Dangerous Car Recalls Can Cause Injury
There are frequent vehicle safety recalls every year, both voluntary and involuntary. The problems that lead to vehicle safety recalls can often cause injury in a car accident. Whether the mechanical issue is ignored by the manufacturer or the recall isn’t taken seriously by the vehicle owner, unaddressed mechanical failures can cause or worsen the outcome of a car accident.
We are here to help if you have been injured and a car recall is complicating your personal injury case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. In the meantime, here are the most dangerous recalls of all time.
Unintended Accelleration
Unintended acceleration is a common defense in auto accident cases, and it is true that such a defect would be very dangerous. However, most of these cases are found to be user error. There have been two brands that faced recalls due to unintended acceleration, and both were eventually found to be driver error.
The Audi 5000 had reports of shifting out of park. After changing the vehicle to require the brake to be pressed to shift out of park, it was determined to be driver error. Likewise, Toyota had several models with electric throttles that had unintended acceleration accidents. After changing the floor mat and accelerator pedal designs, NASA finally determined the accidents were caused by drivers.
General Motors Ignition Switches
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues recall orders when car manufacturers ignore defects. According to their website, 932 vehicle safety recalls were ordered in 2022 alone.
One of these instances was teh GM ignition switches found on the Chevy Cobalt and the Saturn Ion. The first deaths due to the problem occurred in 2005, but evidence suggests that General Motors had knowledge about the issue as early as 2001. Ten million vehicles were recalled, and GM had to pay $35 million in civil penalties.
Takata Air Bags
Another forced recall that is still ongoing are Takata air bags. Air bags are supposed to protect you, but Takata air bags actually cause harm. Takata has long been the go-to brand for air bags for several manufacturers. The breadth of makes and models with Takata air bags makes it difficult for vehicle owners to know if their vehicle is part of the recall.
The NHTSA reports that 67 million Takata air bags have been recalled to date, with more being added. The problem with the air bags is that the air bags rupture in minor accidents, causing injury where no injury would have occured otherwise.
Ford Vehicle Recalls
According to Bank Rate, Ford has the most safety recalls to date. However, most Ford recalls are voluntary. These recall notices are sent to the vehicle owners of record, but it is up to owners to bring their car in for repair. Also, when an owner’s information has not been updated they may never receive the notice.
The most dangerous Ford recall to date was the exploding gas tanks on the Ford Pinto. The location and design of the gas tank caused fires in even minor accidents. Ford transmissions are also frequently recalled, such as the trucks produced from 1966 to 1977 with shifters that would slip into reverse.
Vehicle Recalls Complicate Car Accident Cases
It’s easy to see how vehicle safety recalls can complicate a car accident case. There may be more than one party at fault for your accident. Alternatively, the liable party might not be who you think.
It takes an experienced attorney like those at Conner, Marr, & Pinski to navigate the ins and outs of complex accident cases. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
