Toyota Recalls Vehicles for Various Safety Problems
Toyota Recalls Vehicles for Various Safety Problems
Toyota is recalling about 430,500 vehicles for three separate safety defects.
According to an Associated Press news report, the Japanese automaker is recalling 370,000 Sienna minivans in cold weather states including Michigan because road salt can corrode the spare tire carrier under the vehicle and the tire can fall off.
The recall includes Sienna minivans from the 2004 to 2011 model years.
Toyota is recalling 50,000 Highlander and Highlander hybrid SUVs from the 2014 model year because the car may not property calculate the size of the front passenger when determining whether to fire the airbag.
In addition, Toyota is also recalling 10,500 Lexus GS 350 sedans from the 2013 model year because the brakes could activate without warning.
This could happen without brake lights causing unexpected moderate deceleration. Toyota says it is not aware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities caused by the defect.
For all the vehicles involved in this recall, Lexus will replace the brake pedal support assembly.
What is a Safety-Related Auto Defect?
According to federal law, motor vehicle safety refers to the performance of a vehicle in a manner that protects occupants against unreasonable risk of accidents and injuries.
A safety defect is defined as “any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.”
Generally speaking, a safety defect is a problem that exists in a vehicle or a part that poses a risk to motor vehicle safety and may exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture, or items of equipment of the same type and manufacture.
A safety recall becomes necessary when a motor vehicle or part including tires does not comply with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or when there is a safety-related defect in the vehicle or equipment.
Auto Product Liability Issues
When a vehicle occupant is injured as the result of a dangerous or defective vehicle, he or she can file a product liability claim against the automaker or the manufacturer of the faulty product that caused the accident and/or injuries.
In such cases, it is also important that the vehicle is properly preserved so that an expert can thoroughly examine it for evidence such as defects, malfunctions and design flaws.
An experienced auto safety defect law firm will be able to better advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
