New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

Chrysler Recalls 213,000 Vehicles in 6 Recalls; More Worldwide

Chrysler Group LLC, recently issued a total of six recalls affecting 213,000 of its vehicles in the United States.  An additional 50,000 vehicles sold outside of the U.S. are also affected by these recalls, taking the total up to 263,000.

According to an article in The New York Times, these recalls are unrelated to one another and are due to numerous types of defects affecting different models of cars.

In the largest recall, 119,497 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles from model years 2011 and 2012 have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harnesses. These could cause the airbags to malfunction, illuminate the airbag warning sign improperly, and prevent the airbags from deploying properly in an accident.

Additionally, 20,532 model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs have a defective fuel tank transfer tube. This can cause the engine to stall.

In a third recall, 61,409 Dodge Nitro 4×2 vehicles from 2007 and 2008 as well as 2008 Jeep Liberty 4×2 vehicles have been shown to have a defective transfer case heat shield. The shield could drop down and hit the drive shaft, possibly breaking it or resulting in the airbag computer believing a collision has occurred, leading to an airbag deployment.

Three smaller recalls were also issued. A total of 6,100 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups were recalled due to an increased risk of engine compartment fires. Additionally, 6,500 Ram 1500 pickups have a parking brake that may fail on surfaces pitched at 20 percent or greater.   Finally, 46 Dodge Darts from 2013 have faulty rear brake calipers.

Through a consultation with the New Jersey auto product liability lawyers at Blume Goldfaden, you can learn more about what may have precipitated your, and if due to a product defect, whether you may have a meritorious claim agains the vehicle’s manufacturer. Understanding your rights, what caused your losses and determining which entities may be responsible are all critical to the litigation process.  Call us at (973) 635-5400 to find out more about auto defects and your rights as a consumer.

Honda Recalls Additional Vehicles, This Time for Engine Stalling

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 76,253 Acura vehicles by the American Honda Motor Co. due to a defect that may result in an engine stall. In states that use corrosive materials for roadway de-icing, drivers may introduce such substances to the interior of the vehicle on their footwear, saturating the carpeting which has contact with the engine Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This may cause the ECU to corrode or rust, resulting in damage that may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a traffic accident.

The recalled vehicles include certain model year 2004 -2008 Acura TSX sedans that are currently registered in or were originally sold in the District of Columbia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Virginia, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Kentucky, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Delaware and Connecticut.

Owners will be notified of the recall and Acura dealers will both inspect the car and replace the ECU if damaged at no-cost. Additionally, ECUs in all cars will have a waterproof cover installed, at no-cost. The recall was expected to start on April 11, 2013. For more information, owners can visit Acura’s website at www.recalls.acura.com or call Acura Client Relations at (800) 382-2238 and select option 4.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by an auto defect, our auto product liability lawyers in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden have the knowledge and resources necessary to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim against the auto manufacturer.

BMW Transmission Defect Prompts Recall of Over 45,000 Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of approximately 45,500 BMW vehicles due to a defect involving the electronic connection between the vehicle’s electronic key, the gear shifter, and the shift-by-wire transmission that automatically shifts into Park when the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut down the engine. If the driver presses this button multiple times within a short interval, the transmission may shift into Neutral instead of Park. This can result in a rollaway car accident.

The vehicles affected by this recall were manufactured between August 23, 2004 and July 24, 2008 and are equipped with the Comfort Access electronic key option. They include the following model year 2005 to 2008 7-series vehicles:

• BMW 760LI
• BMW 760I
• BMW 750 LI
• BMW 750I
• BMW 745LI
• BMW 745I

BMW notified the owners of the recall in November 2012, but revised software will not be available to fix the defect until March 2013. For more information, owners can email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com or call them at (800) 525-7417.

Vehicle defects may be a sign of poor design or negligent manufacturing. If you have been injured in a New Jersey car accident caused by a malfunction or defect, the experienced NJ auto defect attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can help you determine whether you may have a valid claim for compensation. To learn more about your legal rights and potential options, call us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Ford Recalls Almost 130,000 Vehicles due to Wheel Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ford Motor Company are recalling 128,626 vehicles as the result of defective wheel studs, which may fracture and cause an increased risk of an injury accident. If multiple stud fractures occur while driving any of these vehicles, the driver may feel vibration and/or wheel separation, which increases the likelihood of an injury crash.

