The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC

NHTSA To Implement Stricter Auto Safety Regulations

The Washington Post reports that in light of the hundreds of personal injury claims (including deaths) arising out of the accelerating Toyotas that led to a massive, nationwide recall, the Federal legislature has responded positively to consumer pressure.  It has created national legislation that would require the NHTSA to implement stricter regulations and oversight over the industry.

The proposed legislation, known as the Motor Safety Vehicle Act of 2010, would require the agency to set standards for the first time on electronic components in vehicles, increase penalties for automakers who lie or mislead the agency about safety defects and bar agency officials hired by automakers from working with the agency for three years.

Clearly such oversight and enforcement is necessary, as today two other auto manufacturers announced major recalls.

Chrysler Recalls 575,000 Vehicles With Defective Brakes

Bloomberg reported that Chrysler is recalling 575,000 Jeeps and Chrysler and Dodge minivans due to a defective brake fluid that may cause unexpected crashes.   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the following statement “A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN CAUSE PARTIAL LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES AT THE AFFECTED WHEEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.”  Vehicles manufacturer from May 15, 2006 through August 9, 2010 are being recalled.

GM Recalls 1.5 Million Vehicles Due To Fire Risk

The Seattle Times reports that General Motors (GM) is recalling 1.5 million vehicles for defective design or manufacturing of heated windshield wiper fluid that may cause fires.  This is the second recall of this issue in two years.  The recall covers the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, and Hummer H2; 2008-2009 Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT; 2007-2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe; 2007-2009 GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL; 2007-2009 Saturn Outlook; and 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.

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