Another Day, Another Recall
Brian O Sutter
Recalls
As the years go by, more and more cars are recalled to fix defective parts and to address safety issues. In 2014, manufacturers recalled 64 million vehicles, more than in the previous three years combined. In part this was due to several high-profile and widespread defects, such as the GM ignition switches which can shut off power brakes and steering while at full speed and the Takata airbags which may potentially fire metal shards into the cabin when the airbag deploys.Beyond The Headlines
Aside from the major parts failures that result in hundreds of deaths and injuries and millions of recalled vehicles, there are other circumstances that contribute to this high number.
At the most basic level, modern cars are far more complicated than ones built 50 years ago. Not only are there more moving parts attached to any given engine, but top-quality models include navigation and GPS software, cameras, steering assistance, and other features that rely on computers, software, and other hidden parts which could potentially fail after a few years of wear and tear.
Another reason is likely a more proactive atmosphere among regulators and manufacturers. Every time a major recall happens, people question the agency responsible, in this case the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and ask why this major defect was able to reach the market and remain there for possibly several years. This pushes regulators to work harder, and it also pushes lawmakers to give regulators the funding and enforcement tools they need to do their jobs effectively.
Manufacturers also have good reasons to issue as many recalls as necessary. In the first place, a timely and effective recall frees them from liability in the case of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. If a consumer is aware of a standing recall notice, then it becomes his or her responsibility to bring the vehicle in for the free repair job and a judge may rule against him or her even if the faulty part causes an accident.
In addition, while 64 million vehicle recalls sound like a lot of defective products, by putting another spin on it automakers can say that they are willing to pay for 64 million vehicle repairs in order to keep their customers safe and satisfied.
Lapses In Judgment
The biggest problem with product recalls is the added expense to the manufacturers. If each of those 64 million recalls cost automakers just one dollar, it would add a significant expense, and the average recall repair costs a lot more than that. As such, while frequent recalls may be good for a company’s reputation and legal expenses, it’s still unfortunately common to see them try to slip a known defect past the regulators.
Recently, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has run into its own troubles due to the way it handled 23 separate recalls. At first they attempted to avoid reporting the defects they discovered to the NHTSA, and later when the problems came to light they avoided publicizing the recall and properly notifying car owners. Not only does this meant that Chrysler will have to pay millions of dollars in fines, but it also leaves them open to civil cases since they knew about the problem but still chose not to act.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident recently and you suspect that a defective part may be responsible, you should contact a personal injury law firm right away to find out what your options are. If you live in southwest Florida, particularly in or near Port Charlotte or the Sarasota area, then you should contact All Injuries Law Firm, P.A. We will do everything in our power to make sure that you are awarded the just compensation you deserve under United States and Florida law.