US: NHTSA looks into issues with Ford, GM, Honda SUVs

Chicago Tribune - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe into some Ford Motor Co. SUVs after receiving complaints that the liftgate windows can shatter without warning.

NHTSA also has opened investigations into faulty gas gauges in 865,000 GM sport-utility vehicles with possible fuel-gauge issues and Honda Motor Co. CR-V SUVs for a headlight defect.

The agency received 18 complaints that the liftgate glass on the tailgates on 200,000 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners could shatter when the gate was opened or closed, according to safety regulators.

One consumer reported that she and her 10-year-old son were cut by glass fragments, NHTSA said. Many of the incidents occurred during cooler temperatures.

According to NHTSA, a technical service bulleting Ford issued in November 2010 reads: "Some 2010-2011 Escape and Mariner vehicles built on or before 10/15/2010 may experience the liftgate window glass breakage, typically when colder ambient temperatures are present."

The safety agency also opened an investigation covering 288,000 2002-04 Honda CR-V SUVs for complaints that the headlights stopped working.

NHTSA said it has received 12 complaints alleging both low-beam headlights stopped working at once.

"Several of the complainants report the headlight switch and its wiring harness connector required replacement to repair the low beam head light circuit," NHTSA said. "It was also reported the switch and connector had become damaged by overheating/melting."

Federal regulators are also investigating 865,000 GM SUVs for fuel gauges that could mistakenly tell drivers their vehicles have more gas than they do.

NHTSA said it opened a preliminary investigation covering 2005-07 Chevrolet TrailBlazers, GMC Envoys, Buick Rainiers and Saab 9-7s after receiving 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge readings.