Issues

Ford is under investigation for Bronco Sport gas leaks. US says its remedy doesn’t fix the problem

April 12, 2024

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

April 11, 2024

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

April 1, 2024

“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

April 1, 2024

“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.

April 1, 2024

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

April 1, 2024

“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…

US Senators Blumenthal, Markey & Warren Introduce Legislation to Protect Car Buyers & Bolster Safety of Used Cars

March 22, 2024

For Immediate Release Contact: Maria McElwain 202-224-6452 March 22, 2024   BLUMENTHAL, MARKEY, & WARREN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CAR BUYERS & BOLSTER SAFETY OF USED CARS   [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) introduced legislation today to ensure the safety and reliability of used…

What to Do If Your Car Is Submerged in Water

March 13, 2024

“No one is reading an owner’s manual while submerged,” said Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group. By Ryan Felton March 13, 2024 The death of a 50-year-old chief executive highlights a little-discussed reality of motor-vehicle safety: Approximately 400 people die annually in North America in a…

Kia and Hyundai owners continue to report car theft after free security upgrades

March 12, 2024

Brooks also partially blames the NHTSA for not mandating electronic immobilizers: “They played a pretty big role in the problem here by not forcing manufacturers to upgrade their vehicle security,” he said. By Cari Spencer March 11, 2024 Hannah Baker was told her car would be safer from theft. Following a nationwide surge in stolen…

Suburban teen’s Toyota RAV4 burst into flames on expressway 2 weeks before recall issued

March 5, 2024

The advocacy group The Center for Auto Safety said laws put the responsibility on consumers to do their own research on advisories and recalls before buying used. “The burden is definitely on the consumer, and it really pays to do your research on manufacturer service bulletins and communications with dealers, because you can find a…