The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded its investigation into General Motors’ L87 small-block V8 engines following continued owner complaints despite recalls, while major recalls and developments across the auto industry headline Friday’s automotive news roundup.
NHTSA Expands Investigation Into GM V8 Engines
The NHTSA’s expanded probe covers nearly a million trucks and SUVs equipped with GM’s L87 small-block V8, including the Chevrolet Silverado, Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon from model years 2021 through 2026.
The agency’s new engineering analysis will assess the effectiveness of GM’s efforts to address the issue and mitigate engine failure. The investigation follows continued complaints from owners despite recalls.
Stellantis Recalls Dodge Durango SUVs Again
Stellantis is again recalling certain 2021-2023 Dodge Durangos equipped with rear spoilers because of a misalignment issue that could cause the spoilers to fly off at speed.
Just under 75,000 SUVs are affected by the recall.
China Launches Major Auto Recall
China has commenced its largest auto recall in history and one of the largest anywhere in the world, involving emergency door releases in vehicles equipped with electronic handles.
The recalls involve 11 different automakers and will take several forms. Some manufacturers will issue new software, while others will install warning labels to highlight the locations of the handles.
Tesla alone will have to make changes to 3 million cars.
Lamborghini Customers Back Plug-In Hybrid Lanzador
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said during an interview at Monterey Car Week that the company’s customers are “very happy” with its decision to recast the Lanzador as a plug-in hybrid rather than a fully electric vehicle.
Uber Faces Nearly $1 Billion Netherlands Fine
The Netherlands has fined Uber nearly $1 billion for suspending driver accounts without notice between 2020 and 2022 under GDPR rules.
The rideshare company intends to repeal the decision.
Tesla Discontinues Solar Roof
Tesla has discontinued its solar roof product but will continue offering conventional solar panels.
The company first publicly demonstrated the solar roof system a decade ago, before acquiring SolarCity, a company Tesla CEO Elon Musk invested in that was run by his cousins.
The product never managed to become as inexpensive or sell as well as Musk had touted.
Weekend Racing Schedule
Several major racing events are scheduled for the weekend, with all listed times in Eastern time.
- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at New Hampshire: Saturday at 1:30 p.m. on FS1
- Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix: Sunday at 9 a.m. on Apple TV
- IMSA SportsCar Championship at Virginia: Sunday at 12 p.m. on NBC
- IndyCar in Washington, D.C.: Sunday at 1 p.m. on Fox
- NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire: Sunday at 3 p.m. on USA
- NHRA Drag Racing Brainerd Nationals Finals: Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on FS1
The developments round out Friday’s automotive news, spanning major safety investigations and recalls, changes at automakers, regulatory action and a full slate of weekend racing.
