Feds investigate possible wind deflector glass defect on Scion tC
09-15-05, 09:47 AM
#1
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
Feds investigate possible wind deflector glass defect on Scion tC
Feds investigate possible wind deflector glass defect on Scion tC
HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/14/05
WASHINGTON -- Toyota has launched and sold 200,000 units of three Scion vehicles in just over two years without a safety recall. But that achievement may be in jeopardy.
Federal safety officials said last week that they are stepping up an investigation of wind deflectors on the sunroofs of 2005 Scion tC coupes. Some deflectors have shattered, showering glass on vehicle occupants.
"These occurrences may pose a risk of driver distraction and personal injury," says a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.
The agency and the automaker have received eight complaints of broken deflectors. Toyota Motor North America Inc. told NHTSA of 37 warranty claims that may be related to the problem.
Toyota says its research found no flaw in design, manufacturing or assembly. The automaker suspects the deflectors are being broken by airborne debris. Toyota spokeswoman Ming-Jou Chen declined further comment.
NHTSA's upgrading of a defect investigation in this way, from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, often is a prelude to a recall.
More than 60,000 tC coupes are on the road.
In another newly upgraded investigation, NHTSA is trying to determine whether there is a safety defect in the release lever for the second-row seat in 2004 Nissan Quest minivans. More than 65,000 of the vehicles are in service.
NHTSA says it and Nissan have reports of 11 injuries to people's hands after using the lever. The agency says Nissan has changed the handle's design twice during production.
The current handle is larger than previous ones. It has a cup-shaped design, into which fingers fit. Nissan North America Inc. says no injuries have been reported from the latest version of the handle.
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103169
HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/14/05
WASHINGTON -- Toyota has launched and sold 200,000 units of three Scion vehicles in just over two years without a safety recall. But that achievement may be in jeopardy.
Federal safety officials said last week that they are stepping up an investigation of wind deflectors on the sunroofs of 2005 Scion tC coupes. Some deflectors have shattered, showering glass on vehicle occupants.
"These occurrences may pose a risk of driver distraction and personal injury," says a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.
The agency and the automaker have received eight complaints of broken deflectors. Toyota Motor North America Inc. told NHTSA of 37 warranty claims that may be related to the problem.
Toyota says its research found no flaw in design, manufacturing or assembly. The automaker suspects the deflectors are being broken by airborne debris. Toyota spokeswoman Ming-Jou Chen declined further comment.
NHTSA's upgrading of a defect investigation in this way, from a preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, often is a prelude to a recall.
More than 60,000 tC coupes are on the road.
In another newly upgraded investigation, NHTSA is trying to determine whether there is a safety defect in the release lever for the second-row seat in 2004 Nissan Quest minivans. More than 65,000 of the vehicles are in service.
NHTSA says it and Nissan have reports of 11 injuries to people's hands after using the lever. The agency says Nissan has changed the handle's design twice during production.
The current handle is larger than previous ones. It has a cup-shaped design, into which fingers fit. Nissan North America Inc. says no injuries have been reported from the latest version of the handle.
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103169
09-15-05, 12:34 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
well 8 out of 60K isn't too bad... but I highly doubt the glass is shattering strictly due to wind pressure. Maybe Toyota needs to send out letters to tC owners stating that tailgating a loaded dump-truck is NOT a good idea. 
09-15-05, 01:39 PM
#3
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
and airborne debris, like the Toyota spokesman said. I've heard of many cases of not only the wind deflector shattering, but that actual sunroof part too. I guess its not put together properly.
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