Category: Automotive
Maserati, BMW and Mercedes-Benz vehicles recalled after fire risk
Fire risks in vehicles appear to be a growing phenomenon. Several manufacturers have voluntarily recalled vehicles for fire risks recently, and it’s not a thing to be dismissed lightly.
Imagine a vehicle cruising at 70mph on the motorway when it suddenly sets on fire. It’s a clear recipe for disaster and could endanger many lives, including your own.
In recent news, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all recalled vehicles for reported risks of fire…
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VW / Audi recalls approx 600,000 Audi vehicles in the U.S. for airbag and coolant pump problems
VW and Audi’s troubles extend beyond the ongoing emissions scandal as both makers have had to recall vehicles for some fairly high-risk problems.
An estimated 576,000 vehicles and SUVs are under a recall for two problems associated with the vehicles: one is for airbag defects, which can be obviously very dangerous for road users, and the second is for coolant pumps problems that may overheat and cause fires.
Both are potentially very dangerous.
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Honda may be on the brink of a recall as multiple customers come forward complaining of gas fumes in the cabin.
Many Honda customers have taken to the internet to complain of unpleasant gasoline fumes filling the cabins of their 2015, 2016 and 2017 Honda CR-Vs.
Complaining drivers and passengers are reportedly unable to withstand the strong stench whilst also fearing that respiratory problems are to follow on from coughing and burning sensations experienced when inhaled.
We all know exhaust fumes can be toxic – so this could be serious.
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BMW agree to settle $478 million (£382 million) in water-damage lawsuit
In the U.S., more than 300,000 BMW owners have been granted their portion from a $478 million (£382 million) settlement over allegations that a technical defect can cause water damage to components in some BMW vehicles.
The lawsuit claimed BMW knew about the issue for years but didn’t do anything to rectify the problem until vehicle owners reported concerns. The water damage allegedly interfered with the vehicle’s Micro Power Module which was placed under the spare tyre, and this allegedly had a knock-on effect on the lights, speedometer and windscreen wipers.
The fact that the module reportedly wasn’t isolated can make the electronic component vulnerable when in contact with liquids.
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“This is the worst car purchase I have ever made” – 4×4 Range Rover owner warns others against buying the vehicle
Range Rovers are often seen as a dream for many. However, one retired couple’s dream quickly turned into a nightmare, and the victims have warned others against purchasing the Range Rover Evoque that’s at the centre of their problems.
Trevor and Ann Heley splashed out £44,400 on what they thought was going to be a reliable car given the reputation Range Rovers have. However, after owning it for two years, they say they have had enough of the problems that have reportedly come with the vehicle.
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Toyota recalls over 72,000 vehicles after safety concerns over sensitive resin bumpers
Japanese car brand Toyota are set to be recalling a total of 72,847 vehicles after concerns that overly sensitive resin bumpers may pose a safety risk to users. The recalls affect the newer 2016 and 2017 Tundra models.
The safety defect lies within the resin made step bumpers and resin reinforced brackets on the corners of the vehicle. Any impact made to the resin bumpers may not always reveal visible damage, but if stepped on, it could break way entirely or in part; risking injury to the user.
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Takata pleads guilty over momentous air bag scandal and have agreed to pay $1 billion in fines.
It seems the Takata airbag scandal is finally drawing to a close as the auto parts manufacturer, Takata Corp, has pleaded guilty to fraud in hiding the dangerous defect.
Based in Japan, the company found themselves in hot water as 16 deaths were connected to lethal Takata airbags that exploded inside car cabins. Whilst the majority of the fatalities were in the U.S., Takata airbags are used worldwide.
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$3.4 billion (£2.6 billion) settlement agreement for Toyota’s rusty truck frames
On the 26th April a federal judge signed off on a $3.4 billion (£2.6 billion) deal to settle a massive action against Toyota. The settlement agreement was pushed forward by the vehicle owners’ lawyers who were led by Blood Hurst & O’Readon LLP and Barnow and Associates PC.
The federal judge approved of the settlement agreement to resolve claims of dangerous rust-prone truck frames. The judge didn’t adjust the settlement offer or the fee request, and at a separate hearing in Los Angeles, U.S. District Judge Fernando Olgiun said he would approve the lawyers’ fees and the final approval of the settlement.
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The U.S. NHTSA clears Tesla of responsibility behind fatal crash; but does not protect the company from future lawsuits
Last year, former Navy SEAL and Tesla Model S enthusiast, Joshua Brown, died whilst driving a Tesla vehicle on auto-pilot mode.
Perhaps assuming that the “self-driving” vehicle would live up to its name, Brown did not swerve or apply his brakes during the 7 seconds leading up to his collision into the back of a truck. Due to the speed the vehicle was travelling at, Brown tragically died on impact.
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Over 48,000 Mercedes-Benz SUVs recalled to fix dangerous airbag defect.
Several Mercedes-Benz models have been recalled due to a defect in their airbags. A failure in calibration has reportedly led to a software flaw that doesn’t always deploy airbags when needed.
Regulators investigating the matter noted:
“The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) calibration may be incorrect, and as a result, the system can incorrectly classify the occupant as a child seat, deactivating the front passenger air bag.”
Tesla to roll out 2nd Generation of Self-Driving technology – “Should we be worried?”
Tesla will be slowly rolling out a second generation of self-driving technology for cars. Ever since their auto-pilot system was involved in an accident resulting in a fatality last year, this updated technology is set to be cautiously and slowly marketed.
But with the problematic history for self-drive cars – something Tesla have been at the heart of – the big question is this: should we be worried about these new self-driving cars, and will they ever be truly safe?
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General Motors company to pay $1 million for lack of communication with accountants
General Motors is set to pay $1 million in civil penalty fines for not notifying accountants of a proposed recall.
Back in Spring of 2012, the company were aware of a potential safety recall, but reportedly failed to let accountants know. This failure prevented accountants from assessing the financial impact the recall may have, including any potential losses. This information was allegedly kept from accountants for around 18 months, though it is unclear whether this was intentional or an expensive oversight.
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