Ford’s popular Explorer sport utility vehicle is again under the Federal microscope as US regulators investigate 1.2 million examples following reports of faulty seats, according to Bloomberg News. The report also said that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also reviewing reports of air bag failures that may affect 350,000 Volkswagen Passat sedans.
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The news agency noted that such probes are the first steps toward possible recalls and added that the agency is looking into Explorers for the 1998 to 2000 model years and Passats from model years 1998 to 2002.
According to Bloomberg News, the investigation of Ford’s sport utility began after 23 reports, 12 in the past year, that the seat back can recline without warning. Three crashes were reported to the agency, including one injury, after the driver hit a tree.
Bloomberg News said Volkswagen’s Passat came under review after two reports that air bags didn’t deploy properly on the passenger side. The agency’s summary report said studs and bolts failed to keep the equipment in place.
The news agency said the preliminary investigation will result in a decision on whether to close the case or order an engineering analysis of the vehicles. If the analysis finds sufficient evidence of a defect, the agency can request or force a recall. About two in 10 initial probes prompt further review and 72% of cases that go through an engineering analysis result in recalls, Bloomberg News said.
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