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Popular automobile manufacturing companies including Ford, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and BMW have all released vehicle recalls in recent months. Each of these recalls has the potential to endanger drivers and passengers, as well as other motorists traveling on roadways with these vehicles. In an effort to avoid as many injury-causing auto accidents as possible, we want readers to be informed of these recalls so that they can take action to have them corrected as soon as possible.
The vehicles included in these recalls are:
- 2013-2014 Ford Escape
- 2013-2014 Ford C-MAX
- 2014 Honda Odyssey
- 2004-2011 Toyota Sienna
- 2014 Toyota Highlander and Highlander hybrid
- 2013 Lexus GS 250 and 350
- 2011-2014 Hyundai Tucson
- 2014 BMW i3
- 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop
Ford Motor Co. announced a recall on approximately 594,000 vehicles earlier this year due to a defect in software, which may delay airbag deployment when a rollover accident occurs. 582,000 model years 2013 and 2014 Ford Escape vehicles also experienced door latch recalls. While neither of these defective parts has been known to have caused wrecks or injuries, we want readers to be aware of the potential for danger in these vehicles.
Honda announced a vehicle recall on the 2014 Odyssey minivans due to an electrical issue, which can lead to airbags failing to deploy in a crash. Specifically, the side curtain airbag on the passenger side of these vehicles may not work properly in the event of a crash. These side-airbags are very important, as they protect occupants from striking hard, metal parts of the vehicle which can lead to severe injuries. The auto manufacturer discovered the defect while performing warranty repairs. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of this minivan defect.
The ever-popular Toyota automobile manufacturer announced approximately 516,000 vehicle recalls that affect three different vehicles. The largest involves 450,000 Toyota Sienna minivans, model years 2004 through 2011. The recall is similar to one done in 2010, affecting the carrier beneath the vehicle that houses the spare tire. Rust can cause this piece to corrode, which can lead to the spare tire falling off. The vehicles that were supposedly fixed in the 2010 recall may still be included in this recall because the attempted corrective parts have the same potential to corrode. Also recalled by Toyota are 2014 Toyota Highlander vehicles, including the Highlander hybrid SUV. 50,000 of these vehicles may have a defect in the software, which miscalculates the size of the passenger in the front seat. This software is meant to determine how airbags should deploy in the event of a crash, and because of the glitch they may fail to fire properly in a crash. The last Toyota recall announced affects 2013 Lexus GS 250 and 350 automobiles due to brakes activating without drivers’ awareness. These 16,000 vehicles’ brake lights may also not illuminate when this is occurring.
Hyundai announced a recall on 2011-2014 model year Tucson SUVs because the steering wheel airbag may not have been properly installed, leading to danger in the event of a crash in which the airbag should deploy. 140,000 vehicles are said to have been included in this SUV recall announcement.
Finally, BMW of North America, LLC is announcing a recall for two popular sports cars. Certain BMW i3 and MINI Cooper Hardtop automobiles manufactured in 2014 may have air bags that do not work correctly. Their inflators may not work correctly, which means a failure to deploy in the event of a wreck.
If you own one of these vehicles, the safest course of action is to schedule an appointment with your nearest Ford, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, or BMW dealership to have the vehicle checked. The dealership will determine whether or not your vehicles are included in the recall, as well as fix the defect free of charge. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to discover the defect before a crash occurs. If you or someone you know have been seriously injured in an automobile accident and believe it was the fault of an automobile defect, contact our injury lawyers at (770) 427-5498 to find out what steps should be taken next.
