The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched investigations into two popular models, the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Jetta, for issues that could potentially be harmful out on the road.
According to the Detroit News, the NHTSA has received several complaints about issues in both vehicles, though they are unrelated. The Mustang has a problem with its transmissions at high speeds, which could potentially increase the risk of an accident if the driver cannot shift into the gear that they want on the highway.
Meanwhile, several drivers have reported fuel line leaks with the Volkswagen Jetta, which can lead to a fire. The fuel lines in question are connected to the vehicle's fuel injector.
These are not recalls in the traditional sense. The bureau has launched its own investigation, which will determine if further action is necessary. Typically this spurs an automaker into an action, forcing them to decide whether or not a recall is necessary.
Recalls are covered by the manufacturer, but problems such as this are not. Even if the NHTSA launches an investigation, it can be more than a year before any action is taken. Keeping up with your car's maintenance and ensuring it gets regular tune-ups and vehicle inspections is a good way to nip these problems in the bud before they become a danger.