Product Liability Law Blog

Hyundai Motor Co. has announced the recall of 393,714 Sonata passenger cars so that it can fix the air bag system located in the front passenger seat. The recall affects 2006, 2007, and 2008 Sonatas.

Hyundai says it has received several reports that the passenger air bag system had shut off when there was a small adult in the seat because the system had misclassified the passenger as a child.

The air bag system is supposed to disable itself whenever it senses a child restraint system or a small child riding in the front passenger seat, but it is not supposed to shut down when there is an adult riding there.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that this incorrect classification could cause the right front air bag to fail to inflate during a serious accident, which could cause the adult passenger to sustain serious injuries or die.

Air Bags and Auto Accidents
During a car accident, it is important that an air bag inflate at the right time, in the proper way, and at the right speed to avoid serious injuries. An airbag that fails to deploy or deploys incorrectly during a serious auto crash can cause catastrophic injuries. A person that is not properly restrained may even die after being struck by an inflating air bag.

Air Bag Malfunctions Include:

• Failure to deploy
• Deploying at the wrong time
• Chemical burns from gas escaping the air bag
• Failure to replace a deployed air bag

Injuries that have been caused by air bags include:

• Neck injuries
• Head injuries, including decapitation
• Facial injuries
• Broken bones
• Eye injuries, including blindness
• Death

If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries or died because an air bag failed to deploy or deployed incorrectly, the victim or his or her family may be entitled to recover damages from the auto manufacturer or another liable party. One of our air bag injury lawyers can explore your legal options during your free consultation.

Hyundai Sonatas Recalled for Air Bag Failure, Consumer Affairs, April 16, 2008

What You Need to Know About Air Bags, NHTSA

Related Web Resources:

Airbag Safety

Air Bag Safety, Insurance Information Institute

Continue reading "Hyundai Motors Recalls 393,714 Sonata Cars Over Air Bag Failure" »

Posted by Gilbert, Ollanik, & Komyatte, P.C. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Recalls

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More than 14.2 million motor vehicles were recalled in 2007. This figure is 25% higher than the 11.2 million vehicles that were called back in 2006. However, this latest figure is still significantly lower than the 30.8 million motor vehicles that were recalled in 2004. Final numbers for this year will be released later this month.

Major auto recalls last year included 2007 models, as well as models from previous years—although the majority of cars recalled were older models. One reason for this is that it can take awhile to discover that there are problems with a motor vehicle or automobile part.

Among the Biggest Recalls:

Ford Motor Co. recalled more than four million motor vehicles this year: Recalls included 3.6 million motor vehicles manufactured in the 90’s because of a speed control deactivation switch problem. The automobile maker also recalled 1,094,664 Crown Victoria Police Interceptors from its 2005, 2004, and 2003 lines because of possible cracks in the tires’ welds.

Volkswagen’s 2001-2007 New Beetles: More than one million Beatles were recalled because of a brake light switch that could potentially malfunction.

Toyota’s Sequoia (2004-2007 models) and Tundra (2004-2007 models): The recall was issued to determine whether the front suspension lower ball joints needed to be replaced on 533,124 Toyota trucks.

Dodge Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro, 2006 and 2007 models: 297,000 electronic brake control modules needed to be replaced so a delay didn’t occur when a driver stepped on the brake while driving up an incline.

Honda’s 2006 and 2007 Civics: 180,000 compact cars were recalled for inspection to make sure that the wheel sensors were properly installed so that the tires would not fall off the vehicles.

Jeep Liberty (2007 and 2006) : The heating and air conditioning blowers on 149,605 of these SUV’s had to be replaced to prevent overheating.

One reason for the problems and defects is that auto manufacturers are using the same parts and platforms for their vehicles. This means that the same problems tend to occur across the different makes and models. However, what can seem like a simple brake or tire problem can lead to serious injuries and deaths when the inability to brake properly leads to a deadly multi-car accident at an intersection or a pedestrian getting killed.

If you or anyone you love was injured in an auto accident because of a defective tire, faulty breaks, a seatbelt that malfunctioned, a problem with the wiring of the car's engine, or any other motor vehicle-related malfunction, you should speak with an attorney at our auto accident law firm. Our motor vehicle crash lawyers are also experienced in cases involving products liability and product safety.

Auto recalls up more than 25%, Detnews.com, December 27, 2007

Most Recalled Cars of 2007, CNN, December 14, 2007

Related Web Resources:

AutoRecalls, Justia

Defects and Recalls, NHTSA

Continue reading "Auto Recall Numbers Rose in 2007" »

Posted by Gilbert, Ollanik, & Komyatte, P.C. | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Recalls

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