1 best of : September 2015

2016 Acura RDX, ILX and Honda Accord Named IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus

A trio of model-year 2016 Honda products have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest crashworthiness rating, Top Safety Pick Plus, the institute announced today. In addition to both the sedan and coupe versions of the Accord earning the safety kudos, the Acura RDX SUV and ILX sedan also received the designation.

Both Acura vehicles were named Top Safety Picks for the 2013 model-year. Their rating of good in the stringent small overlap front crash evaluation, combined with their superior rating for front crash prevention systems, earned both vehicles the elevated Plus designation for 2016. As is necessary for the honor, both vehicles received good scores in moderate overlap front, side, roof-strength and head restraints tests. These tests are rated on a scale of good, acceptable, marginal and poor.

According to IIHS, the RDX's front end and occupant compartment was modified to improve protection in front crashes, resulting in well-maintained driver space with a maximum of 5 inches of intrusion at the parking brake pedal. The crash dummy's head was also controlled well, while front and side airbags protected the head. "Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity," IIHS stated.

The ILX's front crash protection also benefited from modifications, resulting in a max 5-inch intrusion during the small overlap test, albeit with greater injury risk. "Measures from the dummy showed that left lower leg injuries would be possible in a crash of this severity," IIHS stated. "There were no problems with the dummy's movement or the airbags."

The Acuras' superior-rated collision warning and mitigation systems reduced speed by 11 mph in both vehicles during the 12 mph test, and by 16 and 15 mph in the RDX and ILX, respectively, during the 25 mph test.

The Honda Accord also elevated its safety esteem for 2016, thanks to the addition of an optional automatic braking system that avoided collisions in evaluations at both low and higher speeds. The previous Accord was available only with forward collision warning, earning it only a basic rating as opposed to the advanced or superior rating needed for the Top Safety Pick Plus award.

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2016 Infiniti QX50: First Drive

Tesla Reveals Full Details on 2016 Model X

Recall Alert: 2015 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS, 2016 Ford Explorer

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 200 model-year 2015 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS sedans as well as model-year 2016 Ford Explorer SUVs. Only vehicles built at the Chicago Assembly Plant on July 24, 2015, are affected.

The Problem: In the affected vehicles, the fuel tank attachment bolts might not have been tightened properly. This could lead to a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. The automaker is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires associated with this issue.

The Fix: Dealers will properly tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts for free.

What Owners Should Do: Ford has not yet released an owner notification schedule. Owners can call Ford at 866-436-7332 for more information.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.

More Recalls

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Recall Alert: 1998-2003 Ford Windstar

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 283,000 model-year 1998-2003 Ford Windstar minivans manufactured between Sept. 2, 1997, and July 3, 2003, at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, all of which received rear axle reinforcement brackets during a previous recall action

The Problem: The combined effects of corrosion and stress can lead to cracks in the axle, which if undetected can grow and result in a complete fracture. A previous recall repair of these vehicles included the installation of a rear axle reinforcement bracket. An incorrectly installed bracket could limit the effectiveness of that repair. Ford said it is aware of a "small number of accidents that might be connected to this issue, but no injuries."

The Fix: Dealers will inspect the brackets to determine if they were correctly installed, and the automaker will install a new axle on vehicles that have the incorrectly installed bracket, for free; owners of vehicles with the correctly installed bracket will receive an incentive to replace their rear axle at a reduced cost; the offer is good for one year with unlimited mileage.

What Owners Should Do: Ford did not immediately announce an owner-notification schedule. Owners can call the automaker at 866-436-7332 for more info.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.

More Recalls

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First ride: Google’s self-driving cars

Google finally pulled back the curtain on its autonomous vehicle research and let us take a ride in two of its self-driving robot cars. And you know what? The darn things actually drove themselves.But...

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Recall Alert: 2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 700 model-year 2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans; only Fusions manufactured at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant between Sept. 3 and Sept. 13, 2015, and MKZs manufactured at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant between Sept. 3 and Sept. 12, 2015, are affected.

The Problem: Ford has initiated the safety compliance recall because the fuel tank might not have been manufactured properly and could crack in a crash, increasing the risk of a fire. "Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires associated with this issue," the automaker said in a statement.

The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank for free.

What Owners Should Do: Ford has not yet released an owner notification schedule. Owners can call Ford at 866-436-7332 for more information.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.

