What Are Common Types of Defective Auto Products & Can I Take Legal Action If I Have One?

If you’ve ever heard of an auto product liability claim, then you know that it isn’t a good thing. When a vehicle has been improperly manufactured and has defective parts, it can result in a malfunction that causes a great deal of danger or bodily harm to a driver and their passengers. Unfortunately, a large number of vehicle-related accidents are caused by malfunctions from defective parts. 

Understanding common types of defective auto products and their risks is extremely important. By familiarizing yourself with potential defects you can become more aware of possible hazards and take measures that will ensure your safety. Recognizing the signs and risks of common types of defective auto products like defective airbags, faulty brakes, defective tires, electrical system malfunctions, and more can help you recognize them before they happen. It also enables you to seek repairs or replacements, and, if necessary, take legal action against manufacturers. 

Defective Airbags

One of the most common defective vehicle products are airbags. An airbag provides a lifesaving cushion for drivers and passengers. Front airbags have saved 50,457 lives from 1987-2017. They’ve also reduced fatalities in frontal crashes by 29% and front seat passengers 13 years old and up by 32%. Common airbag defects and associated risks include: 

• Faulty inflator or non-deployment
• Late-deployment
• Overly-aggressive deployment
• Sensor malfunction
• Design flaws

With airbag defects comes the possibility of injury or worse. If an airbag is overzealous it can cause impact injuries like bruising, fractures, burns, internal bleeding or more. If an airbag fails to deploy or has inadequate protection, serious injuries like broken ribs, internal organ damage, spinal injuries, concussions, or more can occur. In an extreme accident, the absence of an effective airbag can even create space for ejection from a vehicle. If an airbag is defective, it is crucial that you get it immediately replaced. If you find out the hard way that your airbag is defective, seeking compensation might be the best path forward. 

Faulty Brakes

Another common defective auto product is faulty brakes. It’s no secret that brakes are an essential part of vehicle function and safety. Without working brakes, catastrophic accidents can cause you to sustain a lifetime of injuries. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2015 recorded data, it was found that 22% of vehicle collisions are caused by brake-related issues. Some examples of brake defects include braking performance, brake failure, faulty brake systems, and more. If your vehicle lacks the ability to brake adequately or at all and an accident occurs, you deserve compensation.

Defective Tires

Defective tires are another auto product that can be defective. In fact, between 2000-2015, one in every 270 crashes (11,000) each year in the U.S. is caused by tire failure. Tires ensure a vehicle’s stability and traction. Without tires, it’d be impossible for a vehicle to get from point A to point B. However, having proper tires that are without defects is essential for safe transportation. There are several ways a tire can be defective, whether it’s tread separation, inadequate grip, or they’re prone to blowouts, one or more of these defects can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, hydroplane, rollover, or worse. 

Electrical System Malfunctions

This type of defective auto product has to do with failure in the electrical components that power the vehicles and allows them to operate. It’s the heart of every vehicle and without it, we couldn’t be around. However, even with an electrical system, it has to be manufactured properly in order for safe operation to be possible. Possible malfunctions that can occur in the battery or motor include alternator failure (battery charger), wiring (faulty or damaged wires), sensor failure, or loose parts. In fact, 30% of electrical system malfunctions are due to loose parts. Defects like these can lead to sudden loss of power and even vehicle fires. 

Fuel System Failures

Fuel system failures can be another significant defect in an auto product. It can lead to hazards like fuel leaks, improper fuel distribution, fuel pump failures, and other gas tank failures. These defects can lead to fire hazards, loss of power, explosions, and more. That’s why it is crucial for manufacturers to ensure a properly functioning fuel system. 

What Are My Options If I Have A Defective Auto Product?

If you discover you have defective airbags, faulty brakes, defective tires, an electrical system that malfunctions or a fuel system that fails after being involved in an accident, you shouldn’t have to suffer physically and financially. You have the right to pursue legal action and file an auto product liability claim. 

When you purchase a vehicle you are a consumer paying for a good that is required by law to be manufactured according to certain standards. Unfortunately, many vehicle manufacturers like to cut corners to save themselves money, so they’ll often rush through or skip out on necessary vehicle testing that is designed to catch the defects discussed above. When they fail to ensure your safety, they should be responsible for the damages. 

How The Florida Law Group’s Auto Product Liability Lawyers Can Help

If you’ve been injured in an auto product liability accident, it’s not your fault and you’re not alone. The Florida Law Group is one of the state’s oldest and most reputable firms, and we’re prepared to help you through this difficult time. Since 1984, we’ve recovered over $1 billion dollars for all kinds of accident victims, and we’re willing and able to fight for you too. Our auto product liability lawyers have over 100+ years of combined experience, so we’re familiar with Florida’s laws on defective auto products. You shouldn’t have to suffer from an accident that wasn’t your fault! Allow us to apply our skills and knowledge to your case so we can help you recover a full and fair settlement. Call today to arrange a free, confidential consultation and learn about your next steps.