Category: Automotive
Regulators reportedly find no evidence of defect in Tesla car involved in fatal Autopilot crash
Regulators have concluded their investigations into Tesla Model S cars, which was prompted by the death of a man named Joshua Brown in May of 2016. The driver was using the self-drive autopilot system when he collided with a truck.
The Regulators report apparently blames human error rather than the unfamiliar new technology…
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Nissan recalls over 150,000 vehicles over potentially deadly airbags.
Nissan has recalled a total of 152,554 vehicles after reports of defective airbag inflators causing injury and death. The airbag inflators may rupture: exploding and shooting metal fragments into the cabin of the car; potentially causing substantial harm.
This defect is susceptible to rupturing for a number of reasons:
- Propellant degradation;
- Long term exposure to absolutely humidity;
- Exposure to temperature cycling (quickly going from one temperature extreme to the other).
VW’s fines and penalties hailed as strong deterrent
Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has hailed fines and penalties inflicted upon the VW Group as a great success for deterring further cheating from other automakers.
According to Reuters, Christopher Grundler, director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, in a meeting with automotive engineers commented on the effectiveness of the fines and penalties. He said, “It gets everybody’s attention”.
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Takata to plead guilty for the airbag defect scandal
Major auto part maker Takata is set to plead guilty and pay a $1 billion settlement in a plea agreement over an airbag fault scandal.
It has been called one of the “largest and most complex safety recall” cases in history, with defects linked to 16 deaths worldwide, and a further 100 injuries reported.
The airbag’s defect can lead to a sudden explosion, shooting sharp metal fragments into the cars cabin. A safety device that’s intended to save lives has ended up costing them instead.
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Land Rovers and Jaguars rolling away while parked reportedly causing injuries
According to automotive regulators, some Land Rover SUVs and Jaguar XF sedans have been reported to cause injuries after the vehicles rolled away while parked.
Seven reports were received of rollaway vehicles for the following models: year 2012-2014 Land Rover Evoque sport-utility vehicles; and 2013 Jaguar XF sedan vehicles.
It’s thought that approximately 39,000 vehicles could be affected by the problem though, which is a lot of potential accidents waiting to happen…
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Why have affected Honda Odyssey minivan owners had to wait six years for a remedy?
Honda have been in the firing line following their reportedly lax attitude in recalling defective minivans.
Vehicle owners have reported that their minivans’ second row seats are unstable. The second-row seats have a lever that allows the seats to slide forward so that passengers can access the third row.
The Japanese automakers state that the release lever may remain unlocked due to a manufacturing fault of the spring, which allows the second-row seats to move spontaneously – also known as free-sliding.
In the event of a crash, an unlocked seat could jolt second-row passengers forward, which could cause disastrous injuries; which is rather worrying…
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General Motors and Honda are recalling approximately 634,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to defects
Dealers in the U.S. are recalling 327 Buick Envision SUVs and around 634,000 Honda Odyssey Minivans due to defects that may cause injuries or potentially, death.
This is yet another mass recall the automotive industry is embroiled in, and there seem to be recalls happening almost all of the time!
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Investigations open into Smart car fires and explosions
Yet another car manufacturer has hit the news. Multiple complaints of Smart cars allegedly bursting into flames have been reported, which is not an issue to ignore!
Manufactured by Smart USA, the 2008-2009 year models of the Smart ForTwo cars are available in over 50 countries, with about 100,000 units sold per year. Mercedes Benz is the parent company of the manufacturer, and the current investigation is looking in to some 40,000 Smart ForTwos arising from complaints.
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Company responsible for exploding airbags is close to settlement with federal prosecutors in the U.S.
Auto-parts maker Takata is reported to be nearing a settlement for supplying allegedly dangerous airbags that can explode and shoot shards of metal in to the vehicle cabin.
It has been revealed that Takata had been making the potentially defective airbags since the early 2000s, and any attempt to unearth their wrong doings have been covered up or misrepresented, according to media sources.
Some 19 automakers have recalled 42 million cars for repair work. It is unsure for now whether car owners will have to partially pay for the fix, or if Takata will have to pay the full fee. With their expected penalty fine being potentially as huge as $1 billion, this whole fiasco may put the company under serious financial pressure.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun an investigative probe into Hyundai cars after complaints that passenger seat belts detached.
Two complaints were made alleging that the passenger side seatbelt became detached from the car running board, and one of the complaints was made after a claimant suffered injuries from a road traffic accident.
It’s not known how serious the injuries were, but medical attention was reported to be have been required.
It goes without saying that this is a serious concern that has been raised.
Californian Man sues Tesla after his car suddenly accelerated into his home
A Californian man in the U.S. has filed a lawsuit against Tesla after his Model X SUV vehicle allegedly accelerated on its own, crashing into his garage, through the walls, and into his living room!
The claimant, as the driver, and his passenger, both suffered injuries in the crash. The lawsuit was brought to court with an application to make it a group class action as another seven (7) cases were cited to have similar allegations against Tesla as well.
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Volkswagen’s industrial lawsuit from General Motors Corporation
As we continue to act for thousands of people claiming in the “dieselgate” emissions scandal, it’s useful to take a look back at some of the historic indiscretions involving the eleventh biggest company in the world:- Volkswagen!
The German car manufacturing giant was involved in a monumental lawsuit back in the mid 90’s when it was accused of industrial espionage. They of course denied it all, much like their refusal to pay compensation to U.K. emissions scandal victims, but after a four year legal battle they eventually paid a settlement of $100 million to General Motors Corporation, and agreed to buy at least $1 billion worth of car parts from them.
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