The Safety Institute releases a Vehicle Safety Watch List on a quarterly basis with the purpose of identifying automobiles with the potential for dangerous defects. The most recent list was released on March 1, 2017 and included statistics from injury and death claims from Early Warning Reports.
While The Safety Institute’s list may not include vehicle defects that have been announced and made official, it does identify dangers that may deserve further investigation as a result of dangerous reports from consumers. Almost half the list is made up of GM vehicles.
First two spots on the Vehicle Safety Watch List each below to the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4, years 2014 and 2015, due to powertrain issues. Third is the 2012 Chrysler 300, followed by the 2008 Buick Enclave. Rounding out the top five is the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt due to electrical concerns. The remainder of the list of 15 is as follows:
- 2009 Toyota Camry – Speed Control
- 2007 Chevy Cobalt – Electrical
- 2008 Chevrolet Impala – Electrical
- 2012 GMC Acadia – Structural
- 2012 Volvo S60 – Steering
- 2012 Hyundai Elantra – Electronic Stability Control
- 2006 Pontiac G6 – Steering
- 2012 Ford Fusion – Steering
- 2015 Mazda6 – Structural
- 2012 Dodge Dart – Foundation Brake
Possibly the most surprising on this list is the 2012 Volvo S60, as this brand is commonly known to be one of the safest on the road. The high price point for Volvo automobiles also brings to question this potential steering danger, though no official investigation or recall has been announced for this vehicle yet.
More information and the complete list can be viewed online at www.thesafetyinstitute.org.
The Safety Institute is a non-profit with the goal of preventing injuries and promoting product safety. By using education, research and evidence the organization hopes to make roadways a safer place for everyone.
