Issues
2005 Focus ST: A 2nd Shot at Stardom for a Star-Crossed Car
August 20, 2004
By CHERYL JENSEN
New York Times
WHEN Ford introduced a high-performance version of its compact Focus in 2002, it achieved something rarely accomplished by American automakers: a small car that was also great fun to drive.
Of course, it was too good to last.
2003-04 Honda Element Windshield Cracking
A class action suit was filed August 4, 2004, in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County, alleging a design defect in 2003-2004 Honda Element windshields that leads to cracking.
Click here to view the class action complaint in .PDF
For more information, consumers may visit the following website:
www.hondaelementscrack.com
Feds Link Injuries to Weak Roofs
Danger Overhead: Crushed Roofs
Auto industry will challenge new drive to toughen regulations
Info on Car Safety Off-Limits to Public
BY JEFFREY McCRACKEN
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER
August 18, 2004
The federal agency that oversees auto safety has decided — based largely on arguments from automakers and their Washington, D.C., lobbyists — that reams of data relating to unsafe automobiles or defective parts will not be available to the public.
Safety Gap Grows Wider Between S.U.V.’s and Cars
August 17, 2004
By DANNY HAKIM
New York Times
DETROIT, Aug. 16 – The gap in safety between sport utility vehicles and passenger cars last year was the widest yet recorded, according to new federal traffic data.
People driving or riding in a sport utility vehicle in 2003 were nearly 11 percent more likely to die in an accident than people in cars, the figures show. The government began keeping detailed statistics on the safety of vehicle categories in 1994.
Volkswagen Extends Engine Warranties
Volkswagen Extends Engine Warranties
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Christopher Jensen
Plain Dealer Auto Editor
Volkswagen and Audi are extending the engine warranty on two of their most popular models because of a sludge problem with the four-cylinder, turbocharged engine.
The vehicles are the 1998-2004 Volkswagen Passats and the 1997-2004 Audi A4s, both of which share the 1.8-liter engine
Volkswagen of America and Audi of America are part of Volkswagen AG.