When we purchase a car, we trust that care has been taken by the manufacturers to ensure our safety and the safety of our passengers. When issues arise regarding malfunctioning components on a vehicle, a product liability attorney can help owners determine if litigation is appropriate. Read on for information on some of the most famous automobile recalls.
Engine Mounts From General Motors
The engine mount of a vehicle is an essential component that keeps the car’s engine from moving around under the hood. When this piece of equipment fails, it can lead to a number of different dangerous consequences.
In 1969, it was discovered that cars manufactured by General Motors between 1965 and 1969 were equipped with a V8 engine that had faulty engine mounts. When these mounts gave out, it created a product liability nightmare for the car maker. Specifically, the engine would break free and pull open the throttle of the vehicle, causing unexpected acceleration while also disabling the braking system.
By 1971, there were 172 cases of engine mount failure resulting in 63 accidents and 18 serious cases of personal injury. In a sign of excessive negligence, General Motors initially downplayed the seriousness of the issue, until the US government forced a recall of almost seven million vehicles.
Seat Belts from Honda
In the early 1990s, nearly four million Honda vehicles were recalled due to ineffective seat belts. The release button on the seat belts would crack and break without any obvious cause, leading to these essential safety components to be useless to drivers.
Before the US government needed to elicit the services of experienced product liability attorneys, the Japanese automaker did the responsible thing and issued a voluntary recall. In an act of additional responsibility and accountability, Honda also invested marketing dollars to ensure the recall was publicized and owners knew about the recall.
Steering Columns From Chevy
In 1981, over six million Chevy Malibu models were recalled, along with some other models from Chevy and General Motors. The reason for this recall was of a loose suspension bolt that could cause the car’s steering columns to disable. This would lead drivers to lose control of their vehicle as it was traveling down the road. Although the number of accidents caused by this issue were not reported, Chevy’s reputation in the early 1980s was tarnished as a result.
Cruise Control Switches From Ford
The cruise control feature on an automobile makes use of computer technology to keep a car traveling at a constant speed. From 1996 to 2009, the Form Motor Company was forced to recall almost 15 million vehicles manufactured from 1991 through 2004. The reason was that the electrical switch involved in cruise control would short circuit and cause fires to start unexpectedly.
Getting Professional Legal Counsel
When you believe that a failure on your vehicle is due to the negligence of the manufacturer, it is worth discussing with a legal professional to determine if litigation is appropriate. For years, the attorneys at H&P Law have been helping residents of Las Vegas and throughout Nevada fight for their rights to fair compensation. Contact H&P Law today to discuss your case.
