There is more news of auto safety defects prompting yet more recalls of vehicle from the nation’s largest auto manufactures. 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 voluntarily recalling 248,000 2009-2010 models of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook to inspect second-row safety belts that could make an occupant think the belt is properly latched when it isn’t.
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 of potential power steering issues. It was discovered that the models in question could without warning lose power steering, 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.
As of the date of this writing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says had received at least 33 complaints regarding this safety issue. Three of the complaints contend that loss of steering control caused their auto 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.
Honda Motor Corp also recalled 428,000 autos in the US and Canada last week because of an auto defect that can cause a car to roll away if 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.
If you, a loved one or someone you know has been injured by this or any other defective product, contact the defective product lawyers of Alexander Law Group, LLP, LLP today.
Call us at 888.777.1776 or send us an email. No Recovery; no fee, all calls confidential.
