Posted in News on October 23, 2013
Generally, people rely on their cars to get them from point A to point B. Most people do their utmost to keep their cars functioning by routinely getting oil changes and performing other types of maintenance on them in order to prevent a malfunction. However, there are times when despite all the steps consumers may take to keep their vehicle functioning, a manufacturing issue may lead to improperly functioning vehicle and potentially result in serious injury to the consumer.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration generally oversees recalls. However, due to the recent federal shutdown, the Japanese car manufacturer, Toyota, recently announced a giant recall on its own accord. The recall centered on recent Camrys ,although not exclusively, as a host of other models were also included, as well. The recall, which resulted in over 800,000 vehicles being recalled, was due to a problem that could result in the airbags either failing or opening accidentally. Specifically, the model years 2012 and 2013 Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid and Venza vehicles in the U.S. are impacted by this recall.
Toyota has narrowed down the problem affecting the airbags to the housing for the air-conditioning condenser unit. Apparently, a short circuit can occur when water from the condenser drips down onto the housing and leaks into the airbag control module. This can cause the airbags to fire prematurely or not at all. Additionally, Toyota also cautions that in certain rare instances, in addition to the airbag malfunctioning, the power steering may fail as well, which in turn, can be dangerous.
Montana residents who own a Toyota model listed in the recall should contact a Toyota dealership to have their car checked out and any problems resolved. Nevertheless, these defects can potentially be dangerous. Anyone who has suffered an injury due to a car defect or faulty product may have legal options in terms of seeking compensation for that injury.
Source: USA Today, “Toyota recalls 803,000 Camrys, other models,” Chris Woodyard and Jennifer Geiger, Oct. 17, 2013