Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Tesla among manufacturers with potentially deadly automotive safety recalls
Did you know?
- More than 250 automotive safety recalls were issued in 2020, affecting 30 million vehicles.
- 73% of newer vehicles are repaired when there is an automotive safety recall, compared to 44% of older models.
- Used vehicles may be sold even if they are subject to an automotive safety recall.
With everything that happened in 2020, it comes as no surprise that major automotive safety recalls did not receive a lot of media coverage last year. However, the issue is that many of these recalls and product defects have caused serious—even fatal—accidents. In the second half of 2020, accidents caused by a known product defect under an active recall increased by 35%.
Two main reasons are cited for the uptick in car accidents caused by product defects in 2020: car owners were not aware that their vehicle was under recall and/or car owners decided to forgo or postpone having their vehicle fixed due to concerns about COVID-19.
Automotive safety recalls are not to be taken lightly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and/or auto manufacturers issue recalls when a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Driving a vehicle with a known recall is dangerous and can be potentially fatal.
Below, we list the latest automotive safety recalls from the NHTSA, as well as tell you what to do if your vehicle has been recalled, how to remain informed about potential recalls in the future, and what to do if you have been injured in an accident caused by a safety defect.
Here are the latest automotive safety recalls from 2020-21
Below is a list of the latest automotive safety recalls from 2020-21; however, there are dozens of other vehicles currently under recall. If you don’t see your vehicle on our list, we strongly encourage you to go to the NHSTA official recall website to look up your specific make and model.
- 2006-2012 Ford Edge, Fusion, and Ranger – More than 3 million Ford vehicles are under mandatory recall for defective Takata airbags that can rupture upon impact. To date, at least 27 people have been killed by these airbags and over 400 people in the United States have reported injuries. Click here to learn more about the recall.
- 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder – More than 250,000 Pathfinder SUVs are under mandatory recall for a brake light issue. A faulty switch triggers the brake light to remain stuck in the “on” position, which increase the risk of a crash, especially rear-end collisions. Click here to learn more about the recall.
- 2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2021 GMC Canyon, Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500, and many others – New Chevrolet Bolt EVs are being recalled for an improperly cast front left brake caliper that can fracture during a high-pressure braking event. Nearly all 2021 GMC SUVs and trucks are under recall for a seat belt issue. Certain models have seat belts with incorrect bolts that may cause the seat belt to detach from the seat in the event of an accident. Click here to learn more about the recall.
- 2012 Hyundai Santa Fes, 2011-2013, 2015 Sonata Hybrids, and 2015-2016 Velosters – Hyundai is recalling over 125,000 vehicles over defective connecting-rod bearings that can wear out prematurely and damage the engine. Click here to learn more about the recall.
- 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and X – More than 158,000 Tesla Model S and X vehicles have been recalled by the NHTSA for touchscreen issues. From yellowing to leaks, bubbles, and complete failure, the 17-inch tablet found in older Model S and Model X vehicles is a dangerous distraction for drivers. Click here to learn more about the recall.
How to check to see if your vehicle is under recall?
All vehicle owners should:
- Check for Recalls using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Get the Fix by calling your local dealer; it will be repaired for free.
- Sign Up for Recall Alerts about any future recall affecting your vehicle.
What to do if your vehicle has been recalled?
If your vehicle has been recalled, you have the right to have the vehicle manufacturer fix the problem free of charge. If a dealer refuses to repair your vehicle in accordance with the official recall, you should notify the manufacturer immediately. You can also file a complaint with NHTSA at www.safercar. gov and provide as many details as possible, including the name of the dealership and any personnel involved.
What do I do if I have been injured in an accident caused by a vehicle under recall in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach or Okeechobee?
Immediately call Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd at 866-930-6435
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a vehicle under recall, you have the right to file a product liability claim and hold the manufacturer responsible.
Filing a product liability lawsuit
Anyone injured by a car that has a defective car part has the right to file a product liability claim. Drivers and passengers of the defective vehicle or another vehicle, pedestrians, and bicycle riders can all file a product liability claim. The basic requirements for a products liability claim are:
- The car part must be defective at the time of the accident
- The defect was the cause of the accident
- The accident must be the cause of a victim’s injuries or death
Contact Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, Treasure Coast personal injury lawyers
Call 866-930-6435 for a free consultation
Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is a law firm with deep roots in the Treasure Coast community. For over four decades, our Treasure Coast personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of injured victims and their families recover from serious accidents in St. Lucie County, Indian River County and Okeechobee County.
Led by Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney and National Top 100 Trial Attorney Steve Hoskins, our firm has obtained over $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We have the expertise and experience you need to take on insurance companies in the courtroom. We understand how serious accidents can upend your life and have long-term consequences. That’s why we fight for our clients, ensuring they receive the physical, emotional and financial support they need to heal, recover, and move forward.
We offer FREE, no-obligation consultations to all potential clients. And, you don’t have to pay for anything unless we secure a financial settlement for you. Call 866-930-6435 now to schedule your complimentary meeting with one of our Treasure Coast personal injury lawyers.
Get the legal help you need without leaving your home
Our Treasure Coast personal injury lawyers are available 24/7 to provide the answers and help you deserve when you need it most. We have four convenient office locations in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and Okeechobee, but if you can’t come to us, you can get the protection you need and hire us electronically from home. We can then start working on your case in minutes.
Call 866-930-6435 to learn more.