New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
Category – Auto Product Liability
200,000 Subaru Vehicles Recalled for Brake Line Failure
Subaru of America recently issued a recall for 200,000 Outback and Legacy sedans and wagons due to possibly corroded brake lines. As reported in an Associated Press article posted on a CBS News website, these vehicles include model years 2005 through 2009 and were made from December 2003 through April 2009.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), salty water from roads can touch the brake line. As such, the lines can possibly rust and leak braking fluid. If this occurs, it can take much longer than usual to stop the vehicle, possibly leading to a serious crash. Both the front and rear brake lines could be affected by this defect.
While there were a total of 400,000 Legacy and Outback vehicles sold that were from the affected time period, Subaru has estimated that only 200,000 of the cars were to be included in the recall.
Subaru will notify vehicle owners of the recall and have dealers check the brake lines for leaks. Should there be any damage, the lines will be replaced. If there is no sign of damage, mechanics will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the lines. Either of these remedial measures will be performed without cost to the vehicle’s owners.
The New Jersey brake defect lawyers from Blume Goldfaden are dedicated to protecting consumers who have been injured due to an auto manufacturer’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a vehicle’s defects, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. To find out whether you may have a valid claim and to learn more about your rights, contact our legal team at (973) 635-5400.
2.77 Million Toyota Priuses Recalled Worldwide for Steering and Water Pump Defects
According to an article posted on USA Today.com, Toyota has initiated a worldwide vehicle recall for Prius hybrid vehicles due to steering system defects and/or water pump defects; 1,020,367 of these are being recalled in the U.S.
The first set of recalled vehicles includes 669,705 model year 2004 to 2009 Priuses, which were manufactured from August 5, 2003 through March 30, 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These vehicles are equipped with a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly that is built with metal splines to connect the steering gear to the steering wheel. The splines may have been constructed using material of insufficient hardness, which can lead to undue wear over time and eventually failure, causing a loss of steering ability, and increasing the chances of a car accident. The safety recall for these vehicles commenced in or about December 2012.
The second U.S. recall includes 350,662 Toyota Prius and FCHV-adv vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Certain model year 2004 to 2009 Prius vehicles produced from August 6, 2012 through March 30, 2009 as well as FCHV-adv vehicles produced from December 12, 2008 through September 13, 2011 may have a water pump defect, which could cause the electrically driven water pump to stop working and/or may cause an electrical short, which could stall the hybrid system while the car is being driven, increasing the risk of a car accident. No notification schedule has been provided for this recall yet.
For more information, owners of the recalled vehicles may call their Toyota dealer, or the Toyota customer service center at (800) 331-4331.
The auto product liability lawyers at Blume Goldfaden have the necessary experience, skills, and resources to help injured consumers hold negligent auto manufacturers liable for dangerous defects. If you have been injured in New Jersey due to an auto product defect, we can help you determine whether you may have a valid claim. To discuss your potential options with one of our attorneys, call us at (973) 635-5400.
Britax Recalls Almost 60,000 Child Car Seats due to Choking Hazard
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 55,455 Britax convertible child restraints due to a choking hazard posed by the soft material used in manufacturing the chest pad. If a child bites off a piece of the soft pad and/or attempts to swallow it, it can pose a choking hazard that may result in injury or death.
Britax is recalling model Pavilion70 G3, Advocate 70 G3, and Boulevard 70 G3 convertible child restraints that were manufactured from June 2012 through August 2012, which include the following model numbers:
- E9LJ91A, E9LJ91M, E9LJ91S, E9LJ92E, E9LJ93P, E9LJ93S
- E9LK91A, E9LK31A, E9LK31Q, E9LK32D, E9LK32Z, E9LK33Q
- E9LL11A, E9LL11Q, E9LL12D, E9LL12Z, E9LL21A, E9LL23P, E9LL23Y
- E9LG81A, E9LG83N, E9LG83P, E9LG83X, E9LG83Y
Britax Child Safety, Inc. will give owners replacement pads free of cost. The replacement pads are produced using a firmer material. Britax will also provide instructions on how to install the new pads. To view a video on how to properly replace the chest pad, consumers may select the product from the right-side menu here: www.BritaxUSA.com/support/safety-notices.
