The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated its intent to propose new rules aimed at standardizing and simplifying how all vehicle doors are opened from the inside. This move seeks to prevent scenarios where occupants, particularly in emergency situations, struggle to exit a vehicle due to complex or unconventional door-opening mechanisms. While not exclusively targeting EVs, some newer electric vehicle designs have featured flush or unique door handle types that could be impacted.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declined a petition to investigate Tesla's unconventional door handles. Instead of focusing on one automaker, the agency plans to develop new, broader safety regulations for vehicle door systems, potentially influencing future EV designs. This move aims to address potential safety concerns related to non-traditional door mechanisms across the automotive industry.
Magna has developed a new interior mirror equipped with a camera system designed to monitor driver behavior. This technology, called Occupant Status Monitoring (OSM), aims to enhance safety by detecting signs of distraction, fatigue, or drowsiness, actively observing the driver's alertness and attention.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated it will develop new rules for vehicle door latch and lock systems. This move stems from a petition highlighting safety concerns with electronic door releases, particularly in emergency situations. The potential new standards could impact Tesla and other automakers using non-mechanical door handles across their vehicle lineups.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating new regulatory measures concerning vehicle door handles. This comes in response to multiple crash incidents where emergency responders faced difficulties opening doors, raising concerns about occupant safety and timely extrication.
Across the United States, school districts are increasingly facing a dilemma: how to balance the independence e-bikes offer students for daily commutes against growing safety concerns. The surge in e-bike popularity amongst youth has led to a rise in accidents and reckless riding, forcing administrators to consider restrictions even as these electric vehicles provide valuable transportation options.
A new report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that Waymo's autonomous electric vehicles have a substantially lower crash rate—68% fewer—compared to human-driven cars. The study also found that when crashes do occur, they are generally less severe. However, the IIHS highlights several crucial caveats that impact the comprehensiveness and generalizability of these findings, particularly in how crashes involving Waymo vehicles are reported and analyzed.
Federal regulators have launched an investigation into power loss experienced by certain Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 EV models, leading to a recall. The issue, stemming from a charging unit defect, affects approximately 100,000 vehicles, with some owners reporting a sudden loss of motive power while driving.
A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that Waymo's autonomous vehicles demonstrate a significantly lower crash rate per mile traveled when compared to incidents involving human-driven cars. This research suggests a potential safety advantage for driverless technology as it continues to develop and integrate into public transportation.
Tesla announced a 5% drop in net income for the second quarter, totaling $1.1 billion, as the company navigates a more measured approach to its highly anticipated robotaxi deployment. CEO Elon Musk emphasized safety as the primary factor influencing the pace of their autonomous vehicle expansion. The cautious rollout signals Tesla's strategic prioritization of robust, safety-validated technology over rapid deployment in the competitive autonomous driving landscape.
French authorities have officially rejected Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in its current state, stating it does not meet the necessary safety standards for use on public roads. This decision highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of advanced driver-assistance systems in Europe and internationally. Tesla will need to implement changes to gain approval in France.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is moving to implement new headlight performance regulations, prompted in part by complaints about excessive glare from modern high-intensity headlights, particularly those found on Tesla vehicles. This federal action could lead to better-designed adaptive lighting systems and a reduction in dangerous glare for oncoming drivers. The move comes as Congress has directed the agency to update outdated headlight standards.
Hyundai is recalling approximately 47,000 Kona and Kona Electric SUVs from the 2021-2023 model years due to a faulty seatbelt assembly for the rear center seat. The issue could prevent proper restraint in a crash, posing a safety risk. Owners are advised to avoid using this particular seat until remedies are implemented.
Rivian is cautioning future R2 owners against using older charging adapters due to potential overheating and melting. The R2's 400-volt architecture, while cost-effective, demands high amperage during charging that some legacy adapters may not be able to handle safely, posing a risk to equipment.
Hyundai is recalling over 47,000 Kona Electric SUVs from the 2021-2023 model years in North America. The issue concerns the rear seat belt buckles, which may become unlatched during a collision.
Amazon's Zoox has issued a voluntary recall for its driverless robotaxis after one of its vehicles collided with a fire truck responding to an emergency. The incident, which occurred in February, prompted new software updates designed to improve the robotaxis' ability to detect first responder vehicles and safely navigate emergency scenes.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered Tesla to recall approximately 20,000 older Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The directive addresses a non-compliance issue where the headlights are deemed excessively bright, potentially posing a safety risk to other drivers.
A recent study highlights driver overconfidence as a significant hurdle to improving road safety and reducing fatalities. This psychological factor can lead individuals to underestimate risks and overestimate their own driving abilities, potentially undermining safety campaigns and technological advancements aimed at saving lives. The findings suggest that educational efforts may need to address this cognitive bias more directly to be truly effective.
