-Series
    Honda Civic
    Nissan Sentra
    Toyota Corolla
    Volkswagen Golf/Jetta
    Volvo 40 Series

    Intermediate
    Lexus ES 300
    Toyota Avalon
    Acura TL
    Honda Accord
    Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima
    Lincoln LS/Jaguar S-Type
    Mazda 6
    Toyota Camry
    Volvo 60 Series

    Volkswagen Will Budge on Complaints About Sludge

    March 21, 2005

    Sunday, March 20, 2005 Christopher JensenPlain Dealer Columnist

    Borrego Springs, Calif. Volkswagen Passat owners who did not get help from Volkswagen with repairs to sludge-damaged engines should try again, says Len Hunt, the vice president in charge of Volkswagen in the United States.

    Hunt said dealers have been told they can be more lenient about helping consumers who were not grossly negligent when it comes to oil changes.

    SUV’s Category description

    March 18, 2005

    SUV’s are the most popular cars in America.  The Center for Auto Safety is improving awareness of safety issues and defects in these increasingly popular vehicles.