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Automobile and vehicle parts recalls have been plentiful in the last 12 months, with GM and Takata brand recalls making headlines numerous times. Each recall that is announced is attributed to a defect in the manufacturing of the vehicle’s parts, which could cause performance and safety issues. At Jones & Swanson, our attorneys specialize in representing Georgians who have been involved in automobile accidents that left them with significant injuries. Many of these accidents are found to have been caused by defective vehicle parts, which is why we try to keep readers updated with the most recent automobile recalls announced by the NHTSA and auto manufacturing companies.
In December, Chrysler recalled 67,000 pickup trucks due to a potentially defective clutch ignition interlock switch. If this switch breaks or malfunctions in a manual transmission truck, it could allow the truck to be started without the clutch being depressed. Another threat is that the truck would fail to start, but move when the key is turned in the ignition. This recall is in response to the NHTSA investigation that we reported on in September after a child was able to start a Dodge Ram 3500 truck. This recall includes Dodge Dakota, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500, and Mitsubishi Raider pickup trucks that would have been manufactured from July 2005 to June 2006. A majority of those vehicles are located in the United States.
The second recall involves 204,768 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. A defect in the vehicle’s power steering could lead to the car reverting to manual steering suddenly and without warning. This would not necessarily lead to a crash because drivers can control the vehicles even without power steering, but it would make steering more difficult. Especially at lower speeds, drivers often times have a harder time preventing a crash when power steering is disabled. The Elantras that may be affected by this default would have four doors and manufacturing dates of June 1, 2008 through April 30, 2010. 2009 and 2010 Elantra Touring hatchbacks may also be affected by the power steering recall.
In addition to these vehicle recalls, Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. recently announced a recall campaign for 175,000 Toyo and Nitto brand tires. The recall is due to production problems that may have left tires with conditions that put undue stress on the tire’s belt edge. This can lead to tread and belt separation, which can cause serious auto accidents if not detected early. The Toyo Open Country H/T with Tuff Duty tires included in the recall would have been manufactured from November 2008-June 2013. The Nitto Dura Grappler Highway Terrain tires potentially affected were manufactured from May 2007 until April 2012. For more information on the tires included in this recall, visit www.prnewswire.com.
If you believe your vehicle may be included in one of these recalls or is affected by one of these automobile defects, you should immediately contact the nearest dealership to schedule a time for an inspection.