In a concerning trend for the autonomous vehicle industry, robotaxi passengers are reportedly falling asleep during rides, leading to 911 calls from concerned third parties. These incidents highlight emerging safety and operational challenges for self-driving services, raising questions about passenger monitoring and emergency protocols, especially when human oversight is absent.
BMW is recalling approximately 29,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles across its 3-Series, 5-Series, and 7-Series models in the United States and Canada. The defect, stemming from the engine starter relay rather than the high-voltage battery, poses a fire risk and has prompted BMW to advise owners to park these vehicles outside until repairs are completed.
BMW has issued a significant recall for approximately 30,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. due to a fire hazard. The recall, impacting 3, 5, and 7 Series PHEVs, stems from a combustion engine component rather than the high-voltage battery.
BMW is recalling more than 29,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States, citing a potential fire hazard. The recall addresses an issue where debris could enter the hybrid system's control unit, possibly leading to a short circuit and heightened fire risk.
Nissan is recalling almost 4,000 units of its 2026 Leaf electric vehicle after a Consumer Reports test revealed that the rear seatbelt assemblies did not meet federal safety standards. This recall addresses a crucial safety concern related to the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
A recent analysis indicates Tesla's robotaxi fleet has achieved a remarkably high safety standard since April. The service recorded only a single collision during this period, which was attributed to human error rather than the autonomous system.
Federal regulators are raising concerns about autonomous vehicles interfering with emergency first responders. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling for meetings with AV companies to address these critical issues, aiming to improve safety protocols by the end of the month. This initiative follows numerous incidents where AVs have posed challenges for emergency personnel at accident scenes.
Two California teenagers learned the hard way that Waymo's autonomous vehicles are not suitable venues for pyrotechnics. After allegedly setting off fireworks inside a Waymo robotaxi, the company discreetly contacted authorities, leading to a police response. This incident highlights the challenges autonomous vehicle operators face when dealing with disruptive passenger behavior.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the Trump administration issued a stern warning to autonomous vehicle (AV) developers. The agency emphasized that self-driving cars must be able to safely interact with first responders or risk posing a significant danger to the public. This guidance highlights the critical need for AV technology to account for real-world emergency scenarios and effective communication with human personnel.
A new Cars.com analysis highlights the top SUVs for safety in the current market, featuring a respectable number of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This report offers valuable insights for consumers prioritizing vehicle safety, demonstrating how EVs are increasingly meeting and exceeding traditional safety benchmarks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a stern warning to autonomous vehicle companies, emphasizing that their robotaxis must not interfere with emergency service operations. This comes amid increasing reports of self-driving cars blocking fire trucks, ambulances, and police, leading to potentially critical delays. NHTSA stressed that public trust in this nascent technology is paramount and is earned by ensuring safety and cooperation, implying potential regulatory action if issues persist.
A Waymo autonomous vehicle detected suspicious activity involving teenagers with toy guns in San Mateo, California. The robotaxi promptly initiated a 911 call and safely remained on the scene until local police arrived to investigate the incident.
Waymo, a leader in autonomous driving technology, stresses the need for a more sophisticated approach to evaluating the safety of self-driving cars. The company argues that simply counting miles driven doesn't accurately reflect risk, as different driving environments and conditions present varying levels of complexity and potential hazards.
A group of teenagers riding in a Waymo robotaxi in Phoenix startled the autonomous vehicle operator by drinking alcohol and firing toy guns from the windows. The Waymo vehicle safely pulled over and stalled for authorities after the remote operator alerted police to the passengers' behavior. This incident highlights ongoing discussions around monitoring and managing passenger conduct in autonomous vehicles.
The rapid electrification of vehicles presents new challenges for maintaining safety and reliability, particularly concerning the complex control units that manage EV powertrains. This article explores how Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) validation is crucial for rigorously testing these systems virtually before they are implemented in physical hardware. By simulating real-world conditions, SiL helps developers catch errors and optimize performance, ensuring strict safety standards are met.
A recent incident highlights potential shortcomings in Tesla's driver monitoring system, as a driver was reportedly caught napping at 60 mph with Autopilot active. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the in-cabin camera in ensuring driver attentiveness and preventing misuse of advanced driver-assistance features.
General Motors has issued a recall for the upcoming Cadillac Vistiq BEV due to a potential safety defect in its power-folding third-row seats. The issue, discovered after similar problems in other vehicles, could lead to injury if the seat mechanism malfunctions. Owners will be advised to keep the third row stowed until a fix is implemented.
Tesla continues to prove its strong domestic manufacturing presence, with its vehicles once again claiming the top spots on Cars.com's American-Made Index. Additionally, various Tesla models have received high safety accolades, underscoring the brand's commitment to both local production and occupant protection.
Ford has issued a recall for over 42,000 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles due to a potentially faulty differential unit. This defect could lead to a fracture, resulting in a loss of power to the wheels and increasing the risk of an accident. Owners of affected models are urged to contact their dealerships for inspection and repair.