For more information, consumers can call Britax at (888) 427-4829, or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
If your child has suffered injury as the result of a defective child safety seat, the New Jersey product liability attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can analyze the circumstances surrounding the injury, and determine whether you may have a valid claim. To learn more about your legal rights and potential options, call (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
Honda Expands June 2012 Acura Recall for Steering System Defects
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the expansion of a June 2012 Honda recall for Acura vehicles with steering system defects. The original recall of 52,615 Acura vehicles has been significantly expanded to 625,762 Acura and Accord vehicles.
The vehicles affected by this recall include model year 2007 and 2008 Honda Acura TL vehicles, and model year 2003 – 2007 Honda Accord V6 vehicles.
The power steering hose for the referenced vehicles may deteriorate as the result of prolonged exposure to power steering fluid and under-hood temperatures, causing cracks in the hose and leakage of power steering fluid. If the fluid leaks onto a hot catalytic converter, it may smoke and cause an under-hood fire.
Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified by Honda and dealers will replace the defective power steering hose with one that is heat resistant, at no-charge. Currently, this remedy is only available to owners of vehicles in the original June 2012 recall. There are not yet enough parts to expand the remedy to the additional vehicles added during the September 2012 expansion. These parts should be available in early 2013. Honda will notify owners once they have the parts. To learn more about this recall, you may call Honda at (800) 999-1009 or the NHTSA Hotline at (888) 327-4236. The Honda recall campaign numbers are S39 (original) and S59 (expansion).
If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of an auto defect, the experienced defective car lawyers in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden can help you understand your legal rights and explain your potential options. Call us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.
NHTSA Announces Recall of Dodge Vehicles due to Power Train Defect
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler Group, LLC, is recalling approximately 44,300 Dodge vehicles due to a defective differential unit in the drive line of the power train. A rear axle pinion nut may become loose from lack of adhesive, causing the rear axle to lock up. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and/or a car accident.
The vehicles affected by this recall include model year 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 and Dodge Dakota pick-up trucks that were produced from July 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009. Owners of these vehicles should be notified by Chrysler commencing 11/2012 to the present time, and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer at no cost. Owners can call Chrysler for additional information at (800) 247-9753. You can also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
A lot of power is transferred to a vehicle’s axles and wheels in order to facilitate motion, and it is imperative that these parts function correctly to prevent the possibility of a crash. If a car manufacturer makes mistakes in the manufacturing process, it can endanger the lives of everyone in the vehicle.
If you have been injured as the result of a defective auto part, the New Jersey defective car lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can help you understand your legal rights and potential options. To speak to one of our attorneys, call us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
Toyota Conducts Massive Recall due to Fire Hazard
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota Motor North America, Inc. is recalling 2,519,424 vehicles as the result of a defect in power window controls, which creates a fire hazard. This number is only the potentially affected vehicles in the United States, however. USA Today reports that Toyota is recalling 7.43 million vehicles globally, their largest recall to date.
The power window master switch assemblies in some of the recalled vehicles may have been built according to a less precise process for lubricating the switch assemblies’ internal components, resulting in irregularities in the lubrication process. Such irregular lubrication can cause the master switch assemblies to malfunction, overheat, and melt, potentially resulting in fire. The vehicles affected by this recall include:
- 2009 Pontiac Vibe
- 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry HV
- 2007-2009 Toyota RAV4
- 2007-2009 Toyota Tundra
- 2008 Toyota Highlander
- 2008 Toyota Highlander-Hybrid
- 2008-2009 Toyota Scion XB
- 2008-2009 Toyota Scion XD
- 2008-2009 Toyota Sequoia
- 2009 Toyota Corolla
- 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix
Toyota will notify owners of the above vehicles and dealers will inspect the potentially defective switch and replace as necessary or apply a heat-inhibiting grease at no cost. General Motors (GM) will notify Pontiac owners and GM dealers will repair the switch as needed. For additional information, owners may call Toyota at (800) 331-4331 and Pontiac at (800) 762-2737. The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is also available at (888) 327-4236.
At Blume Goldfaden, our experienced defective car attorneys in New Jersey can help you understand your legal rights and potential options if you have been injured as the result of a defective auto product. For a no-cost consultation, contact us at (973) 635-5400.
