Posted: April 15, 2021

Some of the most common issues that result in motor vehicle recalls are:  

  • Electrical System Defects  
  • Fuel System Defects  
  • Steering Component Defects
  • Brake System Defects
  • Faulty Latches and Hooks
  • Defective Airbags
  • Frame and Body Defects  

Some vehicle defects can allow a car, truck, or SUV to combust, stall while in motion, or otherwise endanger both passengers and drivers. Defects may contribute to severe injuries and death. Many injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life and life expectancy.  

Not All Defective Vehicles are Recalled  

Millions of vehicles are recalled in the United States every year, but a vehicle needn’t be on a recall list to be defective. When a vehicle defect causes, contributes to, or exacerbates the severity of an accident, victims may be entitled to take legal action regardless of an automobile’s recall status.  

While each case is unique, victims of serious injury caused by defective vehicles may be able to seek compensation for:  

  • Related medical expenses  
  • Lost wages
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional suffering  

Kline & Specter, PC, has handled many automobile defect and product liability cases and we have won numerous substantial verdicts and settlements. Among the more well-known cases was that of White v. Ford in which Shanin Specter won a $153 million verdict against the car manufacturer for the family of a little boy who was killed when the parking brake of an F-Series pickup truck failed and the vehicle ran over the child. Another verdict for $8.75 million was obtained for the family of a tow truck operator killed in a similar parking-brake incident. 

What Are the Most Recalled Makes?  

Every auto manufacturer selling cars in the United States has issued recalls for specific models. Some manufacturers, however, issue more recalls than others.  

In a study conducted by the automotive research firm, I See Cars it was found that the auto manufacturers currently responsible for the largest number of recalls are:

  1. General Motors
  2. The Ford Motor Company  
  3. Chrysler Fiat  
  4. Mercedes-Benz  
  5. Volkswagen  

In addition to Mercedes-Benz, high-end and luxury vehicle manufacturers included in the Top 10 for the number of recalls issued include Tesla, Volvo, Porsche, and Land Rover.  

Do You Need Help?  

If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an accident and you suspect a vehicle defect played a role, please call Kline & Specter at 215-772-1000 to schedule a free case review. We maintain offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. We work with local attorneys, as applicable, for cases outside those states.