Recalls on Vehicles – Is Your Car on the List?
Recalls on vehicles generally occur as the result of an outpouring of consumer complaints. While some are related to cosmetic or performance issues, many of these recalls are due to defects that could increase the likelihood of car accidents and injuries, putting you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk. Check out the information below to determine if your car is under investigation or if there are any safety issues that may have landed it on the recall list.
Automotive Recalls & Investigations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the government agency in charge of issuing vehicle safety standards. It accepts complaints from consumers regarding automotive defects or safety issues, conducts investigations, and may require a car manufacturer to issue recalls on vehicles. There are four steps involved in NHTSA safety investigations:
- Screening complaints from consumers to determine if a petition to conduct an investigation is warranted.
- Analysis of any petitions calling for investigations and reporting the reasons if an investigation is denied.
- In cases where an investigation is deemed to be warranted, the NHTSA will attempt to identify any potential safety issues and will notify the car manufacturer if a recall is required.
- Recall management provides a review of details and circumstances surrounding each complaint and whether additional investigations are required.
As you can see, these are fairly stringent standards. While the NHTSA’s goal is to protect motorists, there are situations in which defects that pose a threat are not discovered or subject to recall until driver injuries begin to be reported.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Recent Recalls On Vehicles
Cars, automotive parts, and even child safety seats are all subject to recall. You can find out if products you own are affected by visiting the NHTSA consumer safety website, SaferCar.gov. There are also numerous other publications that call attention to recalls and safety reports, such as Consumer Affairs (CA). The CA website lists the following as among the latest vehicles to be recalled:
- Chrysler 2017 Dodge Challengers and Chargers: Certain models have engine coolant hoses that could fail; spilling fluid and resulting in a loss of braking abilities or cause a loss of control over the vehicle.
- GM 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500: Vehicle manuals lack instruction on proper child safety restraints.
- Nissan 2016-2017 Titan Crew Cab and Titan XD Crew Cab: Seat belt assembly issues may not provide adequate head protection.
- Ford 2014-2015 F-150, E-350, Escape, and Lincoln MKC: Improper seat assembly could result in passenger injuries.
If your car is on this list, verify your VIN with the NHTSA to find out what actions the manufacturer is taking to address the situation.
Reach Out to Us Today for Help
Serious and potentially life threatening car accidents can occur as the result of vehicle defects and maintenance issues. If you have suffered injuries in this type of accident,
contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. We provide the aggressive legal representation needed to navigate recalls on vehicles while ensuring that auto manufacturers are held accountable. Call or contact our office and request a consultation at one of our seven locations in the Charleston area or the Upstate.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
