Posted by callgentry |
On February 12th, 2024, USA Today reported that federal regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced several different product safety recalls. In total, more than 1.1 million vehicles are affected, including Honda, Kia, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz. The recalls were published by NHTSA between February 4th and February 10th. All motorists should be aware of whether or not their vehicle is impacted by the recall. In this article, our Jefferson City auto accident attorneys provide a more comprehensive overview of the recall, including what happened, the potential safety risk, and your options if you or your loved one is hurt in a crash.
An Overview of the Most Recent Automobile Recalls (February 2024)
Honda Recall (Airbag Defect, 750,000 Vehicles)
As reported by Reuters, Honda has initiated a recall for 750,000 vehicles in the United States due to a defect that might cause the airbags to deploy unintentionally. The defect is linked to the front passenger seat’s weight sensor, which could crack and short circuit. As a consequence, they could fail to properly suppress the airbag deployment when needed. The recall encompasses various models from the years 2020 to 2022, including Honda Pilot, Accord, Civic, CR-V, and Passport vehicles. The issue was traced back to a change in the base material of the seat weight sensor’s printed circuit board at a subcontractor’s manufacturing plant. Dealerships will replace the faulty seat weight sensors at no cost to vehicle owners. Every driver with a Honda that has a potentially defective airbag should get the appropriate repairs.
Safety Risk: When airbags do not work properly, they can put the occupants of a vehicle at a serious health and safety risk. Alarmingly, the safety concern comes after fatal accidents have been linked to other unrelated airbag problems (Takata product defect case).
Kia Recall (Engine Valve Defect, Fire Risk for 2,872 Vehicles)
The Department of Transportation (DOT) confirms that Kia has announced a recall for 2,872 Telluride vehicles (2024 make year). There are two big issues: 1) These models have a power drive flaw that could cause unexpected and sudden performance problems, and 2) These models have an engine valve defect that could ignite in flames. Of course, vehicle fires are extremely hazardous. Kia has acknowledged the recall and its dealerships will address the issues at no cost.
Safety Risk: There is a serious concern that the engine valve defect in these 2024 Kia model’s could contribute to a fire. Additionally, there is a concern that the loss of drive power could cause a crash.
Nissan Recall (Rear Camera Issues, Crash Risk for Nearly 60,000 Vehicles)
According to reporting from Consumer Reports, Nissan is recalling approximately 57,000 “Leaf” models that were made between 2018 and 2022. The vehicles in question are being recalled because there are concerns that the rear backup camera has a fundamental flaw. Notably, there was previously a vehicle safety recall from Nissan for a similar issue with other models. As of mid-February of 2024, Nissan states that the company has not yet determined how the issue will be repaired. That being said, the vehicle manufacturer states that once a repair procedure has been determined, consumers will be able to get their vehicles fixed as Nissan dealerships at no cost.
Safety Risk: Federal highway safety regulators are concerned that the problems with the rear backup camera could increase the risk of a crash.
Mercedes-Benz Recall (Bright Headlines, Nearly 16,000 Vehicles)
According to a report from Car and Bike, Mercedes-Benz—the German-based luxury vehicle manufacturer—will recall approximately 16,000 vehicles because they have overly bright headlines that violate federal safety regulations. Several models are being recalled in Missouri and elsewhere in the United States, including the GLC 300, GLC 350e, and AMG GLC 43. The years subject to a recall for these models are 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The recall addresses an issue with the headlamps being incorrectly adjusted during production, potentially causing extreme glare for oncoming traffic and increasing the risk of a serious accident. Mercedes-Benz is expected to notify all affected vehicle owners in the U.S. by March 1st, 2024 and repairs will be available at no cost to consumers.
Safety Risk: The bright headlights are a serious concern. They can dramatically reduce visibility for oncoming motorists. As a consequence, those motorists may struggle to drive the vehicle safely. In some conditions, these overly bright headlights could contribute to a head-on collision.
Manufacturers Can Be Held Liable for Accidents Caused By or Made Worse By Defects
When you get into your car, you should be able to feel confident that your vehicle is reasonably safe. The last thing you want to think about is a product defect that could cause a crash or render your vehicle especially dangerous if a collision happens. In Missouri, manufacturers have a crucial responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. When accidents occur due to or are exacerbated by defects in these products, the manufacturers can be held legally responsible.
In Missouri, a vehicle manufacturer can be held strictly liable for injuries sustained in an accident that was caused or made materially worse by a product defect. A manufacturer may bear liability on the grounds of an automotive defect regardless of whether or not there is already an active recall in place. A Missouri automaker liability attorney can help you get justice and financial compensation.
Involved in a Crash Caused By an Automotive Defect? We Can Help
At Call & Gentry Law Group, LLC, our Missouri motor vehicle accident lawyers have the skills, experience, and expertise to hold manufacturers accountable. If you or your loved one was harmed in a crash caused by an automobile defect, we are here to help. Contact us today for your free, no obligation initial consultation. From our law office in Jefferson City, we represent victims and families throughout Central Missouri, including in Columbia, Linn, and Fulton.