You did your research. You spent months looking up every detail about makes and models of cars. You looked up which vehicle offers the best fuel mileage, if it has all-wheel drive, and how safe it is. After double-checking everything, you purchase your car, trusting the manufacturers to provide a high-quality vehicle. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall on several for vehicles that might put drivers at risk.
At Wyatt Law Firm, we believe that you should not have to fear injury because of manufacturing mistakes. If you have suffered injuries from defects in the following vehicle, contact our San Antonio defective product attorneys. You may be eligible to seek compensation.
HEATING ISSUES
Multiple cars have reportedly caused heating or risk of fire hazards. This can endanger drivers and cause injury or death. Here is the list of liable vehicles:
- Model: NEWMAR / 2007-2008
Manufacturer: Newmar Corporation
Issues: The tag axles with the wheel bearings may be too tight, causing it to overheat.
Risk: This can potentially cause a wheel end fire.
- Model: RAM / 2016
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Issues: Vehicle may have improperly heat-treated rear axles.
Risk: Rear axles can fracture or detach from wheel, which could lead to a crash.
- Model: RAM / 2015-2016
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Issues: No heat shield for spare tire.
Risk: Without protection, the heat from the exhaust may wear on the spare tire. If the damaged tire is used, it can cause loss of control or a potential crash.
- Model: FOUR WINDS / 2009-2011
Manufacturer: Thor Motor Coach
Issues: The wires for the transfer switch may fail when exposed to high electrical loads and high temperatures.
Risk: Overheated transfer switches can lead to a fire.
- Model: BUICK / 1997-2004
CHEVROLET / 1998-2004
OLDSMOBILE / 1998-1999
PONTIAC / 1997-2004
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
Issues: Oil from the engine may drip into the exhaust manifold.
Risk: This can potentially cause a fire.
AIRBAG ISSUES
Airbags are placed in cars to ensure the safety of the driver. There serve as a barrier between the person and the hard metal during a crash. However, because the impact is strong, it can be dangerous to have airbags deployed outside of a crash. The following cars have been recalled due to issues with the airbags:
- Model: TOYOTA / 2016
Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Issues: The driver’s knee airbags may have been installed with inappropriate bolts, which may come loose over time.
Risk: Driver may be at risk of further injury in the case of a crash, because it can affect knee airbag deployment.
- Model: HONDA / 2008-2009
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Issues: Side impact sensors may be hypersensitive causing airbags to deploy without reason.
Risk: The impact of airbags may increase risk of injury or crash.
- Model: JEEP / 2003-2004
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Issues: Side impact sensors may be hypersensitive causing airbags to deploy without reason.
Risk: The impact of airbags may increase risk of injury or crash.
- Model: HONDA / 2016
Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Issues: The metal surrounding the driver’s airbag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Risk: The rupturing of the metal housing can hit the driver causing injury or death.
STALLING OR POWER ISSUES
Cars are powered by fuel and the electrical wires are connected together to ensure appropriate function. However, what happens when wires are crossed or the power does not work properly? Serious injury or risk can emerge. The following vehicles manufacturers have recalled because of problem with stalling or power.
- Model: MERCEDES BENZ / 2014-2016
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Issues: Software error in the unit that controls the engine.
Risk: Vehicle may stall during stops and may not automatically restart, causing an increase in the risk of a crash.
- Model: MERCEDES BENZ / 2014-2015
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Issues: There is potential for error in the communication between the electric drive system, which can leave car immobilized.
Risk: Increased potential for auto crash.
- Model: FOREST RIVER / 2016
Manufacturer: Forest River, Inc.
Issues: Improper installation of room slide power supply wire may not pass circuit breaker.
Risk: An incorrect level of power supply may melt the wires causing a potential for fire.
- Model: MINI / 2002-2005
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Issues: This car may encounter trouble with the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
Risk: Because the steering assistance may lose power, the driver may need to exert extra effort in driving. This abrupt change can lead to a potential collision.
- Model: MERCEDES BENZ / 2015-2016
Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.
Issues: A potential failure in camshafts may cause automobile to stall or cause engine failure.
Risk: The unexpected stall in the engine can cause an accident.
- Model: VOLVO / 2016
Manufacturer: Volvo Trucks North America
Issues: The vehicle’s Cummins engine may not work properly, causing the wires to short circuit and the car to stall.
Risk: The car stopping without warning can lead to a crash.
PART AND MATERIAL ISSUES
It is a well-known fact that quality materials make for better products. Cars, especially, have multiple parts that must work together to ensure a smooth drive. However, the following vehicles have been recalled for certain part failures.
- Model: SNAKE RIVER / 2015-2016
Manufacturer: Snake River Trailer Company
Issues: The tire, wheel, hub, and torsion arm may come loose because they may not be welded properly.
Risk: Because the torsion arm may detach, this can cause the vehicle to be unstable, increasing the risk of damage.
- Model: THOR / 2016
Manufacturer: Thor Motor Coach
Issues: The parking brake system may not be properly calibrated, thus causing the vehicle to not fully stop.
Risk: If the car does not stop completely, there is a higher risk of an accident and injury.
- Model: ITASCA / 2015-2016
WINNEBAGO / 2015-2016
Manufacturer: Winnebago Industries, Inc.
Issues: Because some vehicles have shift cable brackets that were not installed correctly, the car can shift out of park without the brake being applied.
Risk: Because the car can shift without warning, it can move and collide into other vehicles while in use.
- Model: UTILIMASTER / 2012
Manufacturer: Spartan Motors USA
Issues: Some vehicles may have undercarriage ramps that rub against the hydraulic brake line.
Risk: The friction between the two objects can cause a hole in the brake line, thus causing the brake fluid to dispense. Because the brakes may not function properly, potential for risk is high.
- Model: UTILIMASTER / 2014-2015
Manufacturer: Spartan Motors USA
Issues: The cars may have a placard showing the wrong capacity weight.
Risk: Because the placard may show the wrong maximum weight, the car may be too full, causing vehicle damage and potential injury.
- Model: DODGE / 2012-2015
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Issues: Water may leak into the ABS module, causing it to not work properly.
Risk: If the ABS system does not work, the vehicle can lose control and potentially collide.
- Model: JEEP / 2015
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Issues: The car may have an air conditioning hose that is not properly routed.
Risk: Potential for a car fire.
- Model: HYUNDAI / 2015-2016
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Issues: The Antilock Braking System light may not come on, thus leaving the driver unaware of the problem with the brakes.
Risk: If the driver does not know the ABS light does not work properly, the may not know about the problem with the brakes, leading to potential harm.
- Model: VOLVO / 2016
Manufacturer: Volvo Trucks North America
Issues: The transmission shift may not work properly in some units.
Risk: There is a potential for dangerous collisions.
At Wyatt Law Firm, we believe that you should be able to buy and drive a car in good faith. If you have suffered injury or harm because your vehicle did not function properly, contact our San Antonio defective product attorneys. We will review your case for free and inform you of legal actions you can take to seek compensation. Call today at 210-702-2162!