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What To Do If Your Car Is Recalled Or A Part Is Defective

If you've been injured in an accident or on the job, the attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP have the knowledge, skills, and experience required to hold the party responsible for your injury accountable.

Last Updated: 08-02-2023
Written by: Michael A. Rose and Gregory Hach

blow up photo of a car and partsIt’s common to hear about car parts being recalled because they didn’t perform as the manufacturer intended. Or they might even be outright dangerous to passengers. If a part of your car has been recalled, you might have questions about what to do next. Maybe you aren’t sure whether it is still safe to drive your car. This article will offer advice about recalled car parts to ensure you get the help you need to avoid needlessly getting into a car accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a governmental agency that sets the standards for the safety of cars and car parts. If manufacturers do not meet the requirements dictated by the NHTSA, the administration has the power and the duty to recall defective vehicles or pieces of machinery. Usually, manufacturers will detect problems in their equipment and issue a voluntary recall. Then they will offer the customer to repair the broken parts at no charge.

What are some common car parts that could be defective?

Some recalls occur because a car part poses a safety threat to passengers. These include:

  • Airbags deploying unexpectedly and without cause
  • Defects in electrical wiring that could cause a fire or loss of light
  • Weak or defective jacks that could injure a person working underneath the car
  • A gas pedal that sticks or breaks unexpectedly
  • Broken steering component that causes a loss of control of the vehicle
  • Car seats with defective safety precautions, such as a broken seatbelt

Other recalls may not threaten a person’s safety but are below NHTSA guidelines and must be recalled and repaired. These might include:

  • Nonoperative radio controls or air conditioners
  • Low-quality of exterior car paint
  • Excessive oil consumption

If your car or a part of it has been recalled, you will receive a letter directly from the car manufacturer or dealer, which will tell you your next steps. Generally, they will invite you in to repair the problem at no extra cost. Getting a recall letter doesn’t mean you’re in immediate danger, but you should inspect your car immediately.

If you suspect a part of your car is defective but hasn’t been recalled yet, you can contact the NHTSA and file a complaint.

Contact a New York car accident lawyer

If you have been injured in a car accident due to a defective car part, call the personal injury lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP. Our team has over 100 combined years of experience helping those hurt in accidents, including those hurt by defective car parts. We are ready to help you win the compensation you deserve. Call our office at (347) 318-9604 or reach out online to discuss your legal options today.

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