Fatal N.Y. Limo Crash Raises Safety Questions About 'Frankenstein' Vehicles

"When we look at limousines and stretch limos, we see a really Frankenstein system of cars that potentially are cut up and put back together with parts and pieces that were not original to them," says Deborah Hersman, president and CEO of the nonprofit National Safety Council and former chair of the NTSB. "And additionally, some things may be taken off — things like air bags or seat belts."

And these modifications can affect handling and a vehicle's ability to withstand crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets standards for newly manufactured vehicles, but limos that are modified after they're off the assembly line can skirt NHTSA oversight. read more »

The Ford GT Has Been Recalled Because it Might Catch Fire

Ford first suspected its race-derived supercar may have an issue when a German customer’s car burst into flames earlier this year. The Dearborn-based automaker replaced that customers car, then began looking into why it went up in smoke in the first place.

The company has now traced the problem back a leaky valve for the hydraulically operated active rear wing. read more »