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What Are Common Causes of Car Recalls?

The last thing a driver wants to find out is that there’s been a recall put out for the car they or a loved one drives. It’s natural to feel stressed, confused, or uncertain if you’re impacted by an unexpected recall. Understanding the common causes of recalls can bring clarity and empower you to make informed decisions regarding your safety and car’s drivability. 

What are common causes of car recalls?

In this article, we discuss some of the most common causes of car recalls and what you can do if you experience this situation. If you or a loved one are harmed by a motor vehicle defect, a car accident lawyer in Portland may be able to help you explore legal options.

Common Mechanical Flaws Resulting in Recalls

Engine and transmission troubles often top the list of recall concerns. Issues can range from faulty fuel injectors to transmission slippage. These problems can cause engine fires, loss of control, or compromised vehicle efficiency. Recalls are meant to address these serious problems by providing vehicle owners with free repairs or replacement of the affected components.

Brake system malfunctions are another critical area that can potentially fail. Recalls might address faulty brake pads, malfunctioning calipers, or even issues with the entire hydraulic system. Fixing these concerns promptly keeps drivers safe on the road and minimizes the risk of preventable accidents.

Steering and suspension problems can also be quite dangerous if they go unnoticed and unrepaired. In some cases, they may create instability and unpredictable handling. Recalls might address worn suspension components, defective steering components, or even software glitches that impact a driver’s ability to remain in control.

System Failures Capable of Causing Harm

Airbag and safety restraint system malfunctions pose a significant risk to a driver and the passengers in their vehicle. Recalls might target airbags that deploy unexpectedly or do not deploy correctly during a crash, faulty seat belts that don’t restrain occupants correctly, or issues with the safety restraint system’s functionality.

Electrical wiring can be another cause for concern, as dangerous wiring can easily result in a vehicle fire. A recall connected to electrical issues might target faulty wiring harnesses, components prone to overheating, or software glitches. Repairing electrical problems quickly reduces the risk of fire, electrocution, and other significant dangers. 

Issues Connected to Structural Integrity

Frame and body structure recalls take care of problems with the vehicle’s core integrity. Issues can range from corrosion to manufacturing defects, both of which can increase the risk of structural failure in the event of a collision. Door, latch, and roof failures pose specific concerns with regards to structural integrity. A recall might be issued to tackle roofs prone to collapsing in a rollover crash, faulty latches that could cause a door to open suddenly, or problems with the trunk.

What are common causes of car recalls?

Potential Software Issues That Can Cause a Recall

Infotainment system and software recalls target issues with the software controlling these features. Glitches can cause navigation systems to become unreliable, impact information displays, or compromise delicate electrical systems. In many cases, software issues can be corrected by patches or system updates. 

Although it is not yet a widespread problem, issues with autonomous driving may continue to grow in complexity over the years as more vehicles begin to feature such systems. Recalls can be issued over malfunctions in features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning systems, or driver assist errors leading to unintended acceleration, braking, or steering issues.

Staying Informed About Recalls Can Keep You Safe

Car recalls are an essential safety measure that can keep you and your loved ones safe from preventable accidents. You should stay informed regarding recall notices via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracker and keep an eye out for official notifications from your vehicle’s manufacturer. At the same time, stay aware of any warning signs or odd behavior your vehicle is displaying and report problems to a trusted mechanic for evaluation. 

By staying aware of the risks of known car defects and taking proactive steps to address potential issues, you can navigate the road with greater confidence and peace of mind. We hope this article helps you and your loved ones stay safe on the road.

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