Defective cars are dangerous cars. Defective car parts cause accidents leading to traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, vision loss, broken bones, and many other serious injuries. When a defective product causes death or injury, the victims and their families have the right to hold the manufacturers and potentially others in the supply chain accountable.

One way to stop defective cars from being driven is through the recall process. Automakers who are notified of a recall have a duty to alert their customers and dealers. The vehicles should either be repaired or taken off the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation has information on which cars and car parts have been recalled since 1966. Many automakers recall their own vehicles – often after complaints or a successful product liability lawsuit.

Which cars were recalled, and why

Five of the largest recalls reported by Cars.com for June 2018 were the following:

1. Kia Forte, Sedona, Optima, and Optima Hybrid (years 2010-2013). Nearly 500,000 cars are affected in the largest recall of the five. The danger is the defective airbag control units could malfunction and fail to deploy in a crash. The front airbags and “seatbelt pretensioners” are involved, Kia’s fix should be available by the end of July 2018.
2. 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. 240,000 of these minivans are affected. The defect involves the “manual park release plug.” The danger is that the minivan might roll away “if the plug is removed without a tool.” Consumers should address this problem immediately.
3. Audi – models A7, A6, S6, S7, and RS7. 139,000 vehicles were recalled. In this case, the defect was a “passenger occupant detection system.” Failure of the system to recognize the passenger could mean that the airbag failed to operate when danger is detected– thus causing the passenger to die or be injured. The defect applied to the front passenger detection system. The fix is to install a passenger occupation detection system repair kit.
4. Lexus IS, GS (years 2006-2014). Lexus recalled 115,000 convertibles and sedans. Car owners were urged to have their fuel delivery pipe replaced. The recall applied to “3.5-liter gas powered V-6 engines.” Lexus was concerned that “diaphragm material in the fuel pulsation dampers” could crack. Cracks can cause leaks. Fuel leaks can result in explosions and fires.
5. 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. 50,000 vehicles were involved in this recall, which was the smallest in number, and involved the most recently-built vehicles. The reason for the recall was a poorly-worded manual. The manual didn’t have clear instructions on the limitations and restrictions for using child-safety restraints for the “second-row center seat.” The seat belt could buckle under too much pressure. The main remedy in this case is a supplement to the owner’s manual. Some buckles may also need to be replaced.

If a loved one was killed, or if you were seriously injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to a substantial recovery – even if the crash only involved your vehicle. The Sevierville car accident lawyers at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC are respected trial lawyers. We have a strong track record of success. Call us at (865) 428-8780 or use our contact form to make an appointment. We proudly serve clients in Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.