This recall follows an Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Preliminary Evaluation which was opened on January 21, 2011. The ODI became aware of 29 complaints related to the wheel stud defect, as well as four incidents of wheel separation as of July 26, 2011. The preliminary investigation was followed by an engineering analysis, which eventually lead to the current recall.

Ford is recalling 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion vehicles which are equipped with 17-inch steel wheels. They were manufactured from April 1, 2009 through April 30, 2009 and from December 1, 2009 through November 13, 2010. This recall is expected to begin in January 2012.

Ford will notify owners of the affected vehicles and dealers will replace the brake discs as needed. The wheel lug nuts will also be replaced. For additional information, owners may call the Ford Customer Relations Center at (866) 436-7332. The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is also available at (888) 327-4236.

At Blume Goldfaden, our knowledgeable auto product liability attorneys in New Jersey have the experience required to comprehensively investigate and pursue meritorious injury claims. If you have been injured as the result of auto manufacturer negligence, contact us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.

Toyota to Recall Over 420,000 Vehicles due to Engine Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in cooperation with Toyota Motor North America, Inc., is recalling approximately 420,326 Lexus and Toyota vehicles as the result of an engine defect that may increase the chances of an auto accident resulting in injury.

The crankshift assembly defect may cause the battery discharge light to turn on and create noise. Additionally, the power steering belt may detach from the pulley, resulting in a loss of power steering and subsequent sudden increase in steering difficulty, which increases the risk of an accident.

The vehicles affected by this defect were manufactured from June 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005 and include the:

• 2004 Avalon;
• 2004 and 2005 Camry, Camry Solara, Sienna, and Highlander;
• 2006 Highlander Hybrid;
• 2004 and 2005 Lexus RX330 and ES330; and
• 2006 Lexus RX400H.

The recall is expected to begin January 2012, at which time Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft pulley if defective. For more information, owners of the recalled vehicles may call Toyota at (800) 331-4331 or the NHTSA hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Auto manufacturers are responsible for the safety of the vehicles they produce. If substandard materials are used, it increases the likelihood that an accident may occur.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident as the result of a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Contact the experienced New Jersey auto product liability attorneys at Blume Goldfaden to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim. Please call (973) 635-5400.

NHTSA Recalls Over 300,000 Honda Pilot Vehicles for Seat Belt Defects

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in cooperation with the American Honda Motor Company, has announced the impending recall of approximately 310,773 Honda Pilot vehicles due to a defect in the lap portion of the seat belt on both the driver and front passenger side of the vehicle. The stitching that secures the end of the seat belts may be missing or incomplete, causing the seat belts to detach from the anchor webbing; increasing the chance of personal injury in the event of an accident.

The affected Honda vehicles include model year 2009 to 2011 Honda Pilot SUVs that were manufactured from March 13, 2008 through August 30, 2011. The recall is expected to begin October 3, 2011. Honda owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a Honda dealer for a no-cost inspection and, if needed, replacement of the driver and front passenger seat belts. Honda owners may direct any questions or concerns to Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009.

Automobiles need to be designed and manufactured under standards which take into consideration the safety of its intended occupants. A seat belt is a fundamental piece of protective equipment in a vehicle and must function properly.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident as the result of a defective seat belt, or any other defective automotive product, the experienced New Jersey seat belt defect lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can help you understand your legal rights and options. To find out whether you may have a meritorious claim, contact us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.

NHTSA Recalls Over 200,000 Hyundai Vehicles Due to Frontal Airbag Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai Motor Company is recalling approximately 205,233 vehicles due to a driver side airbag defect that may cause the airbag to fail to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of serious injury to the driver.

The defect involves the clock spring contact assembly for the supplemental restraint system, or SRS, which may become damaged as it is used over time and may cause a driver’s airbag deployment failure. In the case of an auto accident, this greatly increases the risk of driver injury or death.

Hyundai is recalling the following vehicles:

• Model year 2007-2008 Veracruz Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV), manufactured from December 26, 2006 through March 21, 2008; and
• Model year 2007-2008 Santa Fe CUVs, manufactured from April 19, 2006 through March 20, 2008.

Hyundai dealers will replace the driver side airbag clock spring contact assembly as needed at no cost. For additional information, Hyundai owners may call the company’s customer service center at 1-800-633-5151. The recall campaign number is 103.

At Blume Goldfaden, our experienced NJ defective airbag attorneys have obtained significant settlements and verdicts on behalf of New Jersey clients with meritorious auto product liability claims. If you have been injured as the result of an airbag defect, or any automotive product defect, contact us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.

