Chrysler PT Cruiser Crash Test Failure
In March of 2000, DaimlerChrysler began production of a new vehicle called the PT Cruiser. The PT Cruiser was based on the Neon small-car platform, but featured an upright design, which maximized interior volume. The vehicle met all federal crash test standards, including driver and passenger protection in a 30 mph fixed barrier frontal impact. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, performs further crash tests on new vehicles to give consumers more information about the safety of new products. NHTSA typically performs its tests at a speed 5mph faster than the federal standard. The PT Cruiser performed well in nearly all the tests, receiving either four or five stars for protection of the passengers in frontal, side, and rear impact accidents. For driver protection in a 35 mph fixed barrier frontal impact, however, the PT Cruiser received only two stars, indicating a significant chance of severe injury. Chrysler maintained that they put a safe vehicle on the road, but NHTSA stood firm with their rating. Our group studied the Ford Pinto disaster previously this semester, and when we heard about this problem we decided that it would be fitting to use it as o
The frame is usually what costs the most to fix, and since PT Cruiser's frame is less likely to bend, it will probably be cheaper to fix if it is involved in an accident. We wondered why the insurance rates would be lower for a vehicle with lower crash test scores, so we did further research on the subject. This puts the driver very close to the steering wheel and the dash. These crash tests are responsible for many of the safety standards applied to cars in the past and to date. One of these factors is the crumple zone on the vehicle. It is also noteworthy that the aforementioned low-speed collisions account for the greatest percentage of automobile accidents. Once Chrysler has found a way to repair the old PT Cruisers, they must contact the Cruiser owners, and inform them of their options. Consumers must keep in mind that crash test ratings are only applicable when comparing vehicles in the same weight class. To resolve this problem, Chrysler has the option of recalling the PT Cruisers that have already been sold. Others, like Ford, GM and Chrysler supplied only general information about their designs.
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