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Car Recalls - Air Bag, Seat Belt, Brake, Engine, Tire Defects Causing Fires, Explosions Crashes
and Injury or Death

Personal Injury Lawyers with a National Practice

Car AccidentPritzker | Ruohonen has gained a national reputation in the area of product liability, and lawyers at the firm have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA and other publications. Both Fred and Rich have been named "Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics magazine.  Fred Pritzker was also selected by other attorneys for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.  To contact Fred and Rich, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

Volvo Recall: Brake Defect and Crash Risk
Volvo is recalling 1,114 MY 2007 C30, C70, S40, and V50 passenger vehicles. A soft anodized layer in the master cylinder may trigger early wear on a rubber seal that can result in internal leakage of brake fluid. If affected, the driver may experience reduced brake performance when applying and maintaining force of the brake pedal. The capacity to brake will gradually deteriorate forcing the driver to use a higher than expected force on the brake pedal when compared to an intact brake system. The deterioration can eventually result in complete loss of the brake system functionality increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the master cylinder. The brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir will be replaced and certain brake lines cleaned. The recall is expected to begin during April 2008.

GM Cadillac Recall: Possible Tire Failure
GM is recalling 4,586 MY 2008 Cadillac STS and STS-V passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems" (TPMS). The standard requires an indication to the driver for certain TPMS malfunctions. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light should flash for about one minute and then stay on the remainder of the ignition cycle. A driver information center message will also be displayed on the instrument panel. These indications of a system malfunction do not work. Premature tire failure could result in a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the remote control door lock receiver module. The recall began on March 18, 2008.

Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter Van Recall: Increased Risk of Head Injury
Sprinter is recalling 727 MY 2007-2008 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 passenger vans built with 144 inch wheelbase and standard roof height. These vans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, “Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.” Some vans may not have had certain head impact protection pads installed at the C-pillar. In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and, if the head impact protection pads are missing, the appropriate pads will be installed.

Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter Cargo Van Recall: Possiblity that Incorrect Brake Components Installed
Sprinter is recalling 40 MY 2007-2008 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 3500 cargo vans for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 105, 'Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems.' Some of these vans may not have had the correct brake components installed. This standard specifies requirements for vehicles equipped with hydraulic and electric service brake systems, and associated parking brake systems. The purpose of this standard is to insure safe braking performance under normal and emergency conditions. Dealers will install the appropriate master brake cylinders and brake fluid reservoirs.

GM Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix Recall: Fire Risk
GM is recalling 207,542 MY 1997-2003 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8L supercharged V-6 engine. Engine oil can leak from the valve cover and can migrate during maneuvers such as hard braking. If the oil reaches the hot exhaust manifold, it may ignite causing an underhood fire. Until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, GM strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual

Mercedes-Benz Recall: Possible Transistor Problem Could Cause Accident
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3,283 MY 2008 S-Class and CL-Class passenger vehicles. A malfunction may occur on the Signal Acquisition and Actuation Module-Front (SAM-F) transistors. The SAM-F is a double transistor that helps control vehicle functions and the lighting of the center console. Incorrect storage of the transistors led the transistors to be exposed to excess humidity. The presence of this moisture in combination with the thermal stress during the "reflow soldering" may have damaged the transistors while could prevent them from properly functioning increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace all potentially affected SAMs. The recall is expected to begin during May 2008.

Land Rover Recall: Sunroof Defect and Injury Risk
Land Rover is recalling 12,353 MY 2008 LR2 vehicles built with a sunroof. Failure of either the left or right hand side sunroof guide rail can occur when the sunroof is operated. Excessive stress can develop in the over-molded bracket which could lead to cracking during normal sunroof operation. If cracks occur and propagate in a certain area of the guide rail, fragments of the plastic over-mold material may detach from the guide rail and obstruct the operation of the sunroof. The obstruction could cause the sunroof, when operated, to bind, twist, and potentially detach from the operating mechanism. If the sunroof is subsequently cycled and a vertical force applied, i.e., a customer manually aiding the roof to close or wind lift, the glass panel can become fully detached from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will install retention inserts to both sides of the glass panel guide rails. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Recall: Possible Fuel Leak and Fire
Ford is recalling 57,199 MY 2006-2007 E-150, E-250, E-350, and MY 2007 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 5.4L engines. The fuel rail cross-over hose may contain weak areas. As a result, the hose may crack, which could cause a fuel odor and/or fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator Recall: Side Impact Crash Risk
Ford is recalling 123,632 MY 2007-2008 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors may fracture during normal customer usage. This can result in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully closed position. The handle may be loose causing a rattle or noise and the handle may not return to the fully closed position. This condition may also provide a delayed resistance when actuating the handle prior to opening the door. In the event of a side impact crash, the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. Dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander Recall: Wiper Defect
Chrysler is recalling 1,338 MY 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander vehicles. The front control module may have been incorrectly manufactured. This could cause the engine to stall while driving or not to start and/or cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative. Engine stalling or inoperative wipers could cause a crash without warning. Dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary. The recall began on February 18, 2008.

