Product Liability Law Blog

General Motors announced today that it is recalling approximately 1.5 million autos because of a problem with the heated windshield wiper system that poses a possible fire hazard. The recall affects the following vehicles:

(2006 – 2009 models)
Buick Lucerne
Hummer H2
Cadillac DTS

(2008, 2009 models)
Buick Enclave
Cadillac CTS

(2007-2009 models)
Escalade ESV
Cadillac Escalade
Escalade EXT
Silverado
Tahoe
Chevrolet Avalanche
Suburban
Sierra
GMC Acadia
Yukon XL
Yukon
Saturn Outlook

(2009 model)
Chevrolet Traverse

GM says it knows of about five fires that have broken out because of the auto defect but that there are no reports of related car crash injuries or deaths.

This recall comes on the heels of Chrysler’s recall on Monday of nearly 600,000 Jeep Wranglers (2006 – 2010 models) and Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country (2008 and 2009 models) minivans. While the Jeeps may have a problem with the front inner fender liners, which can cause the brake fluid to leak, this can result in partial brake loss. Meantime, the Chrysler minivans have wiring that, due to their improper placement, could cause a fire inside to break out inside the sliding doors. Chrysler’s latest recall is separate from its recall last week of 71 Jeep Compasses and 35,000 Dodge Calibers over a sticky gas pedal defect.

GM to recall about 1.5 million vehicles because of fire hazard, Los Angeles Times, June 9, 2010

GM windshield wiper recall affects 1.5 million vehicles, USA Today, June 9, 2010

Chrysler to Recall More Than 683,000 Vehicles, Wall Street Journal, June 8, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Safercar.gov

General Motors

Continue reading "Auto Defects: Fire Hazards Prompt General Motors and Chrysler to Recall Vehicles" »

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Posted In: Auto Recalls , Automotive Product Liability , Brake Defects , Fires , Gas Pedals

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Ford Motor Co. announced two separate recalls on Monday that affect over 180,000 vans and sports utility vehicles.

The larger recall affects almost 124,000 2007-2008 Lincoln Navigator SUVs and Ford Expeditions. Ford says that the spring system located inside the side door handles might break and prevent the door from closing properly or cause it to open unexpectedly during a side collision. The Michigan-based auto manufacturer plans to replace the interior side door handles.

Ford’s second recall involves 57,000 2007 Navigator and Expedition SUVs and 2006-2007 E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans. Ford says the vehicles’ fuel rail crossover hose could crack, leak fuel, and cause a fire.

The auto manufacturing giant has already recalled over 10 million motor vehicles because of fire hazard concerns. No incidents related to this recall have been reported so far.

There have, however, been two separate fire incidents involving 2007 Chevrolet SUV’s. This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officially opened an investigation into whether the 2007 Chevrolet SUVs are susceptible to catching fire. Chervrolet SUVs are made by General Motors.

The formal probe follows two separate incidents where an SUV ignited while the engine was turned off. Both incidents took place while the SUVs were parked in home garages. Two people were injured in one fire, and a great deal of property damage occurred during both incidents.

At this time, the source of the two fires has not been determined-although the engine, battery, wiring, and engine cooling are possible sources.

Some 400,000 motor vehicles are part of the investigation. The NHTSA will take a look at both the Tahoe and the GMC Yukon.

Our motor vehicle fire attorneys have helped many injured clients recover compensation from some of the country’s largest auto manufacturers because their motor vehicles ignited due to a product defect. Visit the Automotives Product Liability: Fires section of our Web site for more information.

Ford Recalls 180,000 Vehicles, Foxbusiness.com, February 11, 2008

US investigates reports of fires in Chevy Tahoes, Reuters, February 11, 2008

Feds Probe Fire Complaints in Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Consumer Affairs, February 9, 2008

Related Web Resources:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

General Motors

Ford Motors

Continue reading "Ford Recall and GM Chevrolet Fire Incidents Rekindle Fire Hazard Concerns " »

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

Posted In: Automotive Product Liability , Fires

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