The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just lately launched an investigation into sure Honda Insights and Passports following a number of complaints of phantom braking incidents. The group is presently searching for extra info relating to attainable unintended activation of the brakes.
The investigation, launched March 7, focuses on Insights and Passports constructed from 2019 by way of 2022. A doc from the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) states that 46 complaints have been obtained relating to the system, alleging the brakes had been utilized unexpectedly with no clear obstruction to set them off. Of these situations, three resulted in both a crash or fireplace, and two resulted in reported accidents. The doc lists an estimate of 250,712 autos as a part of the investigation.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by means of December 20, Ford has issued 54 recollects probably affecting 5,692,135 autos in 2023, probably the most of any automaker. This yr marks the third yr in a row Ford has held the highest spot for recollects within the United States.
Going strictly by autos affected, Ford had almost twice as many as second-place Kia at 3 million, the majority of which got here by means of a single recall for leaking brake fluid resulting in a fireplace threat. If you go by whole recollects, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles USA was second to Ford with 45, affecting 2.7 million vehicles. BMW had 29 recollects, Mercedes-Benz had 27, and Nissan rounds out the highest 5 for automakers at 22.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues its effort to require new autos to function anti-drunk driving expertise. The federal company printed its preliminary report on such a mandate this week, laying out the challenges dealing with its implementation. NHTSA can also be asking for the general public to supply suggestions on the difficulty as a result of it’s nonetheless an open query about how new autos will monitor for impaired drivers.
The company is curious to be taught if the general public will settle for the potential for false positives that might forestall sober drivers from working a car. Even if the system is 99.9 % correct, that might nonetheless quantity to one million false positives a day, which can be arduous for the general public to swallow.
It additionally desires to know the way the federal government ought to educate the general public about privateness issues with the expertise. More sensors imply extra knowledge assortment and defending that data will seemingly be important to gaining shopper acceptance.
The report additionally raises issues that Level 2 driver-assistance options may masks frequent drunk-driving behaviors, like swerving or holding an inconsistent pace. NHTSA can also be involved that the system’s sensors won’t be capable of function in all situations, like heavy climate, poor street markings, or different inconveniences.
This alternative is among the few probabilities the general public has to affect future public coverage. The street to a world the place the automotive decides for those who’re match to drive continues to be lengthy, nevertheless it’ll solely grow to be simpler to implement such monitoring programs as expertise advances.
Congress handed laws requiring the adoption of the expertise by November 2024, however automakers and regulators appear unlikely to satisfy that deadline. The Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety advised The Washington Post that the group goals to have a working drunk-driver detector by the top of 2025. Automakers must determine how one can set up it in new automobiles even because the company notes the system may enhance prices and complexity, which can seemingly get handed on to the patron.
You can go away a touch upon the proposal at regulations.gov by trying to find the docket quantity, NHTSA-2022-0079, and following the directions as soon as it’s been printed to the federal register. The public may also mail or fax their feedback to the US Department of Transportation.
When you stand on any corner and watch the traffic pass by, it will become evident that most cars in the United States are made by Toyota or Honda. This isn’t just anecdotal evidence, as both Toyota and Honda are among the top four car brands in America. Ford and Chevy round out the list, but their strength relies on truck sales. It’s fair to say that the Japanese brands dominate the car segment.
Toyota and Honda are incredibly successful because they make solid, reliable cars that appeal to the car-buying public, but there are other Japanese imports that are equally impressive. Subaru, Mazda, and Nissan make great vehicles as well, but there are other amazing rides from across the Pacific that may have been forgotten. At some point, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki all sold fantastic rides in the States. Even Daihatsu had a brief stint in the American market.
It’s important to remember that Nissan used to be Datsun and brought their popular Z-cars to our shores for generations. Japanese imports are as much a part of American car culture as Ford, GM, and Mopar. This is not to say that American cars aren’t great, but there’s plenty of room and love for the great cars that have defined our lives. While Toyota and Honda are the top dogs of Japanese imports, they aren’t the only ones to make iconic rides for the U.S. market.
To provide the most up-to-date and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and authoritative sources, including Automobile Catalog, Fastest Laps, and ConceptCarz. In the interest of fairness and history, these imports have been ranked in chronological order from the least powerful model to the most powerful.
101968 Subaru 360
Power: 25 Horsepower
Bring a Trailer
The 1968 Subaru 360 may be considered a great Japanese import despite its diminutive size. Weighing under 1,000 pounds, this sub-sub-compact had impressive gas mileage of 66 miles per gallon, although it wasn’t designed to survive a crash due to not adhering to U.S. highway safety regulations.
