NHTSA News

U.S. Launches Investigation into Fatal Tesla Crash in California

A fatal crash and vehicle fire of a Tesla Inc Model X near Mountain View, Calif., last week has prompted a federal field investigation, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said, sparking a big selloff in Tesla stock. Late on …

Tesla Owner in California Sues Tesla over Sudden Acceleration

Tesla Motors Inc. was sued by a Model X owner in California who said his electric SUV suddenly accelerated while being parked, causing it to crash through the garage into the owner’s living room, injuring the driver and a passenger. …

Duck Boat Maker to Pay up to $1M over Washington Crash

The company that manufactured a duck boat involved in a deadly crash in Seattle last year has agreed to pay up to $1 million in civil penalties under a consent order, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced. Ride the …

Toyota Has Issues with California’s Plans for Self-Driving Safety Check List

A Toyota Motor Corp. official is raising concerns about California’s plans to require compliance with a planned U.S. autonomous vehicle safety check list, calling it “preposterous.” Hilary Cain, director of technology and innovation policy at Toyota Motor North America, criticized …

Automakers, U.S. to Unveil Safety Collaboration Pact

The U.S. government and a group of global automakers are set to unveil a voluntary agreement at the Detroit auto show on Friday aimed at improving auto industry safety and spurring culture changes, according to company and government officials. The …

California T Ferraris Recalled Over Possible Fuel Leaks

Ferrari North America Inc. recalled the 2016 California T convertibles it made over a two-month period this year because of the risk of fuel leaks. The California Ts produced between Sept. 8 and Nov. 11 may have a low-pressure fuel …

GM Directors Off the Hook; Court Nixes Investors’ Lawsuit Over Ignition Switch

General Motors Co. directors don’t have to face investors’ allegations that lax supervision allowed the company to make cars with faulty ignition systems blamed for more than 100 people their lives. GM’s board had adequate risk-assessment systems in place even …

U.S. Pushes for Collision Prevention Technology on All New Cars, Trucks

U.S. safety officials this week called on automakers to begin installing collision avoidance systems in all new passenger and commercial vehicles, saying existing technology could save lives and avoid injuries by reducing rear-end collisions. The National Transportation Safety Board said …

Automakers Frustrated Consumers Ignore Recall Repairs

Even with historic levels of recalled vehicles in 2014, with General Motors Co. ignition switches and exploding Takata Corp. air bags leading to deaths, U.S. regulators say consumers don’t always get the message. Defective cars only get repaired about two-thirds …

2014 One of Worst Years Ever for Vehicle Safety: NHTSA

Carmakers recalled about 64 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, more than double the previous record set in 2004, according to official government data. The tally released Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closes the book on …