Runaway Hondas, Shattering Hyundais and Stalling Fords
An update on recent NHTSA investigations.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Honda Pilot and Odyssey models because they could roll away unexpectedly after the vehicles have been parked and shut off and the key removed from the ignition.NHTSA has received 43 complaints from Honda owners of model-year 2003 and 2004 Pilot SUVs and Odyssey minivans, saying that the ignition key could be removed when the transmission was not set in park. More than half of the complaints involve stories of a runaway vehicle, including one in which a 2003 Odyssey ran over its owner's leg as she was attempting to stop it from rolling into a crowded street. A preliminary investigation is ongoing. The fault may affect 577,100 vehicles.
In other investigations, NHTSA is looking into 11 complaints of shattering panoramic sunroofs on the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, seven of which occurred at highway speeds. NHTSA said it was also reviewing studies from Hyundai showing the same problem. About 18,361 cars may be affected.
The 2005-2012 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid are also being reviewed for stalling engines and stuck throttles after a North Carolina consumer group petitioned NHTSA with two complaints about 2009 Escape models. In July, Ford recalled nearly 485,000 Escape SUVs from 2001-2004 after NHTSA received 99 owner complaints -- including the report of a fatal crash in January -- about throttles not returning to idle when the gas pedal was released.
NHTSA can deny this petition should the complaints be deemed unnecessary for a full investigation. As always, investigations do not necessarily lead to recalls.
[Source: NHTSA. PDFs 1, 2 and 3]
I have a 2000 accord with the same problem. When I first took it to the dealer, for a recall that I had found on line, they acted like they couldn't figure out what I was talking about. They fixed it after some prodding from me. I had one near miss with a grandchild, which prompted me to research recalls. This is not a new problem for Honda.
The Laundry List,
As a senior on Socal Security I have absolutely no choice but to continue 'proud' ownership and the 'luxury' of driving a 13 year old bomb, (2000 Olds Alero Sedan) that has so many things wrong with it that the list would like a Napa Auto Parts catalogue.
As of right now, (more to come I'm sure) ~ No ABS, manual brakes only, totally crappy rotors and calipers, bolts always fall out of the steering rack, impossible to align, (front tires wear down like an ice cube on a hot summer day), back windows stuck down in doors, (plastic panels taped in their place), sunroof broken, CD player broken, No A/C, (fun stuff in Az.), door locks broken, the car's (V-6 engine) eats more gas than an Abrams Tank driving at battle speed through the Sahara Desert, and the absolute epitome of pure unbridled 'elegance'.... enough Duct Tape on the disintegrating leather seats to wrap around the Pentagon Building. I have left the keys in the ignition in parking lots and to my dismay I come back and the car is stll there! But ...it actually starts, (most of the time), and rolls down the road, and .... the FM radio still works. Folks, there is nothing quite like being immersed in the ultimate driving experience! Happy motoring.
Peace to all ~
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