The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced it will be opening investigations into three separate crossovers due to safety issues, according to The Detroit News.
Consumer complaints about the 2006-2008 Toyota RAV4, 2005 Honda Pilot and 2007-2009 GMC Acadia have led to the inquiries. The Acadia's twin model, the less-popular Saturn Outlook, is also under investigation. None of the issues are related, other than the fact the investigations seems to have come about due to consumer complaints, rather than findings by the manufacturers.
The RAV4 is the most serious investigation, as the NHTSA has received complaints of rust forming on the rear tire rods. In these instances, the driver could lose control of the vehicle if the tire rod breaks apart.
On the Pilot, the problem is related to the car's stability control system. This safety system is in place to help ensure the car stays in the driver's control. Unfortunately, the system appears to be activating at inappropriate times, according to consumer complaints. This is causing the vehicle to slow down in potentially dangerous situations.
Meanwhile, the Acadia and Outlook issue is related to the lower headlights. Approximately 415 customers have written in to say their headlights stopped working, possibly due to an overheating of the electrical components.
Those with an older car should be sure to keep up with their vehicle maintenance in order to avoid any issues on the road, although manufacturing flaws will likely need to be handled by a recall.