More Recalls

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GM Says 2016 Colorado, Canyon Diesels to Arrive on Time

GM officials say its diesel midsize pickups, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, will arrive on schedule, despite reports that enhanced emissions testing would delay their appearance on showroom floors this fall.

Just days after the EPA announced plans to test more diesel vehicles in the wake of Volkswagen's diesel emissions crisis, Automotive News reported (subscription required) that the agency plans to put new diesel versions of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickup trucks through additional testing.

Related: More VW Diesel Recall News

Both pickups will offer a new Duramax 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel. Citing GM officials, Automotive News says the trucks, which are slated to hit dealerships in the fourth quarter, "could be delayed slightly by the additional testing."

GM officials told Cars.com that the trucks are launching on schedule.

"The Automotive News report was based on EPA and CARB [California Air Resources Board] letters that were sent to all manufacturers on Friday [Sept. 25]," GM spokesman Pat Morrissey told Cars.com. Morrissey would not confirm or deny whether GM's pickups are facing more tests, but he stressed that the "key issue here is we are on track to launch the Colorado diesel this fall as scheduled."

The EPA also wouldn't say whether it plans to test the Colorado or Canyon. A spokesperson said the agency "will not comment on pending certification decisions beyond noting that we intend to apply the broader testing regime announced on Friday to all certification testing going forward."

A spokesman at CARB did not respond to a request for comment.

Cars.com obtained a copy of the EPA's Sept. 25 letter to automakers. It stipulates that in addition to normal emissions and gas-mileage tests, the agency may test "any vehicle at a designated location, using driving cycles and conditions that may reasonably be expected to be encountered in normal operation and use, for the purposes of investigating a potential defeat device."

"Manufacturers should expect that this additional testing may add time to the confirmatory test process," the letter continues.

A so-called "defeat device" is at the heart of the VW diesel crisis. Regulators allege that the automaker installed software to limit emissions from its four-cylinder diesel engines in certain situations.

Morrissey told Cars.com on Sept. 22 that GM "does not use 'defeat devices' in our vehicles."

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2016 Volvo XC90 Review

The 2016 Volvo XC90 is not only a redesign, it's a complete overhaul that's stunning inside and out, with a host of technology that not only impresses, it works instinctively.

Find out more in my review.

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All our Tesla Model X questions, finally answered

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2003-05 Volvo S60, S80, V70, XC70, XC90 Fuel Pump Issues

Vehicles affected by this service bulletin:

2003 Volvo S80
2004 Volvo S80
2005 Volvo S80
2003 Volvo XC90
2004 Volvo XC90
2005 Volvo XC90
2003 Volvo S60
2004 Volvo S60
2003 Volvo V70
2004 Volvo V70
2003 Volvo XC70
2004 Volvo XC70

Affected vehicles are registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The problem: When exposed to hot climates, temperature cycling and varying fuel quality, one version of these Volvos' electric fuel pumps can develop cracks in the flange, resulting in a fuel leak. Owners may notice fuel smell and/or seepage.

See More Service Bulletins

Corrective action: On vehicles exhibiting fuel smell or seepage, dealers will confirm the fuel pump flange is cracked and replace the assembly with an updated unit.

Warranty info: Repairs will be covered under an extended warranty (10 years or 150,000 miles from the original vehicle in-service date, whichever comes first).

What owners should do: Call your local dealer with your vehicle's identification number to see if it's involved in this extended warranty. You can also call Volvo at 800-458-1552. Reference TSB No. SB23-221.

Need to find a dealer for service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find a local dealer.

Editor's note: This is only one of dozens of service bulletins issued each month by automakers. Please check your automaker's website to see if your vehicle has any service bulletins pending.

Check for recalls here on Cars.com.

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Fiat Chrysler Admits New Recall Reporting Violations

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced today that it did not correctly notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of problems with its vehicles. NHTSA says the automaker underreported deaths and injuries related to recalls.

In July, FCA was ordered to pay a $105 million civil penalty fine to settle its mishandling of 23 separate recalls covering more than 11 million vehicles; today, the automaker said it violated the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act related to that recall investigation. The act requires automakers to notify NHTSA every three months of accidents that caused injuries or deaths.

FCA said in a statement that it "identified deficiencies in its TREAD reporting" and "promptly notified NHTSA of these issues, and committed to a thorough investigation, to be followed by complete remediation."

