– The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is upgrading its investigation of 256,025 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire cars. NHTSA and General Motors have received 614 complaints of the problems, which may have occurred because a supplier didn’t use a type of grease in the bulb socket that helps prevent electrical failures, NHTSA says. Such investigations sometimes lead to recalls.
– NHTSA is investigating General Motors minivans after getting reports that people have been injured by power sliding doors. Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette and Pontiac Trans Sport and Montana minivans from 1998-2004 are being investigated. NHTSA says it has received 19 complaints that people were injured because they were holding the handle of the sliding door when it started moving and their elbows were crushed against the back of a seat. In 13 cases, the force of the door was strong enough to break bones.
– NHTSA is requiring automakers to install power window switches designed to prevent accidental use by 2008. The rule will outlaw toggle switches, which rock back and forth, in all vehicles sold in the U.S. by Oct. 1, 2008. The move is designed to protect children who can accidentally activate the windows, trapping body parts and possibly killing them.