Notably, in 1968, businessman Malcolm Bricklin imported 10,000 Subaru 360 cars despite the absence of a market for such vehicles in the U.S. This move was akin to his introduction of the Yugo to America. Despite the lack of market appeal, the Subaru 360 was sold for an MSRP of $1,300.
Malcolm Bricklin founded Subaru America
MSRP for a 1968 Subaru 360 was $1,300
91985 Suzuki Samurai
Power: 63 Horsepower
Bring A Trailer
In 1985, the Suzuki Samurai was introduced to the U.S. market. Although it faced allegations of being prone to rolling over, the allegations were later refuted in a Suzuki lawsuit. Consumer Reports had to admit that the car was safe during normal operations. Despite this, the allegations tarnished the image of this fun, quirky off-road vehicle.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.3-liter I-4
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Horsepower
63HP
Torque
73 pound-feet
Driveline
Four-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
16.9 seconds
Top Speed
79 mph
(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)
During its time in the U.S. market, the Suzuki Samurai garnered attention from various groups, including zombie apocalypse survivors, Power Rangers, and even Scooby Doo. It also outsold the Jeep Wrangler upon its introduction in the U.S., but its image was ultimately marred by safety concerns, leading to a decline in sales.
Known popularly as the Jimny in the rest of the world
A dedicated fan base remains hopeful for the rebirth of the Jimny in the U.S.
81978 Subaru Brat
Power: 67 Horsepower
Bring a Trailer
The Subaru Brat, popularly known as a “Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter,” was introduced in the U.S. as a compact coupe utility that competed with the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino. It was best known for its unique feature: rear jump seats in the truck bed.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.6-liter H-4
Transmission
Three-speed automatic
Horsepower
67HP
Torque
81 pound-feet of torque
Driveline
Four-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
15.6 seconds
Top Speed
82 mph
(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)
The Subaru Brat’s unique ability to avoid the “Chicken Tax” on imported pickups by installing rear jump seats contributed to its appeal in the U.S. market. The model gained popularity and eventually became a cult hit, selling over 100,000 units in the U.S. between 1978 and 1987.
A popular choice for President Ronald Reagan, who utilized it on his ranch
The 1979 Mazda RX-7 was a game changer in the North American sports car market, being lightweight, fast, and affordable. It was much cheaper than its closest rival, the 1979 Porsche 928, making it an attractive option.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a detailed investigation in June 2022 into the Ford Bronco following three petitions filed earlier that year. The investigation initially focused on alleged valve defects in selected Bronco models. However, the NHTSA has now expanded its inquiry to include over 700,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
The initial investigation looked into over 25,000 2021 Broncos equipped with the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine. This was prompted by 26 complaints regarding a potential loss of power at highway speeds without the ability to restart. The NHTSA attributed this power loss to “catastrophic engine failures” resulting from the failure of engine valves.
Last week, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation elevated the investigation to the engineering analysis stage after Ford provided evidence including 328 customer complaints, 487 warranty claims, and 809 engine exchanges. These cases involved 2021-22 Ford Bronco, Edge, Explorer, and F-150 vehicles, as well as 2021-22 Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus models, all equipped with either the 2.7-liter or 3.0-liter EcoBoost engines. It is important to note that despite these concerns, there have been no reports of injuries, accidents, or fatalities associated with this issue.
In a document, the NHTSA stated, “During the investigation, multiple contributing factors were identified, which can lead to the fracturing of the intake valves in the subject engines. Ford acknowledged that a fractured intake valve can result in catastrophic engine failure and a loss of power, and noted that after a valve fracture, a vehicle typically requires a full engine replacement.” A Ford spokesperson told Automotive News that the company is working with the NHTSA to support the investigation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts crash tests to assess the safety of vehicles during collisions. These tests are performed on all vehicles sold in the US, including cars, trucks, and SUVs. Based on their performance in these tests, vehicles are assigned star ratings. A five-star rating, like the one achieved by the Audi Q8, indicates the highest level of safety.
A video posted on CarPro1993’s YouTube channel shows the NHTSA preparing to crash test the Q8, which is Audi’s premium two-row SUV based on the seven-passenger Q7. The NHTSA tapes black and yellow strips along the roof and doors to measure the impact intrusion on the passenger compartment. They use dummies of various sizes wearing brightly colored shirts and paint to evaluate the severity of the impact and the likelihood of injury.
