We know that 2015 and 2016 were record years for auto recalls, fueled largely by defects in airbags and ignition switches. This rush of recalls began over the last couple of years after it was revealed a number of potential fatal flaws – often ones that could have been fixed for just a few dollars per vehicle – were hidden from the public, in some cases for decades.
Unlike the typical Orlando car accident lawsuit, those that involve defective vehicles name a product manufacturer, as opposed to another driver, as the defendant. In some cases, litigation will name both. Defective vehicles or flawed vehicle parts are always a possibility that our best accident attorneys in Orlando explore following a crash, given the pervasiveness of these problems, which include everything from wiring and fuel problems leading to fire hazards to airbags that fail to deploy – or deploy with explosive force – putting drivers, passengers and other motorists at serious risk of injury or even death.
Just since the beginning of this month, Cars.com has issued nine vehicle recall notices. That doesn’t necessarily encompass the full number, but it gives you a sense of the fact that these problems are near constant and ongoing. A dedicated accident attorney will not overlook this critical fact when reviewing the details of your accident and injury.
Some of the recent examples of vehicle recalls that have affected Florida motorists include:
- 8,700 Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach vehicles, recalled for the fact the rear door may indicate it’s been locked, when in fact it is not, posing a potential risk of injury, particularly to children riding in the back seat.
- 62,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, recalled for the fact that kiddie plastic handles or push button fire extinguishers can become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate – potentially rendering the product inoperable and posing a risk to motorists whose vehicle may catch fire.
- 1.8 million Fiat Chrysler Ram Trucks recalled for the potential for the vehicles to shift out of park without the driver’s foot on the brake.
- 8,100 2017 Honda CR-V SUVs, recalled because a fuel supply pipe may have been improperly manufactured, which might result in the pipe disconnecting and leaking while the vehicle is moving, causing the engine to stall and increasing the potential for a collision. There is also the potential for an increased risk of fire and burn injuries.
- 8,100 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG SUVs for misadjusted low-beam headlights that could result in not enough lighting on the road, reducing visibility and potentially resulting in a crash.
- 162,000 2016 Fiat Chrysler Pacifica minivans recalled due to a software glitch with the potential to cause vehicles to stall.
- 1,200 Mercedes-AMG GT vehicles, for seat belts that bind in the guide loops, resulting in slack in the seat belt that could cause an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- 3.3. million more vehicles from more than 12 different auto manufacturers recall their vehicles in an expanded Takata airbag recall, issued for reportedly defective inflators.
Meanwhile, an interview with nine former Tesla workers, published in CollisionRepairMag.com, indicates most vehicles produced by the company require repairs before they ever leave the factory, and that the company has a “build fast, fix later,” production model. It does seem, based on the number of vehicle recalls we continue to learn about every week, that Tesla isn’t alone in this business model. This is the kind of thinking and practice that puts motorists, passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk.
If you have been injured in a crash and suspect a vehicle defect, we can help.
Call Freeman Injury Law — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights. Now serving Orlando, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and Fort Lauderdale.
Additional Resources:
Fiat Chrysler to Recall 1.8 Million Ram Trucks Over Rollaways, Dec. 22, 2017, New York Times
More Blog Entries:
Wrongful Death Verdict in Truck Crash Case Tossed, New Trial Ordered, Dec. 30, 2017, Orlando Car Accident Attorney Blog