Traction control system failure caused accident
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 16
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From: California
Traction control system failure caused accident
I was involved in a solo accident & that just about totaled my '98 C5. Because it had happened once before, I believe that the Traction control system disengaged/failed causing me to lose control. Is anyone aware of a class action lawsuit based on this?
Last edited by Michele Borja; Dec 17, 2012 at 12:33 PM. Reason: Delete - rude replies to post.
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Search for Recalls here:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...callsearch.cfm
I'm not aware of any recalls on C5s around the traction control. Also, you need to be aware that traction control can only do so much. Physics can't be overcome by traction control. Even in the later year C5s with traction control and active handling, you can still push the car past the point of recovery very easily.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...callsearch.cfm
I'm not aware of any recalls on C5s around the traction control. Also, you need to be aware that traction control can only do so much. Physics can't be overcome by traction control. Even in the later year C5s with traction control and active handling, you can still push the car past the point of recovery very easily.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Ravensdale WA
Are you nuts? How did all us old guys get by before TC was invented? If you were in a 1 car accident it was your fault! End of story! First thing I do is turn it off. I do not want to depend on a nanny or do something stupid because it makes me feel safer. 
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Burning Brakes
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NTSB recall for the loose nut directly behind the steering wheel. Attorneys should have a field day-sarcasm off.
OP-NO mechanical device can overcome the laws of physics. Appears you were, as we used to say in aviation, "out of airspeed, altitude and ideas" x2.
OP-NO mechanical device can overcome the laws of physics. Appears you were, as we used to say in aviation, "out of airspeed, altitude and ideas" x2.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Richmond, Ky
I do seem to recall some posts where the AH/TC applied the brakes arbitrarily causing the car to dart left or right which could be bad new depending on the situation. Never happened to me, but some have reported some close calls.
Drifting
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From: Hopatcong New Jersey
But the OP said his TC failed to engage, which caused him to lose control.
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Tell us more details of the accident - wet/icy roads, speed involved, curvy roads, etc. Not saying something could have gone wrong with your car, but I have to agree with the others that the chance of the traction control system causing the accident is very slim. That said, glad you are OK - and hopefully the car can be repaired.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 376
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From: Coos Bay Oregon
The traction control is not a crutch. To depend on it is to live too close to the far side of physics. Once you break the laws of physics with an automobile, you become a passenger on your way to a wreck.
Kabluie
