NHTSA Announces Chrysler Group Recall of Dodge and Chrysler Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall of 119,072 Chrysler Group, LLC, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles as the result of a defect in the brake system’s antilock control unit module. The defect may cause the power distribution center to overheat, which can lead to the loss of ABS or ESC function. This can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury auto accident.

What is so Important about ABS/ESC function?

The electronic stability control (ESC) system and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are essential safety features. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking up during braking so that the driver may still have steering control and the vehicle won’t skid. Similarly, the ESC system, which is completely computerized, detects and compensates for traction loss to prevent skidding by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels in order to resolve issues such as under-steering and over-steering.

The Vehicles and the Remedy

Chrysler is recalling model year 2011 and 2012 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The company will notify owners and dealers, and dealerships will move the ABS/ESC system fuse at no-cost. The recall should begin in May 2012. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 for additional information.

How a Massachusetts Product Liability Attorney Can Help

If you have been injured in a Massachusetts auto accident caused by a defective auto part, you may be able to hold the auto manufacturer liable for negligence. The experienced auto product liability lawyers in Boston with the Kiley Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today to find out more about getting the compensation you deserve at (888) 208-1695.

NHTSA Announces Extensive Recall of Toyota Vehicles due to Air Bag Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 495,470 Toyota Motor North America, Inc. vehicles due to a driver’s side airbag defect. This recall affects model years 2005-2009 Tacoma vehicles manufactured from September 14, 2004 through August 29, 2008.  

The Defect

The clockspring assembly, which powers the driver’s side airbag module, may become damaged over time by steering wheel vibration. If it becomes damaged, the airbag warning light will illuminate and the airbag may become deactivated. This could result in the airbag’s failure to deploy in an accident, increasing the risk of serious injury to the driver.

Airbags are important safety features, but when they do not function properly they can pose significant risks to vehicle occupants. In most cases of defective airbags, malfunctions cause the airbag to either deploy inadvertently, which can cause injury on its own, or not at all.

Remedy

The recall is expected to begin in April 2012. Toyota will notify Tacoma owners and dealers will replace the defective clockspring assembly for free. For additional information, owners can contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331.

Holding Negligent Auto Manufacturers Liable

It is an auto manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicles they produce are safe and in proper working order. If their negligent manufacturing or poor design causes a hazardous defect, then they may be held liable for any injuries that result.

If you have been injured by a defective car or car component, the experienced Boston auto product liability lawyers with the Kiley Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today at (888) 208-1695 for a free legal consultation.

Ford Announces Recall of Over 200,000 Vehicles due to Fire Hazard

Ford Motor Company is recalling 244,530 Escape SUVs  as the result of a braking system defect which could cause brake fluid to leak onto the antilock brake system (ABS) module wiring harness connector, thus leading to corrosion. This could subsequently cause melting, smoke, or fire.

Recalled Vehicles

The recalled vehicles include model year 2001 and 2002 Ford Escapes that are equipped with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that may leak brake fluid. They were manufactured from October 22, 1999 through July 19, 2002.

Remedy

Ford is expecting to start notifying owners of the affected vehicles at the start of the week of January 23, 2012. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap  and modify the ABS electrical system, though this remedy may not be available by the aforementioned week due to a parts delay, in which case owners will be instructed to park their vehicles outside until the parts are available. If owners would like more information, they may call Ford at (866) 436-7332, under the recall campaign number 07V-156.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle manufacturing or design defect, you may be able to hold the at-fault party liable for any losses you have suffered as the result of your injury. At the Kiley Law Group, our experienced defective auto parts attorneys in Boston are committed to obtaining justice for clients who have been injured as the result of auto manufacturer negligence. To learn more about getting the financial compensation you need and deserve for a full recovery, contact us today for a free legal evaluation of your potential claim at (888) 208-1695.

NHTSA Opens Investigation into Potential Chevy Volt Defect

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a statement on General Motor’s (GM) plan to address a potential defect in the Chevrolet Volt which may pose significant fire risks in the event of a serious accident, as well as conducting its own investigation into the matter.

NHTSA Investigation

The NHTSA is the primary safety agency in charge of reducing the numbers of injuries and fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents on U.S. roadways, and, as such, the NHTSA has opened an investigation in order to collect and analyze information concerning the risk of post-crash fires in Chevy Volts. Although the investigation, which is being conducted in collaboration with Department of Defense and Department of Energy experts, is not yet completed, preliminary conclusions demonstrate that both coolant leakage and battery intrusion must occur to create a post-crash fire in the Volt.

GM’s Reinforcement Remedy

GM has designed a steel reinforcement device in order to prevent the aforementioned dangerous conditions that would cause a post-crash fire. The NHTSA crash-tested a Volt retrofitted with the GM device and the test revealed no coolant leak or battery intrusion. Once the NHTSA completes its analysis, it will then provide further information to consumers and all other relevant parties.

Contacting an Experienced MA Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a Massachusetts auto accident as the result of a manufacturing or design defect, you may have cause for legal action. At the Kiley Law Group, our dedicated auto product liability attorneys in Boston have the skills and resources to effectively pursue maximum compensation for their clients. To discuss your potential claim with one of our lawyers, call us today at (888) 208-1695.