Nearly 194,000 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are being recalled by General Motors (GM) because of the risk of fire. The hazard is an electronic module located inside the door that could short circuit because of corrosion caused by leaked water. This could lead to not only affect the power window switches and door locks, but could start a fire, even when the vehicle isn’t being driven.
This was an issue previously addressed in August 2012 when GM recalled only some of these vehicles, located in snowy areas of the country. But after talking with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s been expanded to include all parts of the United States. Dealerships will be handling repairs or replacements.
Safety-Related Defects in Vehicles
Defects in a vehicle don’t always pose safety risks. But when they do, the NHTSA gets involved. Safety-related defects may involve brakes, steering and airbags. But when other components—such as the case with the SUVs manufactured by GM—pose a risk of injury or death, they can also be included.
Once a recall has been issued, consumers must be notified. If a consumer is the one to discover a safety problem, a complaint can be filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Vehicle Safety Hotline, through the Safecar.gov website or by mailing a letter to DOT.
But when a safety issue is the cause of someone’s injuries or death, it may necessitate speaking to a lawyer. A claim against the manufacturer may be filed in order to be compensated for financial, physical or emotional losses.
For help understanding one’s right to file a defective product claim involving a vehicle, contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates.