Cadillac is issuing a recall for over 14,000 Vistiq electric SUVs due to a defect in the one-touch folding third-row seats. The issue could prevent the seats from returning to their upright position if they encounter resistance, posing a potential risk of trapping occupants. This safety concern impacts models from the 2026 model year.
Cadillac is recalling all units of its Vistiq three-row electric SUV due to a problem with the power-operated third-row seats. Until a fix is implemented, the automaker will disable the seats to prevent potential safety hazards.
General Motors has paused shipments and initiated a recall for approximately 15,000 Cadillac Lyriq electric SUVs. The action addresses a defect in the third-row seating that could potentially entrap passengers, mirroring a safety concern previously seen in other SUV models.
Cadillac is recalling approximately 14,000 of its 2027 Vistiq EV crossovers, citing a defect that could potentially trap small children in the third-row seat. The issue, which General Motors identified last month, involves a mechanism that prevents the rearmost seats from folding back correctly while occupied, posing a significant safety risk. Although GM has halted Vistiq shipments, a permanent fix for the problem is not yet available.
A Tesla driver in British Columbia was filmed seemingly asleep while their vehicle traveled at 100 km/h on a highway, with children also in the car. This incident highlights a potential vulnerability in Tesla's driver monitoring system, which reportedly failed to detect the driver's state due to them wearing sunglasses. The event prompts questions about the efficacy of current in-car monitoring technologies when presented with simple obstructions.
A Google News aggregation error incorrectly cited a Kelley Blue Book article about a recall for the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. There is no such recall, as the 2026 model has not even been released. The error has been corrected; the original article made no such claim.
Sensata Technologies has introduced its Active + Passive PyroFuse, designed to provide superior high-voltage protection in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and commercial transportation. This innovative device integrates both an active, system-triggered interruption and a passive, current-driven trigger within a single unit, offering a robust safety solution. The STPS500P series enhances occupant safety and protects vital EV components by rapidly isolating power during fault conditions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded its probe into approximately 376,000 Tesla vehicles regarding power steering problems. This decision comes after Tesla initiated a recall last year to address the issue, satisfying the agency's concerns.
Tesla is rolling out an innovative safety update that enables its vehicles to prepare for airbag deployment before an impact actually occurs. This proactive system utilizes onboard cameras to detect an imminent crash, allowing the restraint system more time to react and potentially enhance occupant protection.
Waymo has released updated safety statistics, asserting that its autonomous vehicles demonstrate a significantly safer driving record compared to human-driven cars. The company continues to openly share its data to foster external scrutiny and validation of its robotaxi operations. These figures aim to underscore the advanced safety profile of Waymo's self-driving technology.
Ensuring the safety of electric vehicles, from battery packs to charging systems, relies heavily on rigorous high-potential (hipot) testing. This diagnostic procedure verifies the integrity of electrical insulation, preventing potential hazards from the high voltages and currents present in EVs. Employing sophisticated components like reed relays enhances the precision and reliability of these essential safety checks.
In a wrongful death lawsuit, Elon Musk has publicly denied that Tesla's Autopilot system was responsible for a 2022 crash that killed an 87-year-old woman. Instead, Musk pointed to evidence suggesting the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake, maintaining that user error was the cause.
Ramp Container has developed the EV RESCUE system, a specialized platform engineered to safely contain and mitigate thermal runaway events in electric vehicle batteries. This innovation addresses the unique challenges of EV fires, ensuring that once an incident occurs, the vehicle can be secured without risk of reignition or further spread.
A recent study conducted by Thatcham Research reveals that in-car speed limit recognition technology frequently misidentifies road signs, leading to incorrect speed limit displays. This raises concerns about the reliability of advanced driver-assistance systems that depend on accurate environmental perception.
Ford is recalling select 2019 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs due to a software glitch that can prevent the hands-off-the-wheel warning from activating. This issue affects vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control and can compromise driver awareness, posing a safety risk.
A California woman died when a Tesla operating on Autopilot veered off the road and crashed into her house. The incident, captured by a doorbell camera, highlights ongoing concerns about ADAS safety and prompt investigations by local authorities and the NTSB.
Autonomous driving company Waymo has issued a recall for its robotaxi fleet after discovering a software flaw that could lead vehicles into closed highway construction lanes. This marks the second recall for Waymo in recent months, highlighting ongoing challenges in autonomous vehicle development.
Toyota is issuing a safety recall for approximately 16,200 model year 2026 bZ and Lexus RZ electric vehicles across North America. The recall addresses a problem with the battery's electronic control unit (ECU), which could potentially impact vehicle performance or safety systems.
The Swedish transport authority has formally recommended that the European Union reject Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system for bloc-wide approval. Their primary concern, outlined in an April 30 letter, is the system's current capacity to exceed posted speed limits, a feature Sweden insists must be removed before FSD is considered safe for European roads.
