The Safety Institute Releases Vehicle Safety Watch List
On March 1, 2017, the Safety Institute released its quarterly Vehicle Safety Watch List to identify those vehicles with a higher-than-average risk of dangerous defects. The report uses statistics from Early Warning Reports, including injury and death claims. Although the list does not include automobile defects that have already been made official, it does take into account consumer reports that warn of potential dangers. Nearly half of the vehicles on the list are GM vehicles.
The March 2017 Vehicle Safety Watch List identifies 15 vehicles that may have dangerous defects. These include:
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 – Powertrain
2009 Chevrolet Cobalt – Electrical
2009 Toyota Camry – Speed Control
2007 Chevy Cobalt – Electrical
2008 Chevrolet Impala – Electrical
2012 GMC Acadia – Structural
2012 Volvo S60 – Steering
2012 Hyundai Elantra – Electronic Stability Control
2006 Pontiac G6 – Steering
2012 Ford Fusion – Steering
2015 Mazda6 – Structural
2012 Dodge Dart – Foundation Brake
If you currently own one of these makes and models, you should contact your dealership as soon as possible to discuss the potential defects and how they could affect you. A Boston defective product attorney can help you determine how to proceed if you've been injured due to a faulty or defective auto part.
Vehicle Recalls – Breaking Records
Vehicle recalls hit a historic high for the second year in a row in 2015, with a record of 51.2 million vehicles being recalled that year. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), this was up slightly from 2014 when about 51 million vehicles were recalled. Between 2005 and 2013, the highest annual recall was 20.3 million vehicles. The higher rate in 2014 and 2015 was due largely to a series of auto industry scandals, including Volkswagen's emissions cheating, Takata's exploding air bags, and the ignition-switch defect in GM vehicles.
Takata air bags: About 42 million vehicles may be affected by this ongoing issue, which was first announced with a massive vehicle recall in 2013. Defective inflator and propellent devices within Takata air bags may improperly deploy in a crash, sending metal fragments flying through the interior of the vehicle.
Volkswagen emissions: Approximately 11 million cars worldwide were affected by this scandal, in which VW admitted to cheating on emissions tests to promote sales of its diesel vehicles with "low" emissions.
GM ignitions: In 2014, GM recalled approximately 800,000 vehicles due to faulty ignition switches, which may cause the engine to shut off while driving, preventing airbags from inflating. Nearly 30 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide, and GM has paid compensation for 124 related deaths.
The increase in vehicle recalls and "watch lists" is no doubt at least partially in response to these major scandals, among others. "Part of what has happened is a vigilance in looking for defects, getting them addressed, has been effective," said Mark Rosekind, NHTSA administrator. A MA injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you've been injured due to a faulty or defective vehicle part.
Altman & Altman , LLP – Defective Product Attorneys Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you have been injured due to a faulty or defective vehicle, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. Our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining client compensation. If you have been injured due to another's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Don't make the make the mistake of hiring the wrong attorney. We can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
Posted in: Auto Products Liability, Driver Safety and Driving Hazards
Updated: April 28, 2017 9:56 am