Toyota Recalling Over 80,000 Vehicles for Electrical System Defect, Risk of Limited Drivability or Shut Down

Toyota has announced the recall of approximately 82,000 vehicles due to an electrical system defect that could increase the risk of an accident due to limited drivability or vehicle shut down. According to safercar.gov, certain model year 2006-2007 Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400H Passenger Cars manufactured from February 16, 2005 through August 30, 2006, are included in the recall.

The primary concern with the affected cars is that transistors were inadequately soldered during the manufacturing process. The transistors may be affected by heat caused from electric current running through them. As a result, different warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, may illuminate on the instrument panel. Consequently, a vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode in which a motorist’s ability to drive the car will be limited. In addition, the hybrid system may even shut down while the car is still in motion. These potential problems increase the danger of an accident taking place if the car unexpectedly slows or stops, or, a motorist loses drivability.

Owners of the recalled vehicles are expected to receive notification of the recall from Toyota/Lexus by mid-July and further notice when parts are available to complete necessary repairs. Repairs will be performed at no cost to the consumer if Toyota dealers determine the inverter has faulty transistors.

Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for designing, testing, manufacturing and distributing products which are safe to be used for the purpose intended. If a preventable manufacturing defect is the cause of an accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for any resulting injuries, damages and losses.

The New Jersey auto product liability lawyers at Blume Goldfaden are experienced in the complexities of this specialized litigation. We are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and help them obtain compensation in meritorious cases. For more information about your potential legal rights, call 973-635-5400.

Toyota Recalls Priuses for Power Steering Defect

In June 2011, Toyota announced a recall affecting the Prius for model years 2001 through 2003. According to Safercar.gov, the cars were manufactured from January 28, 2000 through May 30, 2003.

The defective component is part of the steering system, specifically the electric power assist system (commonly called “power steering”) which uses an electric motor to reduce the effort necessary for the driver to steer the vehicle. In this case, the steering linkage may loosen which would diminish electric steering assistance when making a left turn.

The loss of power steering while the car is in motion and in the process of making a turn could result in a collision and injuries.

The recall should begin in early July 2011. If you believe you own a Prius that is part of the recall, you can call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 for more information. Toyota will contact the owners of affected cars and instruct them to take their vehicles to a dealership where repairs to the referenced system will be made free of charge.

Defective and/or poorly designed parts and systems on a motor vehicle pose a danger to the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other motorists sharing the road. Auto manufacturers are responsible for designing, creating and distributing safe vehicles, fit for the purpose intended. They must test vehicles appropriately to determine their safety, crashworthiness and performance before placing them on the market for consumer purchase.

Individuals who drove a defective vehicle and who were in New Jersey auto accidents may be able to hold auto manufacturers liable for defects in the vehicle’s design, manufacture and testing. At Blume Goldfaden, our New Jersey auto product liability attorneys can help determine if you may have a valid claim; call 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

Chrysler Group LLC Recalls Vehicles for Missing or Inaccurately Installed Steering Column Pivot Rivet

Chrysler Group LLC is recalling approximately 11,351 vehicles due to a steering column pivot rivet that may be missing or improperly installed.

According to safercar.org, this vehicle defect jeopardizes the capability of the steering column to support occupant loads during a frontal impact accident, which lowers the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. Consequently, occupants of vehicles with this flaw are at a heightened risk of suffering injury or death in the event of a frontal collision.

The Chrysler vehicles included in the recall are all model year 2011:

• Chrysler 200
• Chrysler 200 Convertible
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Dodge Avenger
• Dodge Caliber
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Dodge Journey
• Dodge Nitro
• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Liberty
• Jeep Patriot
• Jeep Wrangler

Owners of these vehicles are being advised to contact dealers who are expected to inspect the vehicles for rivet presence and either align or repair the steering column pivot if necessary; at no cost to the consumer. The vehicle safety recall is scheduled to start during June 2011 and owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

It is expected that the motor vehicles we drive everyday should be designed and manufactured so as to keep us as safe as possible in the event of an accident, and, not increase the risk of suffering an injury. However, sometimes car manufacturers overlook design or manufacturing flaws before selling their vehicles to the public.

As auto product liability litigation is quite complex, you will need an experienced New Jersey auto design defect lawyer to assist with protecting your rights. For decades, the attorneys at Blume Goldfaden have been obtaining significant recoveries for auto accident victims injured by defective auto products. Contact us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation to evaluate whether you may have a meritorious claim.