More auto safety issues have prompted the recall of more vehicles by some
of the largest manufacturers. Our auto products liability law firm wants
to remind you that auto defects that cause serious injuries or wrongful
death maybe grounds for a personal injury case or a wrongful death complaint
against a negligent automaker.
General Motors is recalling 243,000 crossover vehicles because of a possible
rear seat belt defect that can occur if the belt becomes damaged when
a seat that has been folded flat is restored to an upright position. This
can allow a seat belt occupant to mistakenly think that the belt is properly
latched. The GM recall involves the 2009 and 2010 models of the Buick
Enclave, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Saturn Outlook, and the GMC Acadia.
Also this week, Mazda Motor Corp. announced that it is recalling 215,000
Mazda 5 and Mazda 3 vehicles (2007 – 2009 models) in the US because
they might suddenly lose their power steering without warning, increasing
the risk of a car crash. The auto defect can happen if rust comes off
a high pressure pipe and places strain on the power steering pump, resulting
in a system shutdown.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it has received
at least 33 complaints regarding this safety issue. Three of the complaints
contend that loss of steering control caused their respective car accidents.
While the vehicles use an electric boost to the hydraulic power steering
system that is supposed to make turning the car easier, some drivers do
not have the extra strength required to maintain control of the auto should
the electric boost fail.
Last week, Honda Motor Corp. recalled 428,000 autos in the US and Canada
because of an auto defect that can cause a car to roll away if it is not
parked properly. This may happen if the ignition interlock lever fails.
The lever is supposed to keep they key in the ignition if the vehicle
has not been placed in park. Honda vehicles in the US affected by the
recall are the Civic, Accord, and Element (2003 and 2004 models).
NHTSA upgraded its investigation into the possible vehicle defect after
Honda received reports of 10-related car accidents. NHTSA says it had
received 11 car crash reports over the same issue.
G.M. Recall for Seat Belts Affects 243,000 Crossovers, NY Times, August 17, 2010
Steering issues spur Mazda recall; GM recall targets seatbelts, Los Angeles
Times, August 18, 2010
Honda to Recall 428,000 Vehicles in N. America, ABC News, August 9, 2010
Related Web Resources:
NHTSA
Auto Recalls, Justia
Our automotive products liability lawyers represent clients throughout the US who have suffered injuries or the death of a loved one in a car crash caused by a defective auto part.