General Motors Recalls Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Saturn Vehicles due to Transmission Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of about 426,240 General Motors (GM) vehicles as the result of a transmission defect that increases the risk of a car accident.
The affected vehicles include model year 2008 to 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, model year 2007 to 2010 Saturn Aura, and model year 2008 to 2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles, all equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The tabs on the end of the transmission shift cable may fracture and separate. Should this happen, the actual position of the transmission gear and the shift lever may not match. While the driver would be able to move the shift lever to “Park” and remove the ignition key, the gear may not have fully transitioned into “Park,” increasing the risk that the vehicle may roll or move with or without the driver or other occupants in the vehicle, and cause a crash. In addition, the vehicle may not be able to restart.
General Motors will notify owners of the recall and dealers will replace the shift cable or install a retainer over the cable at no cost to the owner. A notification schedule has not yet been provided. For additional information, owners may call GM at (800) 521-7300.
At Blume Goldfaden, our knowledgeable NJ auto product liability attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents caused by defective equipment or parts. If you have been injured as the result of a defective auto product, contact us for a no-cost consultation to understand your legal rights and potential options. (973) 635-5400.
Risk of Fire Prompts Recall of Lamborghini Gallardo Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 1,491 Lamborghini Gallardo vehicles due to a defect in the steering system that increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Automobili Lamborghini is recalling model year 2004 to 2006 Gallardo Spyder and Coupe vehicles because the high pressure steering pipes near the vehicles’ steering assistance hydraulic system pump may leak under certain driving conditions. This leaking fluid may come in contact with an ignition source, which may result in a vehicle fire and serious burn injury.
Lamborghini will notify Gallardo Coupe and Spyder vehicle owners of the recall and dealers will update the power steering system at no cost. The recall/notifications were expected to have begun on approximately September 10, 2012. Owners can contact Lamborghini for more information at (866) 681-6276. They may also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
All motor vehicles may have instances of defects caused by negligent design and/or manufacturing. These defects may jeopardize the safety of a vehicle’s occupants as well as pedestrians and others sharing the roadway.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of an auto defect, you may be entitled to pursue claims against the vehicle and/or auto part manufacturer and distributor. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact the experienced NJ auto product liability lawyers at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation: (973) 635-5400.
NHTSA Announces Recall of Ford Escape due to Engine Cooling Defect
Ford Motor Company, in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is recalling 6,146 Escape vehicles due to a defect in the engine cooling system that can result in an engine fire. The cylinder head cup plug, also known as the freeze plug, can become dislodged, causing a significant amount of engine coolant to leak onto the hot engine. As the engine coolant evaporates, chemicals within it can ignite and cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The affected vehicles include model year 2013 Ford Escape SUVs equipped with 1.6L engines that were produced from October 5, 2011 through August 31, 2012. Ford will notify owners of the recall and dealers will add a secondary plug cover, as well as seal the existing plug, at no-cost.
The recall was expected to start on or around September 10, 2012. Owners can call Ford Motor Company at (866) 436-7332 for more information and may also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. The Ford recall campaign number is 12S39.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle defect in New Jersey, the knowledgeable New Jersey auto product liability attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can investigate the details of your injury accident and determine whether your potential claim has merit. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact our office for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
Transmission Defect Prompts Recall of Volvo Vehicles
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC, is recalling 1,469 vehicles due to a software error in the automatic transmission’s control module, which can prevent the transmission from downshifting, such as from fourth to third gear, when coasting. This can result in decreased RPMs and even potentially an engine stall, increasing the chances of an auto accident.
This recall includes model year 2011 through 2013 S80 vehicles. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by Volvo and dealers will upgrade the transmission control module software to correct the problem at no cost. The recall should begin on approximately July 19, 2012. Owners may call Volvo at (800) 458-4236 for additional information. The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is also available at (888) 327-4236. The Volvo recall campaign number is 255.
In modern cars, software defects can create just as many, and potentially even more dangerous, conditions for drivers and passengers as “hardware” part defects; and, as with hardware defects, the auto manufacturer may be held liable for software errors that result in an accident causing an injury.
At Blume Goldfaden, our knowledgeable auto product liability lawyers in NJ have the experience and resources to determine whether you may have a meritorious claim against a negligent auto manufacturer, and can help you determine the best course of action for your particular circumstances. To learn more, call us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.