Recalled Vehicles Can Be Dangerous Even When Not Moving

Michael S. Callahan | | Defective Products
destroyed vehicle

A recalled vehicle can be dangerous both on and off the road.

Statistics show that nearly 1 in 5 vehicles in Texas have recalls issued for them but have not yet been fixed. Some vehicle owners decide that addressing a recall may not be a priority because the vehicle is not driven often enough. That can be a dangerous mistake. In fact, recalled vehicles can be a safety hazard even when they are not being driven.

A Spontaneous Fire Danger

In Irving, Texas, a Buick Regal erupted in flames in a parking lot after being parked for at least ten minutes. In Houston, a parked Lincoln Town Car with a defective part caused a house fire. Another parked Ford pickup in Texas burst into flames in a driveway, catching a garage on fire.

Each of these examples involved recalled vehicles that were stationary when fire erupted causing damage not only to the vehicle but also surrounding property.

In 2008 and 2009, General Motors advised the owners of their vehicles to not park their vehicle in garages or near houses until they got their vehicles fixed. In 2008 alone, recalled General Motors vehicles burned at least 17 structures.

[videosingle id=”8460″ width=”100%” height=”400″ rel=”false” /]

Safety Recall Priorities

If you aren’t sure if your vehicle or a vehicle you are thinking about purchasing has a recall on it, you can always use the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN to check for recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. They also have an app that you can download on almost any cell phone to easily do the same.

Here’s a quick way to check for recalls using your VIN: vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/

If you have been injured or are grieving the loss of a loved one as a result of a defective vehicle, contact The Callahan Law Firm today for a free case evaluation

Schedule a free case evaluation today.