FCA blamed the oversight on the "heightened scrutiny of its regulatory reporting obligations growing out of its recent consent order with NHTSA," and that it "is in regular communication with NHTSA about its progress in the investigation." The automaker also pledged its continual cooperation with federal regulators.

It's unclear if FCA will be hit with more fines, but it's far from the only automaker on the hot seat with NHTSA regarding proper recall reporting. Honda agreed to pay a $70 million fine for failing to disclose deaths and injuries related to its Takata airbag recall.

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Study: Car Sharing, Technology Will Drive the Future

What if we could get where we're going quickly, safely, and with less traffic congestion, all while reducing air pollution and maintaining a thriving auto industry? That's pretty much what the authors of a new report titled "Urban Mobility at a Tipping Point" are predicting — but you have to be willing to share.

As the world population continues to grow, auto sales are expected to increase by about 44 percent to 125 million within just the next decade, according to the report from management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. Meanwhile, the global car count of 1.2 billion is projected to double by 2030. Anyone who's sat staring at the brake lights of the car in front of them during their daily commute to work, or is aware of the tenuous state of the U.S. transportation infrastructure or has looked at the Los Angeles skyline through a haze of smog, should at least be skeptical that such growth is sustainable under present circumstances.

"The existing urban infrastructure cannot support such an increase in vehicles on the road," the report bluntly stated. "Congestion is already close to unbearable in many cities and can cost as much as 2 to 4 percent of national GDP, by measures such as lost time, wasted fuel, and increased cost of doing business."

Solving these problems will require a massive coordinated effort on virtually every level of society, and changes in the nature of privately owned vehicles is just one of those. The McKinsey report says these changes will focus on four major technological trends:

In-vehicle connectivity: Using real-time car-to-car crowd-sourced data on traffic conditions to reroute drivers and relieve congestion.
Electrification: Researchers forecast that sales of plug-in and hybrid vehicles will quintuple by 2022 to comprise 11 percent of the global market due in part to improved battery life, decreasing pollution.
Car sharing: Short-term rental and Uber ride share services could decrease the number of cars on the road simultaneously, reducing congestion by increasing the average per-vehicle mileage by nearly 75 percent; in other words, fewer cars but in constant use, as opposed to now when most sit idle 90 percent of the time.
Autonomous driving: Studies show this technology could reduce accidents by as much as 90 percent, save thousands of lives and $190 billion a year in the U.S. by 2050, while increasing the capacity of highways as more cars can travel faster and closer together with fewer collisions.

These four factors would work together in varying degrees to foster what researchers refer to in the report as "new mobility services." These would include peer-to-peer car sharing, in which people rent out their private vehicles when they're not using them; increased use of car sharing via a "fleet operator" for short-term rentals; and shared "e-hailing," in which riders going the same direction share the car, split the fair and lower the cost.

McKinsey predicts that people ultimately would use cars more, bolstering auto sales amid individual vehicle-ownership declines in recent years. According to a study cited from the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute, vehicle ownership between 2006 and 2012 dipped by 5 percent to 0.74 cars per person, and by 12 percent to 1.93 vehicles per household. Meanwhile, despite recent studies suggesting that millennials are buying more cars, analyses show they're 16 percent less likely to commute to work by car, use public transportation three times as much and are nearly a quarter less interested in owning a car than the generation before them — all while enthusiastically embracing shared-transportation services like Uber.

"So what will the future of urban transit be? Our view is that it will be more on-demand with more sharing, and will provide a broader spectrum of services," researchers stated. "Urban mobility will likely be lower cost, faster, and safer, and the lines between private and public transportation will be increasingly blurred."

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We went to Finland to test winter tires in a giant freezer (before it even started snowing)

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again and again: If you live in a state that experiences winter, you should invest in a good set of winter tires. Yes, even if you’ve been driving...

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As Pedestrian Deaths Rise, States Step Up Efforts

Compared to 40 years ago, pedestrians on U.S. roadways are far safer. According to figures from the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities have declined from more than 7,500 in 1975 to about 4,700 in 2013, a 37 percent reduction compared with a 24 percent reduction in all other car-related deaths during the same period. Still, in recent years, the death toll for pedestrians has been on the rise.

