Every year thousands of people are injured by dangerous and defective vehicles. In response to these injuries, a vehicle may be recalled. The number of vehicle recalls is growing over the years. In 2016 alone, the industry hit a record with more than 53 million vehicles recalled due to defects. In 2017, the automotive industry recalled 74% more vehicles than it put on the road.
How Does a Vehicle Recall Work?
A vehicle recall occurs when either a manufacturer or the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle is unsafe. A recall can stem from a safety-related defect in the vehicle. In these cases, the defect is usually discovered as the result of some incidents causing injury. For examples, millions of vehicles were recalled after there were at least 23 deaths and 300 injuries as a result of exploding Takata airbags.
Vehicles may also be recalled if they fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These vehicles may not have a specific defect, but they were not manufactured or designed to comply with standards. Vehicles can also be recalled for non-safety related reasons such as excessive oil consumption or air conditioners that don’t function properly.
When a recall is issued the manufacturer must notify all vehicle owners, dealers, and distributors. The manufacturer must explain to consumers the potential safety hazards presented. A letter must be sent that instructs consumers on how to get the problem corrected, that any corrections will be made at no charge, and who to contact if there is a problem obtaining free recall work. If you are concerned that your vehicle may have been recalled but you were not informed, you can look up your vehicle by its VIN on the NHTSA database.
What to do if Your Vehicle has been Recalled?
If you receive a notice that your vehicle has been recalled, you should read it carefully and follow any instructions it contains. Contact your local dealer and set up a time to have any recall work performed. If you can’t reach the dealer, contact the manufacturer for further instructions. If you’re not getting assistance with your recalled vehicle, you can file a complaint with the NHTSA. A recall is not something to be ignored. Don’t procrastinate or you could put yourself and others who ride in your vehicle in danger.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been injured due to a dangerous and defective vehicle, you should have an experienced product liability attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.]]>