Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers Blog

A Toyota company official has admitted that Toyota knew of a problem for two years in the engines of the recently recalled Lexus vehicles but did not issue a recall.

In 2008, Toyota identified that the valve spring in the engines of Lexus vehicles was causing the vehicle to stall while driving. Toyota changed the design of the valve spring making it thicker to fix the defect and prevent vehicles to stall. The new valve spring was installed in new vehicles but no action was taken to recall and replace the valve spring in vehicles already on the road.

Related Sources:
Toyota Knew Of Lexus Problems 2 Years Ago

Toyota has announced another recall involving their luxury vehicle brand, Lexus.

Over 220 incidents of vehicles stalling while in motion had been reported due to a defective engine part. The valve spring, a crucial engine part, was found to be defective and causing the vehicles to inexplicably stall. As a result of this dangerous defect Toyota has recalled 138,000 vehicles in the United States and 270,000 worldwide. Unlike previous recalls, defective vehicles are being recalled in Japan and the United States at the same time.

Since October 2009, Toyota has recalled over 8.5 million vehicles.

Vehicles named in the recall:
2006 - 2008 Model Year Lexus GS350
2006 - 2008 Model Year Lexus GS450h
2006 - 2008 Model Year Lexus GS460
2006 - 2008 Model Year Lexus IS350
2006 - 2008 Model Year Lexus LS460
2006 - 2008 Model Year Lexus LS600h
2006 - 2008 Model Year Lexus LS600hL

Related Sources:
Toyota Begins Recalling Thousands Of Vehicles

Toyota to recall 138,000 Lexus vehicles in US

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating claims that the power steering in certain Mazda and BMW automobiles is defective. NHTSA has received numerous complaints from drivers of both brands of luxury vehicles.

According to driver complaints, the power steering can suddenly and unexplainably malfunction making the vehicle extremely difficult to drive. This automobile defect is extremely dangerous and has already caused a few crashes. This is no recall yet but a government investigation usually spurs a recall.

Vehicles currently under investigation:
2007 -2009 Model Year Mazda3 Passenger Cars
2003-2005 Model Year BMW Z4 Sports Cars

Related Sources:
Govt investigating Mazda, BMW cars

Toyota has announced another recall to its luxury brand, Lexus. Model year 2010 Lexus HS250h sedans are the only vehicles named in the recall.

Tests by the National Highway Safety Administration have shown that at a rear crash at 50 mph or greater can cause fuel to leak from the vehicle. Leaking fuel at the site of an accident can ignite and lead to an intense fuel-fed fire or an explosion. Fuel-fed fires are extremely dangerous and can injure the parties involved in the crash and innocent bystanders.

17,000 vehicles were named in the recall and Toyota has demanded that all dealers stop selling the defective vehicle. There is no known yet remedy for the recall.

Related Sources:
Toyota Recalls Lexus Hybrid Over Fuel Spills

General Motors has recalled 1.5 million vehicles due to a defect that could cause a fire.

The defect lies with the heated windshield wiper fluid system that is present in model year 2006 to 2009 pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers and passenger car models. A short circuit can cause the system to malfunction and ultimately start a fire.

A previous recall was issued in 2008 but with several reports of fires surfacing the company decided to recall all vehicles with the heated windshield wiper fluid module. The module will be removed from the vehicle to prevent any further complications.

Recalled Vehicles:
2006-2009 Model Year Buick Lucerne
2006-2009 Model Year Cadillac DTS
2006-2009 Model Year Hummer H2
2006-2009 Model Year Buick Enclave
2006-2009 Model Year Cadillac CTS
2007-2009 Model Year Cadillac Escalade
2007-2009 Model Year Cadillac Escalade ESV
2007-2009 Model Year Cadillac Escalade EXT
2007-2009 Model Year Chevrolet Avalanche
2007-2009 Model Year Silverado
2007-2009 Model Year Suburban
2007-2009 Model Year Tahoe
2007-2009 Model Year GMC Acadia
2007-2009 Model Year GMC Sierra
2007-2009 Model Year GMC Yukon
2007-2009 Model Year GMC Yukon XL
2007-2009Model Year Saturn Outlook
2009 Model Year Chevrolet Traverse

Related Sources:
GM Recalling 1.5 Million Vehicles Over Fire Risk

Years before the investigation by congress and the record fine imposed on the automaker due to the massive recall in 2010, Toyota hid a defect from the public. Toyota announced a recall in 2005 to repair defective steering rods but documents have surfaced that show Toyota hid the potentially dangerous defect from the public for over a decade.

Documents uncovered have shown that for 11 years in Japan and 12 years in the United States Toyota was fixing cracked and broken steering rods in SUVs and pickup trucks. The steering rod delay connects the front wheels to the steering system of the automobile. A break will render the driver unable to steer the vehicle.