Between 2009 and 2013, the number of pedestrians killed by cars increased 15 percent; 20 percent of those incidents involved hit-and-runs. That equates to one pedestrian killed every two hours. In August, GHSA released its report, "Everyone Walks: Understanding and Addressing Pedestrian Safety," which made a number of pedestrian safety recommendations. It advises states to adopt strong "move-over laws" to address the large number of deaths involving people who are struck while stopped on the roadside.

"Many pedestrian fatalities involve motorists who became unintended pedestrians due to vehicle breakdowns or emergency responders who are struck on the side of the road," GHSA stated. "In fact, an average of 515 pedestrians are struck and killed annually by a motor vehicle on the nation's highways."

While we all should be well aware of the dangers inherent to drinking and driving, many of us may not think as much about drinking and walking. In 2013, a third of pedestrians age 16 or older killed by cars had a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or higher. That's more than twice the percentage of motorists who were driving drunk when they struck a pedestrian.

Similarly, distracted driving is well known to be among the greatest dangers facing drivers today. Perhaps less talked about is the percentage of incidents attributed to walkers distracted by handheld mobile devices: The rate of injury has nearly quadrupled during the past decade, with an estimated 2 million injuries in 2010.

"Distraction is particularly problematic for teens," GHSA stated. "One in five high school students and one in eight middle-schoolers have been observed crossing the street while texting, wearing headphones or talking on a cellphone."

The ever-present threat of speeding is another leading cause of death for pedestrians. Nearly 20 percent of incidents in which people on foot were killed by cars occurred on roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or less, GHSA reported.

Unsurprisingly, the four states with the largest populations also have the highest raw number of annual pedestrian fatalities. California, the most populous state in the U.S., by far had the most pedestrian deaths with 701, followed by Florida with 501, Texas with 480 and New York with 335. Three of these, California, Florida and New York, have adopted comprehensive plans for reducing pedestrian fatalities in their states, which GHSA made particular note of in its report.

All three of these states have adopted plans that use data analyses to identify high-incident zones - or "crash corridors," as they're referred to in New York, where despite improvements pedestrians still account for more than half of all car-related deaths. Safety officials then allocate resources toward enforcement, education and engineering in these target areas in hopes of reducing incidents where they most commonly occur. One notable element of California's program is it calls for disseminating a message of behavioral change immediately after an incident occurs, in the local area in which it occurs — when and where that message will be most effective. Florida, which has the highest pedestrian-death rate of 2.56 per 100,000 residents, also incorporates on-campus peer-to-peer and social-media driven outreach that promotes personal responsibility across all modes of transportation.

Other states that have implemented notable programs, GHSA said, include Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Kentucky, Nevada, Minnesota, Washington and Hawaii.

The 20 U.S. cities with the highest pedestrian-fatality rates as of 2013, followed by the number of deaths per 100,000 residents, are:

1. Detroit, 6.1

2. Jacksonville, Fla., 3.93

3. Memphis, 3.83

4. Tucson, Ariz., 3.61

5. Phoenix, 3.44

6. Dallas, 3.02

7. San Antonio, 2.98

8. Albuquerque, N.M., 2.88

9. Oklahoma City, 2.62

10. Louisville/Jefferson County, Ky., 2.62

11. Baltimore, 2.41

12. Austin, Texas, 2.37

13. Indianapolis, 2.37

14. Philadelphia, 2.32

15. San Diego, 2.21

16. Denver, 2.16

17. Fresno, Calif., 2.16

18. San Francisco, 2.15

19. New York City, 2.12

20. San Jose, Calif., 2.1

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How Well Do Dogs Fit in the Honda Fit?

My family shares our home and vehicles with three large dogs — two golden retrievers and a mixed breed — who range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds and height from 27 to 32 inches (measuring from toe to head). When car shopping, we consider how well a vehicle can handle our dogs and the equipment we use.

We participate in dog sports and travel to classes and trials in our 2004 GMC Safari van or 2014 Kia Sportage SUV; both are considerably larger than Cars.com's long-term test Honda Fit EX hatchback. Since it arrived at our Chicago office I've been eager to see how well our dogs would, well, fit in the Fit.

After spending a couple of weekends with the Fit, it is certainly a pet-friendly vehicle. Despite its diminutive proportions, the Fit can handle a lot of dog and dog equipment. Not only that, the Fit's low step-in (jump-in?) height, wide-opening doors and lower-to-the-ground cargo area make it easy to get dogs of all sizes in and out.