In the last ten days, Messa & Associates has gathered information on four automotive recalls that could affect yours and your family’s safety. Read on to find out if your vehicle is included in any of these recalls.
KIA & HYUNDAI- DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS
Korean automaker, Kia, has issued a recall of over 500,000 vehicles in the United States because the air bags may not function in a crash. This announcement comes just after another Korean automaker, Hyundai, issued a large recall due to the same issue. Combined, the affiliate car makers are recalling over 1 million vehicles due to defective airbags, which have been linked to four deaths.
Vehicles covered by the Kia recall include:
- Kia Forte – 2010-2013
- Kia Optima – 2011-2013
- Kia Optima Hybrid – 2011-2012
- Kia Sedona – 2011-2012
Vehicles covered by the Hyundai recall include:
- Hyundai Sonata – 2011-2013
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – 2011-2012
NEXT STEPS
Kia will notify owners of the recall by July 27th. Hyundai notified customers from April 20th to June 15th. Both companies will offer loaner vehicles to affected owners who request them.
BMW – STEERING DEFECTS
BMW has issued a recall of just over 33,000 2009-2013 X5 xDrive 35d diesel SUVs. An engine idler pulley has the potential to break which could cause a sudden loss of power steering. the automaker states that while the loss of power steering wouldn’t prevent drivers from steering the car, doing so would become more difficult. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminsitration (NHTSA), the alternator warning light will illuminate if/when the idler pulley fails.
NEXT STEPS
NHTSA reports that a correction to the power steering issue is “still under development.” BMW will begin contacting affected vehicle owners bny mail on July 13, 2018. Owners with additional questions can contact BMW at 800-525-7417.
VOLKSWAGON – DEFECTIVE SEATBELTS
Volkswagon (VW) is recalling over 54,000 2018 Atlas SUVs due to seat belts that can release unexpectedly. The German automaker reports that some child seats could damage the seat belts, causing them to suddenly release. NHTSA reports,
“The owner’s manuals provided with the affected vehicles do not inform the customers about the child restraint size limitations/restrictions for the second row center seating position. As a result, the center and adjacent outboard seat belt buckles on the second row can become damaged if a child seat base is installed that is wider than 12.6 inches.”
NEXT STEPS
VW will begin notifying affected owners on August 3, 2018. Car dealers will inspect and make the necessary repairs free of charge.
AUDI- DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS
Audi is recalling nearly 150,000 sedans to fix a faulty sensor that could prevent a front passenger airbag from deploying when necessary. According to NHTSA, wear to the passenger occupant detection system is the cause of the deployment failure. The vehicle’s airbag warning light will illuminate if the malfunction occurs. Additionally, the passenger airbag indicator light will show that the airbag is turned off even if someone is occupying the seat.
Vehicles covered by the Audi recall include:
- Audi A6 – 2012-2018
- Audi A7 – 2012-2018
- Audi S6 – 2013-2018
- Audi S7 – 2013-2018
- Audi RS7 – 2014-2018
NEXT STEPS
Audi will begin notifying affected owners July 31, 2018. Owners who would like to act proactively can contact Audi at 800-253-2834. Audi dealers will install replacement passenger occupant detection systems (PODS) free of charge.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys
The Philadelphia personal injury and products liability attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving defective products. If you or a loved one have been the victim of any type of defective product, consider calling a personal injury attorney from Messa & Associates toll-free at 877-MessaLaw. You can also submit an inquiry online for a free case evaluation. Messa & Associates has been successful in earning clients considerable and fair compensation for injuries sustained through the negligence of others. Let the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates earn you and your loved ones the compensation you deserve.
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