Each quarter, The Safety Institute releases a list of the top 15 vehicles to watch with regards to safety concerns. The list is compiled by researching public data in addition to consumer complaints filed with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database.
In January, TSI provided the Vehicle Safety Watch List for the final quarter of 2018. It’s not surprising that the 2015 and 2017 Ford Explorer are again at the top of the list. Since 2016, NHTSA has investigated consumer complaints of of carbon monoxide smell inside the vehicle. This includes police receptors which stated officers fell unconscious due to the fumes. Ford issued a recall in late 2016 for the 2017 Ford Explorers, but have yet to issue a recall for 2015 model year.
The watch list included several new additions to be mindful of in 2019. Number 3 and 10 on the list is the 2015 and 2016 VW Golf respectively. NHTSA has received several complaints about the structure of the vehicle. Some drivers reported loud creaking noises coming from frame around the doors and sunroof. One driver even reported of a spontaneous sunroof explosion while driving.
Number 5 on the list is the 2017 Audi A4. A recall was issued in 2017 for these vehicles due to an injury hazard. Consumers reported that the aluminum trim on the front and rear doors an come loose and leave sharp edges exposed.
For a completed Vehicle Watch List, please visit our The Safety Institute website.
The Safety Institute is sponsored by Ken and Beth Melton in memory of their daughter, Brooke Melton.
If you have been injured in a vehicle on this safety watch list, please contact us immediately.