Side-impact tests involve crashing a barrier directly into the side of a vehicle at its midpoint. This simulates a collision with another vehicle. In the case of the Audi Q8, the barrier strikes the driver’s side at a speed of 38.5 miles per hour, causing the left-hand side wheels to lift off the ground. As a result of the impact, the side curtain airbags deploy and the doors are pushed inward. Inside the vehicle, the dummies are initially pushed against the airbags before rebounding to the right.
After the crash, the Audi Q8 displays moderate damage. The B-pillar absorbs most of the impact, and the doors are visibly deformed. However, the SUV still appears drivable. The wheels remain intact and the windshield is undamaged. Although the side windows pop out of their frames, they do not shatter. Inside the vehicle, the door panels are distorted, but the airbags have successfully redirected much of the force away from the dummies.
According to the NHTSA’s website, the Audi Q8 has received a five-star safety rating for side-impact protection and an overall five-star safety rating. Additionally, it has been awarded a five-star rating for frontal impact and a four-star rating for rollover safety. Apart from these categories, the NHTSA has proposed stricter pedestrian safety tests, including standards for automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into potential problems with power steering that could befall Ram 1500 owners. Trucks from the 2013 model year through 2016 are now under investigation, and with the popularity of pickups in North America, it’s a large investigation. 1.1 million pickups are part of this federal probe that began on August 4.
What exactly is the issue with the Ram 1500? That’s what NHTSA hopes to uncover with its investigation, but owners are reporting either partial or total loss of power steering. The agency has 380 reports from owners thus far, with the most recent coming on August 7. It involved a 2014 Ram 1500 with 118,000 miles that lost power steering while towing a camper trailer. Other owners relay similar experiences, though fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far. However, NHTSA does mention three accidents that could be related to the failures.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a significant increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, particularly for light and commercial trucks. General Motors (GM) had initially claimed that these stringent fuel economy standards could result in $300 billion in fines for automakers. However, GM appears to be less certain about this now. Let’s delve into the details.
Let’s first take a look at the proposal itself. You can read the entire 696-page proposal here, which was officially released by the NHTSA today. It is important to note that this is just a proposal and is not yet official. Once it is published in the Federal Register, there will be a 60-day open comment period. In a nutshell, the major highlights of the proposal include a 10 percent year-over-year fuel economy improvement for commercial pickup trucks and vans starting in 2030. This requirement applies to vehicles with gross weight ratings over 8,500 pounds but less than 14,001 pounds.
Road rage is not only a problem in the US, but can happen anywhere with frequent traffic jams and long commutes. It does not discriminate based on the make or model of the vehicles involved. While it may be assumed that drivers of older, run-down cars are more prone to road rage, anyone can be affected, even someone driving a Bugatti Veyron.
This recently occurred in Jiangsu, one of China’s leading provinces in finance and technology. From the dashcam video posted online, it’s difficult to determine who is at fault or who had road rage. What we do know is that the BMW was in the right lane and the Bugatti Veyron attempted to cut in front of it. The BMW accelerated to close the gap, which caused the Bugatti to back off. Shortly after, the Bugatti driver tried to cut in again, but the BMW accelerated once more, resulting in a collision between the two cars.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), another death has been attributed to a faulty Takata airbag. This time, it involves the driver of a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. As a result, a “Do Not Drive” order has been issued for owners of 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles that haven’t had their airbags fixed. The NHTSA states that 385,686 2003 Dodge Rams were already recalled in 2015, but as many as 84,000 have yet to be repaired.
Unfortunately, this warning for Ram trucks is just one in a long series of recalls related to Takata airbags. These recalls have affected millions of cars from various automotive brands and have been linked to 26 deaths. If your vehicle is part of the Takata recall and hasn’t been repaired, it’s crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible. The repair is free, and driving a vehicle with an unrepaired airbag could be a life-threatening risk.
How to check if your vehicle is affected
Last year, a driver of a 2006 Ford Ranger was killed when a Takata side airbag exploded. The NHTSA emphasizes that even minor accidents that wouldn’t normally trigger airbag deployment can result in a deadly malfunction, particularly in older cars. In a press release, NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson stated, “The older a defective Takata airbag inflator gets, the more dangerous it becomes. Please, get your airbag replaced now for your sake, and for the sake of those who love you.”
The Takata airbag recall has been ongoing for years, and the most recent reported death shows that it is still a concern. General Motors, one of the world’s largest truck manufacturers, had to recall over six million vehicles three years ago due to the same issue that Ram trucks are facing. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check if your vehicle is affected by the recall through the NHTSA’s website and schedule a repair at your car’s dealership.
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