Another recall may be on the horizon for Nissan; its 2012 Versa model is being federally investigated for faulty parts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vehicle’s airbags may go off at extremely inopportune moments. In some cases, it seems that simply closing the door too hard can cause the airbag to deploy.
Three complaints allege that Versa’s side airbags, mounted in both the seat or the headliner, have gone off following the slamming of a door. In addition to filling the vehicle with dust and forcing the owner to replace an expensive piece of equipment, a randomly-exploding airbag can also be dangerous. This potential recall will involve about 155,000 Versas in the United States. The NHTSA’s investigation will determine whether or not a complete recall is necessary. In the meantime, if you have a 2012 Nissan Versa, report any concerns to the feds rather than the dealer, and if you want to see if you may have a potential claim against the manufacturer contact a Boston motor vehicle accident lawyer today.
Takata Airbags – Largest Vehicle Parts Recall in History
But the complaints about Versa’s airbags are nothing compared to last year’s Takata airbag disaster. The Japanese auto-parts manufacturer recently recalled 34 million vehicles, the largest car and truck recall in US history, following at least six deaths and 100 injuries. According to claims, Takata airbags may explode and shoot shrapnel. Takata wasn’t quick to agree to the recall, however, insisting that a nationwide recall was unnecessary. They even hired three former US Transportation secretaries to help manage the crisis.
Record High for Vehicle Recalls in 2015
Nissan and Takata are far from alone when it comes to equipment defects; last year, the industry recalled nearly 64 million vehicles. This figure was more than twice the total of the previous three years combined. A total of 803 vehicle recalls was ordered last year. Of those, 123 came following NHTSA investigations and 680 were initiated by the automakers themselves. Congress has expressed concern over the reporting and investigation process when vehicle defects are identified.
A 2014 New York Times investigation of the NHTSA revealed that the agency’s response to vehicle defects was wrought with issues; they had been slow to initially identify problems and hesitant to act on them with their full legal powers.
In addition to the dangers associated with faulty or defective vehicle parts, you can also suffer damages due to economic loss. This was never more apparent than with the Volkswagen diesel emissions fraud lawsuit. More than 500,000 VW models immediately lost thousands of dollars in market value when it was discovered that the “bio-friendly” cars were actually releasing more toxic emissions than their standard counterparts. Owners of these vehicles were furious, and understandably so.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys Serving All of Massachusetts
If you have been injured due to a defective vehicle part, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. With more than 50 years’ experience protecting the rights of accident and injury victims, we have the knowledge and talent to get you the compensation you deserve. We will analyze the details of your case before moving forward with a legal strategy. Cars and trucks can become deadly weapons when they are equipped with faulty or defective parts. When auto manufacturers or the NHTSA learn of these issues, it is their responsibility to inform the public and resolve the problem as quickly as possible. When they fail to do so, they should be held accountable for their actions. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.