Safety

2011 Chevrolet Volt Earns Top NHTSA Safety Rating

Chevrolet's 2011 Volt plug-in hybrid has secured the highest safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, matching the performance of leading rivals in crash tests.

Self-driving cars struggle with reliability and public trust

Reports indicate that self-driving cars remain far from flawless, with persistent technical and social obstacles keeping human drivers in the frame for now.

EU Law Change Opens Door for Autonomous Cars on European Roads

A new amendment to the Vienna Convention clears legal barriers for self-driving vehicles, allowing European countries to permit autonomous driving technology from May 2014.

Nissan Leaf Becomes First Electric Car to Earn Five-Star Euro NCAP Rating

The Nissan Leaf secured an 89 per cent overall score in Euro NCAP crash tests, making it the first fully electric vehicle to achieve the programme’s top safety rating.

Honda to Recall 200,000 Cars Globally Over Engine Bolt Fault

Honda will recall around 200,000 Stream, Civic and Crossroad models worldwide to fix engine bolts that could cause engines to stall, following dozens of customer reports in Japan.

GM recalls 2012 Buick LaCrosse and Chevy Impala for stability control and steering faults

Over 4,000 Buick LaCrosse sedans and an undisclosed number of Chevrolet Impalas from the 2012 model year are being recalled in the US due to electronic stability control calibration and power steering hose issues.

Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptors Achieve Pursuit Rating

Ford's Taurus and Explorer-based Police Interceptors have passed the pursuit rating test, confirming their readiness for high-speed police operations in the US fleet market.

Pacific Coast Highway closed after fatal Ferrari crash

A Ferrari crash north of Sunset Boulevard left one dead, another critically injured, and forced a lengthy closure of the Pacific Coast Highway as emergency crews responded.

NHTSA Opens Probe into 2009 Honda Odyssey Liftgate Failures

US safety regulators are investigating around 20,000 2009 Honda Odyssey minivans after reports of liftgate strut failures that have led to injuries.

Autonomous Cars Could Abandon Steering Wheels and Pedals

Fully self-driving vehicles may soon make traditional controls and safety features redundant, raising questions for manufacturers and regulators.

Lamborghini Murciélago SV destroyed in Singapore fire after crash

A rare Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV was reduced to a burnt shell in Singapore after crashing and catching fire, with video footage capturing the aftermath.

Chevrolet Volt Recall Record: No Major Safety Campaigns, But Battery Fire Probe Prompted Action

The first-generation Chevrolet Volt avoided large-scale recalls, though a high-profile battery fire investigation in 2011 led GM to offer loan cars and a battery reinforcement fix.

Italian Police Lamborghini Gallardo Written Off After Crash

The Italian police's Lamborghini Gallardo, introduced as a high-speed patrol car, was destroyed in a crash just a year after entering service.

Land Rover Defender thefts surge 75% after end of production

The classic Defender has become a prime target for organised car thieves in the UK, with more than 500 stolen in a year following the model’s production halt.

Learner Drivers Must Book Their Own Tests Under New DVSA Rules

From May 2026, only learner drivers can book and manage their own UK driving tests, ending third-party bookings and ensuring learners pay only the official DVSA fee.

Hyundai Mobis develops world's first panoramic sunroof airbag

Hyundai Mobis has introduced a roof airbag designed for panoramic sunroofs, aiming to reduce occupant ejection risk in rollovers and expand the role of passive safety systems.

2018 Nissan Maxima gets tech upgrades and higher starting price

Nissan has updated the Maxima for 2018 with standard Android Auto, extra USB ports, a new colour option and a base price now from $33,905 in the US.

Subaru Impreza debuts in European trim at 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show

Subaru has brought the new-generation Impreza to Frankfurt in full European specification, featuring its global platform and a choice of two petrol boxer engines.

Tommykaira ZZ Roadster Debuts Polycarbonate Pillar-less Windscreen

Japanese boutique brand Tommykaira introduces a lightweight, pillar-less polycarbonate windscreen option on its ZZ electric roadster, marking a technical first for production cars.

BMW, Mazda, Subaru and Toyota agree $553 million Takata settlement in US

Four carmakers will pay $553 million to settle claims from US owners affected by faulty Takata airbag inflators, covering recall outreach, repairs and customer expenses.

Elaine Chao Confirmed as US Secretary of Transportation

Elaine Chao takes charge of the US Department of Transportation after a decisive Senate vote, positioning her to oversee infrastructure, safety and autonomous vehicle policy.

Coast Guard Helicopter Rescues Nissan Pickup Driver Trapped by Waves in California

A Nissan pickup driver stranded on Humboldt Bay’s North Jetty during high surf was airlifted to safety after waves battered his truck and a boat rescue failed.

2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab earns only 'marginal' IIHS crash rating

The 2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab received a 'marginal' score in the IIHS small overlap front crash test, matching rivals but falling short of the Ford F-150.

NHTSA clears Tesla Autopilot, cites 40% drop in crash rates

US safety regulators have closed their investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot, finding no defects and reporting a substantial reduction in crash rates after Autosteer was introduced.