By law an automaker has five business days to report a known safety defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Toyota failed to notify NHTSA for over a decade and assured the agency that no recall was required in the United States after the recall was issued in Japan in 2004. The recall in the United States did not come for another year and covered close to one million 1989-1995 Toyota 4Runners, 1989-1995 compact pickups, and 1993-1998 T100s.

Related Sources:
Toyota fixed steering rods for over a decade before recall

Chrysler has announced three separate recalls that involves close to 600,000 vehicles.
The first recall involves over 25,000 model year Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber vehicles. The vehicles have been recalled due to a "sticky accelerator pedal." This recall is similar to the massive Toyota recalls and could cause the driver of the defective vehicle to suddenly and uncontrollably accelerate.

The second recall involves 285,000 model year 2008 and 2009 Chrysler Town and Country minivans and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. A problem with the electrical wiring on the sliding door could cause it to short circuit and start a fire.

The third recall involves 290,000 model year 2007 through 2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The Jeeps are being recalled due to a leak in the brake fluid that could cause the brakes of the vehicles to lose power.

Chrysler has notified all owners of the defective vehicles and agreed to fix the defects free of charge.

Related Sources:
Chrysler recalls nearly 600,000 vehicles
2007 Dodge Caliber also sticky pedal issue with part from CTS

Child safety seats are designed to keep children safe in the event of a crash or collision. Unfortunately, there are problems with the design and testing of the seats that can cause serious and unnecessary injuries to children. The restraints are tested for safety by the manufacturers and not by any outside agency. The lack of outside testing causes the manufacturers to miss potential safety defects found with the restraint.

By law the manufacturer of any defective child safety seat must notify registered owners of the recall. Unfortunately, not all consumers register their child safety seat and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reminding all parents and caregivers to register their seat with the manufacturer and notify the company of any address change.

To register your child restraint you will need to provide the following information:
• Your Name
• Your current mailing address
• Manufacturer's Name
• Model Number
• Model Name
• Date of Manufacture

Related Sources:
Register your Child Restraint

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration is once again receiving reports of vehicles suddenly and unintentionally accelerating due to floor mats; however the reports are coming from Ford and Mercy drivers not Toyota and Lexus drivers.

The administration has advised that drivers of model year 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles to not place any manufacturer or after market floor mats on top of the secured floor mat currently in their vehicle. Drivers who have stacked floor mat in this manner have experienced sudden acceleration. The mats have been known to interfere with the pedal and cause it to remain in a decompressed position. An accelerator pedal left in a partially decompressed position will hinder the driver's ability to stop or slow down the vehicle. As seen in the Toyota recalls, sudden acceleration is an extremely dangerous phenomenon.

While no recall has been issued, the administration is urging all owners of Ford and Mercury vehicles to ensure that the floor mats on the driver side of their vehicle are properly secured. Furthermore, no floor mats are to be stacked under any circumstances on any vehicle but especially with those who drive 2010 model year Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles.

Related Sources:
Consumer Advisory: Owners of MY 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Warned of Possible Stuck Accelerator Pedals

While convenient for large groups and families, 15 passenger vans have a high tendency to rollover. With summer approaching and many people planning vacations in these vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the following tips to follow to guard against a tragic rollover crash.

Seatbelts - All occupants should wear their seatbelts at all times. Any broken or missing seatbelts must be replaced before any trip. An unbelted occupant is three times more likely to be killed than a belted occupant.

The Driver - The driver of the 15 passenger van should be a fully trained and experienced driver. The size and the shape of the vehicle make it considerably harder to maneuver than a standard car and the driver should receive additional training to drive the vehicle. Drivers should never drive for longer than 8 hours in a 24 hour time period and never drive a vehicle with more occupants than seatbelts on board.

Tires/Tire Pressure - Like all vehicles the tires need to be properly inflated and absent of worn treads. The tire pressure should be checked before all trips and strictly followed to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Drivers should also inspect the condition and age of the spare tire that comes with the rental of the vehicle. Properly sized and inflated tires will help the driver maintain control of the vehicle while driving.

Cargo - All cargo should be properly secured forward of the rear axle. The roof of the vehicle is to be clear of any cargo and it is never safe to tow anything with a 15 passenger van. The van should never exceed the maximum weight that is listed in the vehicle owner manual.

Following these simple tips will ensure a safe trip for those travelling in a 15 passenger van this summer.

Related Sources:
Top Safety Tips for 15-Passenger Vans

Millions of vehicles are recalled every year due to defects that pose a safety risk to drivers and occupants but a study has discovered that only 1 in 4 defective vehicles are fixed once recalled.

