Over the past year, we have heard about the many recalls in the automobile industry. Although the Takata airbag recall seems to have taken center stage, there are many other recalls that affect motorists’ safety. For example, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is being criticized for its handling of about 20 recalls. Some of the recalls include the following vehicle hazards:
- Ignition switch movement
- Alternator failures
- Loss of steering control
- Risk of fire in rear impact crash
- Air bag ruptures
- And many more
By the time any recall occurs, innocent motorists have already been injured or killed. What’s shocking is that many companies already have knowledge about such defects and fail to fix them, or they drag their feet in carrying out the recall. For example, FCA is being criticized for its slow response to fixing a fire hazard in certain older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty models, totaling 1.5 million vehicles.
When these vehicles are struck from behind, there is a chance that the collision will puncture the gas tank and people could be burned to death in rear impact crashes. For three years, Chrysler argued that the vehicles weren’t defective. Finally, Chrysler agreed to take action by installing trailer hitches on these vehicles; however, the repair completion rates are miniscule and the company is being criticized that this so-called fix under the recall won’t protect the gas tanks and fix the issue.
“It’s not enough to identify defects,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “Manufacturers have to fix them.” Sadly, people are dying and continue to be injured and killed due to defective vehicles. Prior to the recall, 50 people were killed in these Jeep rear-end collisions as a result of fires.
Now the company is being investigated once again for another possible defect. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been nine complaints that 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees brake for no reason and almost caused crashes. The vehicle has new technology that uses radars and cameras to detect hazards and automatically brakes to help drivers avoid crashes. It is believed that there could be a problem with this technology that caused the mysterious braking, and NHTSA is looking into it to determine if a recall will need to be issued.
Although there are many outstanding safety recalls that involve Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, this company isn’t alone. Many other carmakers are repairing defective vehicle parts after delaying recalls and repairs.
If you have suffered an injury due to a safety concern or potential defective vehicle, you may have a lawsuit against the auto manufacturer. To learn more about your rights and to speak with a knowledgeable accident injury attorney in South Florida, contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or (954) 677-0155(954) 677-0155 for a free consultation today.
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