How Dangerous Car Defects Put Monterey Residents At Risk

The cost of buying a new or used car has skyrocketed over the past several years. At the same time, design, manufacturing, and quality control standards seem to have gotten dangerously low. Millions of vehicles were subject to recalls over the course of 2023. This represents more than just an inconvenience for motorists. It increases the risk of car accidents in Monterey. Find out more about the risks and how to protect yourself.

Top Reasons For Auto Recalls In 2023

A January 12, 2024 USA Today News report indicates that over the prior year, auto recalls had heavy impacts on drivers throughout the United States. Ford had over 200 million recalled cars. General Motors is tied in terms of risk alongside respected brands such as Honda, Toyota, and Nissan.

Auto defects are nothing new. However, in recent years, the number of mistakes, errors, and faulty parts used in the cars we drive is steadily increasing. The most common problems that have landed vehicles on the recall list include:

• Defective airbags, that either fail to explode or due so at the wrong time;
• Defective tires, increasing the risk of blowouts;
• Electrical systems, resulting in shorts and other dangerous malfunctions;
• Issues with gas tank parts or placement, increasing the likelihood of fires or explosions;
• Hydraulic brake defects, impacting your ability to stop or control speed;
• Power train issues, making it harder to maintain control of the vehicle.

All of these issues can put drivers and their passengers at risk and increase the likelihood of car accidents in Monterey.

California Has Highest Number Of Recalled Vehicles

According to a 2023 Carfax report, California has the highest concentration of recalled vehicles, including those under urgent recall notice. These are recalls in which drivers receive one of two alerts:

• Do not drive: This indicates serious safety issues impacting operations.
• Park outside: This indicates issues that could prompt spontaneous fires and explosions.

More than 2.5 million vehicles in California are subject to Do Not Drive Or Park Outside alerts. If you have been notified by the vehicle manufacturer of these types of issues or other problems, follow their instructions. This includes returning the car to the dealer for needed repairs and refraining from driving until defective parts or other problems are addressed. You can check to see if your vehicle is subject to recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. If you are involved in a crash, contact our Monterey car accident lawyer.

Request A Consultation With Our Monterey Car Accident Lawyer Today

Serious personal injuries can happen due to vehicle defects and design errors. At Allen Law Firm, we help you get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. To request a consultation with our Monterey car accident lawyer, give us a call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2024/01/12/vehicle-manufactures-recalls-2023/72195820007/

carfax.com/blog/urgent-recalls

nhtsa.gov/recalls