Issues
Kias, Hyundais still stolen after free fix to prevent thefts made popular on TikTok
“It doesn’t appear to be a perfect software fix. There are a number of consumers who’ve complained about having their vehicle stolen afterwards,” said Michael Brooks, the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, noting it is unclear why the fix isn’t working in some cases. “It could be thieves are finding other ways…
US probes whether Tesla Autopilot recall did enough to make sure drivers pay attention
“Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, said NHTSA is looking into where Tesla allows Autopilot to be used. ‘When you hit that point where you’re in the area where Autopilot wasn’t designed to operate and the car knows it’s in that area, why is it still allowed to engage?’ he…
Automakers are not on deadline to fix dangerous defects in millions of recalled vehicles
“Michael Brooks with the Center for Auto Safety said the recall rate is a problem considering some of the defects involve fire risk and other serious safety issues.” By Jackie Callaway April 26th, 2024 Jay Mills loves his Toyota Rav 4 Hybrid. What he doesn’t love, however, is the defect that could cause the SUV…
Engine malfunction in recalled car’s engine causes fire
“Park the vehicles outside and away from structures. This isn’t a defect that only happens while you’re driving. It can happen after you’ve parked and gone into your house,” said Executive Director for the Center for Auto Safety Michael Brooks. By Deon Guillory April 18th, 2024 A warning for owners of some popular cars. The ride you depend on to get you where you…
Ford is under investigation for Bronco Sport gas leaks. US says its remedy doesn’t fix the problem
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, called Ford’s remedy for the fuel leaks a “Band-aid type recall” and said the company is trying to avoid the cost of repairing the fuel injectors. By Tom Krisher April 12, 2024 DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s auto safety agency has opened an…
Ford recalls nearly 43,000 SUVs due to gas leaks that can cause fires, but remedy won’t fix leaks
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, called Ford’s remedy for the fuel leaks a “Band-aid type recall” and said the company is trying to avoid the cost of repairing the fuel injectors. A 1% failure rate, he said, is high, and even with the repairs, drivers still could be forced…
Millions of recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles with a dangerous defect remain on the road
“They’re putting a Band-Aid on this thing,” said Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety. “It looks like it’s a cheap fix instead of repairing the entire antilock brake system.” By Tom Krisher April 1, 2024 In September, Hyundai and Kia issued a recall of 3.4 million of its vehicles in…
Is your car spying on you? This is what one woman said happened to her
“Your car is essentially turning into a computer and collecting data on you as you drive. And that data is worth something, particularly to your insurance company,” executive director of the Center for Auto Safety Michael Brooks said. By Justin Gray, WSB-TV March 29, 2024 When Temieka Clay shopped around for new car insurance she…
Philly police resume wheel lock program meant to curb Kia and Hyundai thefts. But only if you sign a waiver.
The Philadelphia Police Department is the only law enforcement agency Brooks has heard of requiring a waiver for wheel locks, devices that he said been “relatively effective” for decades at delaying or stopping car thefts. “What is [the police department] trying to protect themselves from?” said Brooks. “I’m having trouble envisioning a scenario in which…
Expanding fuel tanks in certain KIAs leave drivers feeling scared and frustrated
“It’s something that I think Kia needs to get on top of now and immediately. And if they don’t, then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should,” said Michael Brooks, Executive Director of The Center for Auto Safety. By Action 9 News April 1, 2024 The owner of another Kia K5 has reported hearing an…