Two automakers have just announced car recalls. in the US. In the most recent one, Toyota Motor Sales USA said it would perform two voluntary recalls. The first one involves about 133,000 Highlander Hybrid (2006 to 2010 model years) and Lexus RX400h autos (2006 to 2008 model years). The second vehicle recall is over 102,000 Lexus IS 350 C, 350, and GS 350 autos (2006 to 2011 models).
In the Lexus/Highlander recall, transistors in the inverter assembly might suffer heat damage related to its parallel circuits. This could allow warning lights on the instrument panel to activate and the car to go into “limp home mode,” possibly even causing it to stop even while being driven. With the other Lexus recall, valves that are supposed to hold the variable valve timing control device in place may come loose, which also could stop a vehicle while in operation.
Obviously, for a vehicle to stop on its own without warning while on the road can be very dangerous, not just for the occupants of the car but for other motorists and pedestrians. Serious personal injury, even death, may result. Were such an accident to happen, victims could have reason to pursue on auto products liability case against Toyota.
Also, late last week, Ford announced it was recalling about 355,000 sedans in the US. The recall affects the Lincoln Town Car, the Mercury Grand Marquis, and the Ford Crown Victoria, including approximately 195,000 police cars (2005 to 2011 models), in DC and in 22 states.
The safety issue involved is that of possible steering loss and the recall comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s probe, which began last year, into complaints involving problems with the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Now, the automaker is saying that a corrosion issue may be affecting the lower intermediate steering shaft.
This could cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate. All of these issues may lead to the driver losing steering ability, which can up the risk of a car crash. Ford, however says that it hasn’t heard about any accidents or injuries involving this safety problem.
At The Gilbert Law Group®, our auto defects lawyers represent clients that have sustained serious car accident injuries or lost a loved one because a vehicle or one of its parts proved defective or malfunctioned. Do not hesitate to contact us to request your free case assessment.
Our auto products liability law firm handles cases involving airbag defects, SUV rollovers, seat belt failures, seatback collapse, auto fires, sudden unintended acceleration, brake defects, steering problems, engine safety issues, tire blowout, window problems, and other vehicle-related defects. We have the resources and experience to pursue personal injury and wrongful death compensation from negligent automakers, sellers, distributors, dealers, auto part manufacturers, and others.
Our auto defect lawsuits involves autos that were recalled and autos that were not. We even have an engineering team on staff to help us with our cases and we work with expert witnesses.
