Additional recalls have been announced by several of the large automobile manufacturers; Ford, Chrysler and Toyota. The most recent safety recalls include 33,700 small commercial vans made by Ford Motor Company and are due to the vehicle’s headliner not being able to meet all required safety parameters specified for occupant head protection.
As Maryland automobile accident attorneys, we have experience in recall-related injury claims in the Baltimore, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas. The Ford recall is just one of numerous safety-related recalls that can affect the ability of a vehicle occupant to survive a serious car or truck crash. According to reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that the Ford defect increases the risk of injury to the driver or passengers in the event of a traffic accident.
Ford reportedly advised its dealers to stop delivery of its Transit Connect model, which include vans produced between December 2008 and May 2010. The hold on deliveries would supposedly be in force until a suitable revision of the vehicle’s headliner design could be produced and installed on those vehicles.
In addition to the Ford recall, Chrysler reportedly recalled as many as 22,000 vehicles, including certain versions of the 2010 Jeep Wrangler and Liberty SUVs, Ram 1500 pickup trucks, and Dodge Nitro models all manufactured between April and May of this year. The vehicles, according to reports, could have been built using incorrect brake lines, which reportedly could result in brake fluid leaks with potentially disastrous results.
A set of recalls, this time from automotive giant Toyota, involves thousands of Lexus models which may have been assembled using faulty engine valve springs. According to reports, the defective valve springs could result in a vehicle stalling while traveling on the road. This particular problem reportedly affected cars made between July 2005 and August 2008. According to the Reuters news service, Toyota has known about the problem for three years.
The second Toyota recall affects 17,000 Lexus hybrid models. NHTSA testing apparently detected a potentially dangerous condition that could cause gasoline to spill from the vehicle during a rear end collision. Toyota reportedly was trying to replicate the agency’s findings with tests of its own.
Since October, Toyota has recalled nearly nine million vehicles for a range of defective equipment issues, including sticking accelerator pedals, brake system problems, poorly-fitting interior floormats, and sudden unintended acceleration issues. According to news reports, more than 200 personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits have been filed against Toyota claiming that the company’s products caused the injuries and fatalities.
Ford Motor, Chrysler recall vehicles, Reuters.com, July 9, 2010
Latest Toyota recall based on three-year-old reports, FoxNews.com, July 7, 2010
17,000 Lexus luxury hybrid, Associated Press/Google.com, June 25, 2010