Recent Vehicle Recalls

There have been numerous vehicle recalls announced since August. Because of the significant importance of Georgia drivers being aware of auto defects that may affect their vehicles, we have compiled a list of some of the largest motor vehicle recalls:

• Volkswagen recalled 11 million automobiles that had previously been said to contain software which made It possible to cheat emissions tests. This recall affects not only the VW brand, but Audi and Skoda commercial automobiles as well. Affected vehicles will be refitted with parts that will correct the emissions testing scandal issue.
• Near the end of September, Ford Motor Company publicized not one, but five, automobile safety recalls. In total, approximately 380,000 autos will be included. 1998-2003 Ford Windstar vans are part of the recall due to a reinforcement bracket on the rear axle that could crack. These brackets would have been “corrected” in a previous recall by dealerships, but it is possible that correction was improperly completed. A mere 70 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner SUVs are included in a transmission recall that allows the shift lever bolt to become loose. About 37,000 2015 F-150 trucks were recalled due to problems associated with the adaptive cruise control. A small number of 2015 Taurus, 2015 Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorers were included in the recall due to fuel tank bolts that may not be properly attached or tightened. Both F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis autos manufacture year 2016 vehicles may have defects allowing the vehicle to be shifted to reverse without applying the brake. Finally, 2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars may contain defective fuel tanks that will possibly crack in the event of a crash.
• Honda is recalling 143,000 2015 Fit and Civic model vehicles because a faulty software system may damage their transmissions, increasing the chance of crashing. Loss of acceleration and front-wheel steering may be attributed to this defect.
• Kia is also facing a defect that can cause 2011-2013 Sorento SUVs to be shifted out of park even though the brake is not pressed. Vehicles included in this specific recall are said to have been made in West Point, Georgia.
• Luxury car manufacturer Porsche is conducting an investigation of thousands of Macan S and Turbo automobiles to check for low-pressure fuel line leaks. While no reports have been noted, the issue can be significant, so Porsche is offering to replace the line free of charge.
• GM is recalling 1.4 million vehicles due to fire hazard, many of which had already been recalled. Although GM dealers claimed to have corrected this issue after the previous recall, thousands of those same vehicles caught fire despite “correction”. Owners will, once again, not be charged for repairs.

While we hope that no Georgian experiences crashes or injuries as a result of an automobile defect, unfortunately it does happen. In the event that you or a loved one are injured as a result of a defective vehicle part, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer.

To learn more about Georgia automobile defect personal injury claims, contact Jones & Swanson today at (770) 427-5498.