The majority of vehicles that are recalled do not receive the huge press that the recent Toyota recalls have received. This lack of press leaves millions of at risk consumers ignorant to the recall. Unfortunately, for others by the time they are aware of the recall notice they have already been injured by the dangerous and defective vehicle.

Car companies are required by law to send recall notices to registered customers. They receive this information through the various department of motor vehicles offices in every state. If the driver has moved or the car has changed hands and the DMV is not notified it becomes increasingly more difficult for the manufacturer to contact the consumer.

The recent recalls of Toyota have all car manufactures and the federal government more vigilant in notifying the press and consumers of vehicle defects. Consumers can register for free at National Highway Traffic Administration and Driverside.com to be notified of all recalls to ensure their vehicles are not affected by any recalls.

Related Sources:
Vehicle Safety Recalls

Nissan Motor Company has recalled over 134,000 vehicles because a defect is preventing the airbags from deploying in a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received reports that the airbags of Nissan Infiniti G35 sedans and coupes are not deploying in a crash which could cause serious injury to occupants and drivers. Nissan has reported the problem to be a defective connector. The wire harness may wear down over time and interrupt the signal to deploy the airbags in the event of a collision.

A red warning light on the dashboard will appear when the connection to the airbag is interrupted. Any consumers with a red airbag warning light on their dash should immediately take their defective vehicles to the nearest dealer to be repaired. Those driving recalled vehicles without a light should wait until they are notified by Nissan before returning their vehicles to the dealership.

Recalled Vehicles:
2005 - 2006 Model Year Infiniti G35 sedans
2005 - 2007 Model Year Infiniti G35 coupes

Related Sources:
Nissan recalls Infiniti G35 sedans, coupes

Toyota has announced a recall to its popular sports utility vehicle, the Toyota Sequoia. Toyota is recalling fifty thousand 2003 Toyota Sequoia SUVs to upgrade its anti-rollover software. This is the sixth recall Toyota has issued in recent months, again placing doubt in the minds of consumers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began an investigation into the Sequoia in late 2008 amid reports of sudden unexpected braking and slowing of the vehicle. Drivers reported to NHTSA that they suddenly would lose control of the throttle and the brakes would automatically apply themselves, stopping or slowing the vehicle. During these events the brake lights would not illuminate to warn traffic that the vehicle was stopping or slowing down.

Toyota has determined the defect to be located in the skid control software installed on the vehicles. A steering angle sensor in the vehicle was not stored properly activating the stability control system at inappropriate speeds causing the vehicle to brake. To remedy the defect Toyota will replace the skid control electronic control unit and upgrade the associated software. Half of the vehicles under warranty have already been fixed and Toyota will begin to fix the remaining defective vehicles in May 2010.

Although this recall is not connected to the recalls of sudden acceleration and the braking problems in the Prius, it again raises concern about the electronics of Toyota vehicles. This is the third recall that is associated with electronics and most experts in the auto community believe the electronic throttle control system is causing the sudden acceleration of Toyota vehicles.

Related Sources:
2003 Sequoia added to Toyota's recall list

Ford Motor Company is recalling 33,000 vehicles due to a seat defect. The seats can collapse rearward and seriously injure a person if it would occur during an accident.

Ford states the defect lies with the "gear plate teeth" which is located on the manual recliner mechanism. The defective part was manufactured "out of dimensional specification." This defect should cause the vehicle to fail the federal safety standard for seat strength.

Recalled Vehicles:
2010 Explorer
2010 Explorer Sport Trac
2010 Mercury Mountaineer
2010 Ford Fusion
2010 Mercury Milan

Related Sources:

Ford Is Recalling 33,000 Vehicles for Seat Problem

An internal e-mail from a Toyota executive suggests Toyota knew of the dangerous defects of its accelerators before the automaker issued a recall. The e-mail was written five days before the "sticky pedal" recall was announced by Toyota and the contents suggest some in the company were opposed of withholding information from the public.

In an e-mail dated January 16, 2010, a high level executive at Toyota wrote that the company must come clean, the time to hide the truth is over, and the company is not protecting its customers by keeping a defect from going public. The e-mail further stressed that there was a mechanical defect with the accelerator pedal on certain models and the executive hoped the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration could work with the company to keep it from going out of business.

The e-mail was basically dismissed by the recipient, the communication leader for all Toyota sales in the United States. He responded that the company would not disclose the information until it discovered the cause of the defect and he did not want to raise further uneasiness in customers. The e-mail was among the 70,000 pages of papers turned over to the federal government who is currently investigating Toyota and its recent massive recalls.
Related Sources:
Toyota Executive: 'We Need To Come Clean'