Auto recalls on the rise: is your vehicle putting you at risk?

The auto industry has seen a rising number of auto recalls in the last few years. In 2014 alone 62 million vehicles were pulled from U.S. roads due to safety issues such as defective ignition switches and unsafe airbag deployment.

RECENT AUTO RECALLS

While some of these defects can be minor and easily repaired, many of these auto defects have led to serious accidents in which vehicle owners and their passengers have faced tragic injuries:

• February, 2016- General Motors recalls about 800,000 vehicles due to defective ignition switches. The switches could suddenly shut off, causing drivers to lose control of vehicles and cutting power to airbags. These vehicles were involved in at least 124 vehicle fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
• March 9, 2016- 19 separate automakers issue recall of vehicles due to unsafe Takata airbag deployment. The airbags were found to spray metal shards throughout the car, causing injuries to drivers and passengers. Takata airbags are now linked to at least 11 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
• March 6, 2017- German automaker Mercedes-Benz is recalling over 300,000 vehicles because of electrical engine fire risk. The recall includes some C- and E- class models, as well as CLA, GLA, and GLC vehicles. This faulty engine part is blamed for at least 35 engine fires in the U.S so far.

Automakers are responsible for putting safe vehicles on the road, and they are required to notify and correct any and all safety issues as soon as possible, even if that means pulling entire fleets of vehicles off the road. Failure to uphold these responsibilities puts us all at risk.

HOUSTON AUTO RECALL ATTORNEYS

If you have been affected by an auto accident caused by a defective vehicle we can help. The attorneys at the Gutierrez Law Firm are experienced in auto recalls and products liability, and they can help you find relief and compensation for your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation.