As a result of recent technological advances, the automobile industry has been able to manufacture thousands of vehicles with updated features and equipment that make cars easier and safer to drive. While many manufacturers carefully test all of their products, others are not so careful, which can have devastating consequences for innocent drivers, so if you are a South Carolina resident and have concerns about whether your car is subject to a recall, it is vital to speak with an experienced defective products attorney who can address all of your questions.
Subaru Recalls
Thousands of cars have been recalled in recent years. However, there are a few models that consistently seem to have problems or be subject to recall. For instance, 48,500 2016 and 2017 Subaru Legacy sedans and Outback wagons were recalled in May. Subaru cited serious problems with the steering column, which due to a defect could result in a steering wheel being unable to function. In this case, the defect was so severe that the manufacturer warned owners to cease driving these models immediately pending an inspection.
BMW Defects
BMW also recently recalled 26 models and 154,000 vehicles manufactured between 2007 and 2012 after it was discovered that loose wiring installed in the cars could cause dangerous fuel leakage. The recalled models include the following vehicles:
- X5 3.0si;
- X6 M;
- X6 ActiveHybrid;
- 535i Gran Turismo;
- 528i;
- ActiveHybrid;
- 640i Convertible; and
- 650i Coupe.
This was not the first recall made by BMW this year as the manufacturer also recalled almost 200,000 X3 and X4 crossover SUVs in June due to problems with the child seat anchors. A few months prior, BMW also recalled 840,000 cars equipped with defective Takata airbags.
Toyota Brake Defects
Toyota recently issued a recall for 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured between May 26 and September 26 of this year. The manufacturer reported that these vehicles may have defective brake fluid level sensors, which significantly decreases the cars’ braking performance. Toyota is also recalling 2016 and 2017 Prius models manufactured between August 6, 2015 and October 3, 2016 as a result of the discovery that the foot-operated parking brake system is equipped with a defective brake cable. This means that if the cable disengages and the transmission is left in a gear other than park while the car is on and the driver exits the vehicle, the vehicle could roll unexpectedly.
Volkswagen Emissions Defects
The manufacturers of Volkswagen vehicles have come under fire in recent months for the company’s circumvention of the emissions control system in around 550,000 cars since 2008. Affected models include the:
- Volkswagen Beetle;
- Audi A3;
- Porsche Cayenne;
- Volkswagen Golf;
- Audi A6 Quattro;
- Volkswagen Jetta;
- Volkswagen Passat;
- Audi Q5;
- Volkswagen Touareg; and
- Audi Q7.
Volkswagen also issued a separate recall for 281,505 cars for a variety of fuel leakage problems. One issue involves the rubber seals used on the suction pumps inside the gas tanks, which due to improper assembly may allow gas to collect within the evaporative emission components of the tank instead of being pumped out. This could lead to the flooding of the charcoal filter, which could cause a pervasive gas smell, fuel splash-back, or a dangerous gas leak.
Fiat Chrysler Automobile Defects
This year, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced that they were recalling around 310,800 vehicles in two separate recalls. The largest is for 225,000 Jeep Wrangler SUVs, which may have defective sensor wiring that could keep front airbags from deploying and seat belt tighteners from activating. Affected models include those manufactured between June 16, 2015 and August 14, 2016. Vehicles subject to the second recall include around 86,000 Ram heavy duty trucks manufactured between 2007 and 2013.
The recall also affects Dodge Charger Pursuit sedans built between 2011 and 2014. Both the Dodge Charger and Ram are equipped with alternators that could be vulnerable to premature diode wear, which may result in stalled engines or fires.
Contact an Experienced South Carolina Defective Products Attorney
Every year, thousands of Americans place their trust in automobile manufacturers to carefully produce, assemble, and test new models prior to their sale. Unfortunately, many dangerous design and manufacturing defects go unnoticed or unrepaired, which can have devastating consequences for victims and their families, so if you live in or near Clinton, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, or North Charleston and recently purchased a vehicle that has since been recalled, please contact the Joye Law Firm at (888) 324-3100 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated defective products lawyer who can explain your legal options.
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