I've reported on the Toyota recall several times, and it continues to be major news in all media. The extent of Toyota's issues is shocking and vast, and it got me to thinking about how defects are reported in the first place. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, often pronounced "nit-sah" by the press) "directs the highway safety and consumer programs established by the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, the Highway Safety Act of 1966, the 1972 Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, and succeeding amendments to these laws," according to the NHTSA charter. NHTSA's mission is to "save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes, through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity." NHTSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and is the arm of government that sets "safety standards for motor vehicles and associated equipment, investigates possible safety defects, assures that products meet safety standards and are not defective (through recalls if necessary), and tracks safety-related recalls. The agency also enforces regulations on fuel economy, odometer fraud, and vehicle theft," according to brochure entitled "This Is NHTSA." So, how does NHTSA know when there is a defect? Part of the process involves mandatory reporting on the part of the manufacturers. If the auto makers detect a pattern of defect in their vehicles, they are obligated to let NHTSA know about it as soon as they suspect a problem. NHTSA then investigates, and determines whether the problem is a defect, and whether a recall and repair order in necessary. Sometimes, manufacturers try to get ahead of the curve, and issue voluntary recall orders before NHTSA requires them. Toyota tried this tactic with its first recall last year, involving the "captured pedal" issue. Cynics read "voluntary" recalls as P.R. maneuvers, but I prefer to look at them more charitably. Consumers can also alert NHTSA to defects in their vehicles. There's a very simple form on the NHTSA website and a hotline number (1-888-327-4236) that's open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzes all consumer complaints, and will open an investigation "if a safety defect trend exists." If you think your vehicle has a safety defect, it's important that you report the issue. It's very difficult for the ODI to determine if there's a trend if no one reports defects. Photo © Jason Fogelson How to report a defect originally appeared on About.com SUVs on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 15:27:46.Permalink | Comment | Email this

I have to admit that I'm pretty lazy, in general, especially when it comes to keeping my SUV clean and tidy. Oh, I'm not as lazy as some people -- my own beloved wife comes to mind. The only time she washes her vehicle is when she finally realizes that she can't tell what color it was before she let it get so dirty. There are actual reasons to keep your SUV clean, especially in the winter. If you live in an area where the roads are salted, the same salt that keeps the roads clear can cause massive corrosion damage to your vehicle's finish. You need to get that stuff off of your SUV as quickly as possible. And while you're at it, it's a good idea to perform a complete visual inspection of your SUV, to make sure that small problems don't become large ones over the winter. Luckily, I've put together this list of Top Ten SUV Detailing Tips to make your job easier, and more efficient. Now, if I can only follow my own advice... Photo © Jason Fogelson Top Ten SUV Detailing Tips originally appeared on About.com SUVs on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 at 00:05:22.Permalink | Comment | Email this

A few months ago, I went to Georgia to drive the 2011 Kia Sorento. I got to take a tour of the new Kia factory south of Atlanta, and I have to admit that I was dazzled by their robots. They have the coolest multi-tasking robots that I've ever seen, and the whole setup is high tech, impressive and gigantic. But what about the SUV? I got a chance to drive the Sorento at the launch, but when I Kia offered to let me spend a week behind the wheel back at home, I took it. I wanted to make sure that I hadn't been brainwashed by the robots. Turns out that I still like the Sorento as much as I did when I first drove it. Maybe even a little bit more. Sorento is easy to live with, fun to drive and very solidly-built. Now, pricing has been announced. A base Sorento front-wheel drive with an inline 4-cylinder and manual transmission lists for $19,995; prices go up incrementally from there, all the way up to $28,895 for a loaded EX with a V6, six-speed automatic and 4-wheel drive. Photo © Jason Fogelson 2011 Kia Sorento Test Drive & Review originally appeared on About.com SUVs on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 00:05:14.Permalink | Comment | Email this

Boy, is my face red. I just realized that I hadn't yet posted this Honda SUV Overview. Luckily, I have rectified the situation, and you can now read all about Honda's SUVs and crossovers in one place. That's particularly important, considering that the Honda CR-V is currently the best-selling SUV in the United States, taking over after a long run by the Ford Explorer. I'm assuming that means that plenty of you are driving CR-Vs now, or are considering a new CR-V purchase. Do you own a Honda CR-V? Are you considering a CR-V purchase? Click on "comments" below and share your story. Photo © Jason Fogelson Honda SUV Overview originally appeared on About.com SUVs on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 00:05:22.Permalink | Comment | Email this