Motor vehicle defects continue to cause injuries and fatalities

We often focus on how reckless driving can cause severe injuries and deaths to victims. Still, unless people follow the steady stream of recalls issued each year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or by the vehicle manufacturers themselves, they’d be surprised to learn how many serious injuries and deaths are caused by defective automotive manufacturers’ designs or the faulty parts they use. These defects are the reason for recalls, but the follow-through to fix the issue remains elusive even when a problem is identified.

The deadly defects of 2024

In 2024, several car manufacturing defects continue to cause tragic accidents and passenger deaths. Here are some of the most significant issues:

1. Faulty airbags: Airbags save lives when they work properly, but they can be deadly when they don’t. In 2024, Chrysler and Dodge recalled nearly 285,000 cars because their side curtain airbag inflators either didn’t deploy during a crash or deployed unexpectedly, sending shrapnel into the vehicle cabin.
2. Brake failures: Some cars experienced issues where the brakes would not engage properly, leading to accidents. This defect was perilous because it often occurred without warning, leaving drivers unable to stop their vehicles in time to avoid collisions.
3. Steering problems: In some cases, the steering wheel would lock up or become unresponsive, making it impossible for drivers to control their vehicles, leading to several fatal high-speed accidents.
4. Unintended acceleration: Some vehicles had problems with unintended acceleration, where the car would suddenly speed up without the driver pressing the gas pedal. This defect caused numerous accidents as drivers struggled to regain control of their speeding vehicles.
5. Electrical system failures: Modern vehicles are complex computers on wheels operated by electricity regardless of whether they still have an internal combustion engine. In 2024, there were reports of cars catching fire due to electrical system failures. These fires often started while the vehicle was in motion, giving passengers little time to escape.
6. Seatbelt failures: Seatbelts are the original safety feature, but they still fail, and the consequences can be dire. Some cars had seatbelts that would not latch properly or would unlatch during a crash, leading to passengers being thrown from their seats and suffering fatal injuries.
7. Fuel system leaks: Fuel system defects, such as leaks, can cause fires and explosions. In 2024, there were still incidents where fuel leaks led to deadly car fires. These leaks were often due to faulty fuel lines or connectors.

Did this happen to you?

These defects highlight the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and staying informed about recalls. Nonetheless, defects remain a troubling issue that causes severe injuries or worse. Victims and their families need to remember this if they are considering a lawsuit against manufacturers.