New Jersey Personal Injury Blog
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.
TBC Corporation Recalls Over 70,000 Tires due to Sidewall Defect
According to the U.S. National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), TBC Corporation is recalling 72,938 tires due to a manufacturing defect, which can cause the lower sidewall to crack or separate. If the tire remains in use, the crack or separation can grow, resulting in rapid air loss and increasing the likelihood of a car accident.
The recalled tires include Big Food/Big O S/T and Mirada Cross Tour SLX tires that were manufactured from January 2009 through January 2011. The sizes included in the recall are as follows:
- Big Foot/Big O S/T, Size 235/70R16
- Big Foot/Big O S/T, Size 265/70R17
- Mirada/Cross Tour SLX, Size 265/70R16
- Mirada/Cross Tour SLX, Size 265/70R17
TBC will notify owners of the defective tires and dealers will replace them at no-cost. Mounting and balancing will also be included free of charge, as necessary. The expected start date of this recall is July 20, 2012. TBC may be contacted for additional information at (901) 363-8030. Owners may also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by defective tires or any automotive related product, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation from the negligent tire or product manufacturers.
To find out whether you may have a meritorious claim, contact the experienced tire defects attorneys in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
Honda Recalls Almost 53,000 Acura Vehicles due to Steering System Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 52,615 Acura TL vehicles by American Honda Company due to a defect in the steering system. The defect may cause premature deterioration of the power steering hose, resulting in power steering fluid leakage. If this occurs, the power steering fluid can leak onto a hot catalytic converter, resulting in smoke and the potential for an under-hood fire, which could increase the risk of an injury causing accident.
The recall includes model year 2007 – 2008 Acura TL vehicles prone to prolonged increased power steering fluid and under-hood temperatures; which may cause the premature deterioration of the power steering hose, and the referenced leaks.
The American Honda Co. will notify owners of the affected cars, and dealers will install a new heat-resistant power steering hose at no cost. This recall is expected to start on or around June 15, 2012. To contact Honda customer service, owners may call (800) 999-1009. Additional information is also available through the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. The campaign number for this Honda recall is S39.
Auto manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle malfunction or defect, you may be able to pursue civil litigation to recover damages surrounding injuries and other losses.
To find out whether you may have a meritorious claim, call the experienced NJ auto product liability lawyers at Blume Goldfaden for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.
NHTSA Announces Recall of Defective Michelin Tires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced another defective tire recall for the month of April 2012. This latest recall involves 77,775 Michelin tires, which have a casing that my lose integrity and/or have rapid air loss. If this occurs while the vehicle is in use, it may result in a serious injury car accident.
Michelin North America, Inc. is recalling Michelin XZU2 LRJ, size 12R22.5 and Michelin XAU3 LRJ, size 305/85R22.5 tires manufactured between October 23,2005 and September 3, 2011, as well as Michelin XM505 LRJ, size 305/85R22.5 tires manufactured between April 18, 2010 and May 8, 2010 and between January 23, 2011 and February 12, 2011.
This recall is expected to start on or around April 30, 2012. Michelin will provide customers with the necessary information on how to get replacement tires. For additional information about this recall, owners may call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 or visit www.safecar.gov.
The proper functioning of a vehicle’s tires is essential to the overall safety of the vehicle. Any defect caused by poor design or substandard manufacturing can create a substantial risk.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey auto accident as the result of a defective tire, the knowledgeable New Jersey tire defects attorneys at Blume Goldfaden can help you determine whether you may pursue legal action for your potential claim. For a no-cost consultation, call us at (973) 635-5400.
NHTSA Announces Recall of Defective Toyo Tires
Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas, Inc., in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is recalling 68,763 tires as the result of a defect in the bead area, which is near the rim of the tire. This defect may eventually cause a crack in the bead area. If left undetected, this crack may result in tire failure, and a potential loss of control of the vehicle; and injury related motor vehicle accidents.
The recalled tires were manufactured from September 20, 2009 through November 6, 2010 and include Toyo Extensa A/S tires, size P225/60R16 97T. Toyo will notify owners of the recalled tires and replace them at no cost. The expected start date of this recall is about February 2, 2012. For additional information, owners may call Toyo Tire at (800) 442-8696, as well as the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
The only part of a vehicle that actually touches the ground is the tires, making them one of the most important components of an automobile. If a tire fails while the vehicle is in motion, it is possible that the driver may lose control of the vehicle, resulting in single or multi-vehicle collisions. The potential for injuries is great, which is why tire manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that the tires produced use an appropriate manufacturing process and quality materials. Manufacturers which do not ensure the quality of their tires may be held liable for any injury or fatal accident that is caused by negligence in their production of the tires.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey vehicle accident caused by defective tires, the experienced tire defects attorneys in New Jersey at Blume Goldfaden can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us at (973) 635-5400 to discuss your potential claim.