The U.S. National Highway Traffic Administration has recently recalled 807,942 cars made by Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and General Motors. The recalls cover a wide range of issues, from defective windshield wipers to short circuits at risk of igniting.
Hyundai Palisade Wipers
A total of 167,085 Hyundai Palisade models have been recalled that may have defective windshield wipers. According to a report from the NHTSA, the wiper motors in these vehicles may only operate intermittently or fail to operate altogether due to snow or ice buildup on the windshield. Hyundai has conceded that this could pose a serious safety risk due to the potential for poor visibility and increased risk of a crash. The recalled vehicles in this category include the 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade models.
Kia and Hyundai Parking Advisory
The NHTSA reports that Kia and Hyundai have requested that the owners of 571,467 SUVs and vans park away from structures as these vehicles are susceptible to a short circuit. This could be due to a faulty tow hitch that can take on water and cause an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire. The recalled vehicles in this category include a total of 567,913 Hyundai vehicles and 3,555 Kia vehicles, including certain years of the Hyndai Sante Fe, Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, Hyundai Sante Fe Plug-in HEV, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the Kia Carnival.
Mercedes-Benz Fire Risk
A total of 61,450 Mercedes-Benz SUVs are being recalled due to the possibility of water seeping into its electrical components and causing a short-circuit that may cause a fire. One potential source of water leaks could be the vehicle’s air conditioning drainage hose. Water entering the foot wells could cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components, increasing the risk of fire. Additionally, the emergency call feature may be disabled, the door may not unlock, the engine may not start or may enter a limp-home mode. All of these defects increase the risk of injury. Drivers may find that their windows fog or that carpet in the foot well is wet if there is a leak.
Cadillac, GMC, and Chevrolet Faulty Transmission
General Motors has reported that 7,840 of its vehicles may have transmissions built with an incorrect part, such as the sun gear which could cause the driver-side half-shaft to disengage from the transmission. This could increase the risk of crash and roll-away. Drivers may notice a clicking or grinding sound from the front of the vehicle if an issue exists.
The NHTSA website allows you to search recalls based on your vehicle identification number, or VIN. You could also search USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or the NHTSA’s automotive recall database for new recalls.
When someone is injured or dies as a result of an automotive defect, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life-changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries or the loss of a family member due to an automotive defect, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz, & Stogner by calling 713-222-7211 or 1-800-870-9584. Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for injuries that occurred as a result of an automotive defect.