The Most Common Auto Recalls Seen in Product Liability Cases

When a defective part or vehicle fails to meet minimum safety standards or is determined to create an unreasonable safety risk, the manufacturer voluntarily or is sometimes forced to recall the product. However, when accidents and injuries have been caused by a defective part or vehicles that were part of an auto recall, victims have the right to hold the manufacturer responsible. Here are the most common auto recalls that prompt product liability cases.

One of the most common types of auto recalls involved in product liability lawsuits have to do with brakes or braking systems. Faulty brake lines can cause malfunctions, which may lead to brake fluid leaking out. As a result, the fluid does not reach the brakes, and the vehicle will not stop when a driver tries to push the brake pedal. Other vehicle brake manufacturing defects are often found in the Antilock Brake System (ABS) or the dual brake system (parking brake). For example, an ABS malfunction can cause a vehicle’s wheels to lock up, preventing the driver from steering to safety.

Tire Defects

Defective tires can be incredibly dangerous and are often involved in product liability litigation, including strict product liability. A defect in a tire can cause a blowout, which is when the tire bursts and loses all air pressure, or tread separation, where the tread detaches from the body of the tire. As a result, a driver can quickly lose control, leading to a collision. When a tire has a defect, it is often due to the manufacturer having used already defective or low-quality materials to cut costs. 

Defective Airbags

Poorly designed or untested airbags can lead to preventable catastrophic injuries or fatalities in an accident. Faulty airbags are often recalled for failing to go off, inflating too much, being too powerful, or going off without warning.  

Seat Belt Defects

A seat belt failing in an accident can be fatal. Seat belts are often recalled due to unlatching, failing to lock, or failing to protect certain occupants—such as children or smaller adults. Causes of seat belt defects are often poor design, manufacturing or assembly errors, or low-quality materials used for webbing. 

Do I Have Recourse If a Recalled Component of a Car Caused an Accident or Injury?

You have the right to sue the manufacturer if you are injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part or vehicle. Unlike personal injury claims, you do not have to show that the manufacturer’s negligence or carelessness was the cause of your harm. Instead, you must only prove that the vehicle or its part was unreasonably dangerous even when properly used, and the cause of your injury. Depending on the defective auto product, you may be able to join a class-action lawsuit if many people have suffered injuries from it. However, these types of cases are often complex. To ensure you can successfully bring a claim against a vehicle manufacturer, consult an experienced Philadelphia product liability attorney today.