The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) is stepping up it’s investigation of 21 models of General Motors trucks and SUVs made between 2006 and 2008. These models possibly have the potential for engine compartment fire, even when the ignition is turned off. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) reports that they have been made aware of “41 non-crash engine compartment fires” in the GM trucks and SUVs. Sixteen of those fires occurred with the vehicle’s ignition in the OFF position. Electrical systems, engine and engine cooling systems, battery cables, under-hood wiring, fuses, and circuit breakers are all being investigated. Owners of these GM vehicles should keep aware of potential recalls.

The following GM vehicles are under investigation (all years are model years):

2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT

2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500

2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500

2007-2008 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 and 2500

2007-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

2008 GMC Sierra

2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500

2007 GMC Sierra Classic

2007 GMC Silverado

2007-2008 GMC Yukon

2007-2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500, and XL 2500

2006-2007 Hummer H2 Utility

1999-2008 Hummer H2

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous vehicle or in a car wreck or truck wreck, call the truck wreck lawyers at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606 today.

          The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating consumer complaints of suspension failure in the 2001 model year Hyundai Santa Fe. Two consumers have reported to the NHTSA that their Santa Fe “nearly rolled over” after their suspension failure, and the NHTSA has received six consumer complains about failed suspension parts in their Hyundai vehicle that say the rear trailing arm has failed because of excessive corrosion. Three people have reported that they lost control of their vehicle while traveling in excess of 55 mph.

          The NHTSA is also holding the Hyundai Sonata under scrutiny because of reports of severe corrosion in the 1999 to 2002 model year vehicles that has lead to suspension failure. These reports include “fist-sized holes in the frame” that can cause the suspension control arm to detach from the vehicle. This can cause “wheel collapse or separation, half shaft detachment resulting in sudden vehicle disablement and or steering anomalies,” according to the NHTSA. The Administration has also received reports of corrosion in the engine cradle and front cross-member. The corrosion has been reported as being discovered during routine maintenance on the vehicles, but a greater number of the complaints “allege that the corrosion was not detected until it resulted in suspension failure” or a wheel came off, according to the NHTSA.

          If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a dangerous vehicle or a wreck, contact the attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP today, at 1-800-460-0606.

A nation-wide 55-mile-per-hour speed limit is once again being discussed in Congress. Republican Senator John Warner of Virginia has suggested that he may introduce the bill before he retires at the end of his term.

Warner has asked the Energy Department to research the most fuel efficient national speed, and points to a Congressional Research Study report that reduced speed limit law introduced in the 1970s reduced oil consumption and vehicular deaths.

While most consumers are against reviving the “Fifty-Five Alive” legislature, truckers have been the most receptive to the idea. Trucking associations would like to see the speed limit set at 65mph, which would increase truck mileage by more than 25 percent.

The 55mph national speed limit was originally enacted during the energy crisis of 1974. It was nullified in 1996 after twenty years of frustrated drivers and county court houses overflowing with speeding violations.

By now, most states have raised their speed limits to 65mph. A few allow up to 70mph, and Texas’ is as high as 80mph in some parts of the state.

Have you been injured in a car wreck due to a manufacturing defect or someone else’s negligence? Contact experienced attorneys at the law office of Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP today, at 1-800-460-0606.