Tag: Safety

Jul 20

Audi’s Electric SUV Lineup Achieves Premier IIHS Safety Ratings

Audi Electric SUVs Excel in Safety Tests

Audi’s entire lineup of electric SUVs has been awarded the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This accolade encompasses the latest models including the 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron, as well as the newly updated 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback, previously known as the E-Tron SUV and Sportback. This recognition highlights Audi’s commitment to safety across its electric vehicle range.

Rigorous Safety Standards Met by Audi

Achieving the Top Safety Pick+ award requires vehicles to pass stringent criteria, including the highest “Good” rating in the newly updated IIHS side-impact crash test. Additionally, these vehicles must possess effective automatic emergency braking systems that perform well in both daylight and nighttime pedestrian tests. Audi’s electric SUVs have not only met but excelled in these tests, continuing a legacy of safety that began when the E-Tron SUV became the first EV to earn the Top Safety Pick+ award in 2019.

Beyond Safety: Performance and Practicality

The 2024 Audi Q8 models build on their predecessors’ foundations by offering increased driving range—estimated at 300 miles—though official EPA ratings are pending. Meanwhile, the Q4 models, sharing the VW MEB platform with the similarly highly-rated Volkswagen ID.4, focus on practicality and affordability without sacrificing performance. The E-Tron GT, Audi’s sole non-SUV electric model, remains unrated by the IIHS due to its lower production volume, underscoring the brand’s varied approach to meeting consumer needs and preferences in the electric vehicle market.

Jul 12

Urgent Recall Alert: Ram Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Order for Affected Older Pickup Trucks

Immediate Action Required for Older Ram Pickups

Stellantis has issued a critical “Do Not Drive” order for older Ram pickups following a tragic incident where a Takata airbag explosion resulted in a fatality. This decision comes as part of an extensive recall effort addressing the notorious Takata airbag defects, which have led to over 100 million vehicles being recalled globally. The recent fatal accident on May 13 has spurred this new round of urgent recalls, impacting nearly 30,000 2003 Ram trucks whose owners had previously ignored recall notices.

Impact and Next Steps for Affected Vehicle Owners

The Takata airbag recall remains one of the largest in automotive history, with over 385,000 2003 Ram trucks initially recalled in 2015. Despite this, approximately 84,000 trucks still have unreplaced airbags, with around 30,000 still on the road. The NHTSA strongly urges owners of these vehicles to halt driving immediately until their airbags are replaced, emphasizing that this free repair could prevent serious injuries or fatalities. For more information or to schedule a repair, vehicle owners should visit the Ram or NHTSA websites, or contact Stellantis’ customer service at 833-583-0144.

Jul 11

Ford SUV Doors Under Scrutiny for Potential Safety Hazard

Investigation Details

Ford is facing a fresh probe from U.S. auto safety regulators due to reports that the front doors of certain Ford Escape models may unexpectedly open while driving. This investigation follows a recent recall and involves 118 complaints concerning 2020 and 2021 Ford Escape vehicles. The issue seems linked to potential failures in the door’s check arm bracket, which could result in the doors either not closing properly or opening unintentionally during operation.

Impact and Current Status

The investigation has flagged about 346,071 Ford Escape vehicles that might be affected by this problem, with 25 complaints reporting injuries and one instance of minor property damage. While Ford has yet to address the issue publicly, it’s clear that the malfunction could pose significant safety risks. This development adds to ongoing concerns about the safety and reliability of Ford’s recent vehicle models, following a previous recall due to engine defects.