Volkswagen Audi Recall: Seat Belt Defect and Personal Injury Risk
Volkswagen is recalling 720 MY 2008 Audi TT coupe vehicles. These vehicles were produced with C-pillar trim cover clips that do not provide adequate retention. In the event of a deployment of the rear pyrotechnic safety belt, the C-pillar trim cover may become detached from the sheet metal due to low retention force of the trim clip. The detached trim cover could pose a risk of personal injury for vehicle front seat occupants. Dealers will install an improved clip on the affected vehicles. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Nissan Murano Recall: Defective Air Bag and Risk of Injury or Death
Nissan is recalling 16,365 MY 2008 Infiniti EX35 and MY 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. Due to incorrect software programming, the air bag control unit (ACU) may cause the passenger air bag not to operate as designed if the vehicle battery becomes significantly discharged. This could result in the passenger air bag not inflating in a crash in which it was designed to do so, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will reprogram the ACU in affected vehicles. The recall began on February 19, 2008. Owners may contact Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200 or Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. 08V-066

Bently Recall: Air Bag Defect
Bentley is recalling 4 MY 2004 and 2006 Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur vehicles. The passenger air bag replacement trimmed covers have been manufactured with tethers of an incorrect length. In the event of a crash, this could result in damage to the air bag itself during deployment increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will replace the passenger's air bag cover free of charge. The recall is expected during March 2008.

Porsche Recall: Fire Risk
Porsche is recalling 5,573 MY 2008 Cayenne V6 vehicles. A fuel line in the plenum panel area may contact the rear engine compartment cover. Relative movements of the engine while driving may cause knocking noises and chafing on the fuel line. A fuel leak may develop. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire. Dealers will reroute the fuel line and install an additional spacer ring free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Toyota Tundra Recall: Possiblity of Wheel Falling off of the Vehicle
Southeast Toyota is recalling 1,555 MY 2007 Tundra vehicles equipped with 18" installed Enkei wheels (option code WN1 or WN4) or 20" BBS wheels (option code WV1 or WV4). When the vehicle was processed at the port, an alloy tire/wheel upgrade was installed. The upgrade included
4 alloy wheels with attaching wheel nuts. The wheel nuts can crack and break if the wheels are not installed carefully or if the wheel nuts are not carefully tightened. This condition could occur at the time of wheel installation, tire rotation or service. If a vehicle's wheel has a cracked or broken wheel nut condition and the wheel becomes loose and falls off the vehicle without warning, a crash could occur. Dealers will replace the attaching wheel nuts. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Ford Mustang Recall: Defective Air Bag and Neck Injury
Ford is recalling 434,593 MY 2005-2008 Mustang vehicles for failing to comply with one of the neck injury requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," for an unbelted 5th percentile female sitting in the passenger seat while it is in the full forward position. During an air bag deployment, if a small female in the front passenger seat is not wearing the safety belt, and has the seat in the full forward position, there may be an increased potential for a neck injury. Dealers will reprogram the restraint control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Honda Acura Recall: Fire Risk
Honda is recalling 273,000 MY 2004-2008 Acura TL vehicles. Prolonged high under-hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid. Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire. Dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge.

Mitsubishi Outlander Recall: Fire Risk
Mitsubishi is recalling 5,400 MY 2007-2008 Outlander passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. For vehicles without an electric power seat, the floor harness connector for the power seat is placed directly on the floorboard underneath the carpeting (vehicles with power seats already have the harness elevated). If a vehicle occupant enters the vehicle with a sufficient amount of snow on their feet containing road salt, it is possible for the melted snow mixture to soak the carpet and allow the salt-water solution to come into contact with the unused power seat harness connector. The connector terminal may corrode and allow current to flow, resulting in the gradual heating and melting of the connector and may result in a fire. Dealers will relocate the floor harness beneath
both the passenger and driver seats to above the carpet and away from the bottom of the floorboard to prevent contact with any future melt solution.

Ford Truck Recall: Seat May Break During Crash Causing Injury
Ford is recalling 87,515 MY 2008 F250, F350, F450, and F550 vehicles for failing to comply with all the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." Some 40% split and captain's chair driver's seats, equipped with lumbar supports, may have improper welds at the joint of the seat back pivot bracket and the seat back frame. In the event of a crash, the seat side pivot bracket may crack or break, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Dealers will add reinforcement to the driver's seat back frame on the 40% split or captain's chair seat equipped with lumbar support or, if necessary, the seat back frame will be replaced.

Mercedes-Benz Diesel Vehicle Recall: Possible Power Loss and Crash
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 9,004 MY 2007 E-Class, GL-Class, M-Class and R-Class vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The crankshaft sensor could fail due to separation of bond wires from the lead frame in the sensor. This results in an interruption in the electrical connection in the chip housing of the sensor. When this happens, the vehicle may lose power rather than enter a limp-home mode. In addition, the vehicle cannot be restarted after failure of the electrical connection in the sensor, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008.

Mitsubishi Endeavor Recall: Possible Defective Seat Belt and Serious Injury or Death Due to Inadequate Restraint  
Mitsubishi is recalling 7,340 MY 2006-2007 Endeavor vehicles. The right side lower seat belt anchor may separate during a severe vehicle crash. A severe crash could allow the seat belt to not properly restrain the passenger and potentially result in injury or death. Dealers will replace the front passenger side seat belt and bracket assembly. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008.

Autocar Recall: Steering Defect and Autocar Crash Risk
Autocar is recalling 28 MY 2007-2008 WX vehicles. These vehicles were built with a telescoping steering shaft between the in-cab steering components and the power steering gear box, located on the vehicle's frame. The steering shaft has been determined to be too long. The additional length in the steering shaft results in the need for increased steering effort on the part of the vehicle's driver. The driver may not be prepared for such need, which could result in an unpredictable reaction by the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. Autocar will provide instructions for scheduling the repair of these vehicles at an authorized Autocar service facility. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008.

Volvo Truck Recall: Fire Hazard
Volvo Trucks is recalling 798 MY 2008 VNL and VT vehicles. An incorrect software parameter was loaded which resulted in the diesel particulate filter (DPF) 'inhibit' function being disabled. The 'inhibit' function is a means for the driver to stop a DPF regeneration from occurring if a vehicle is in a location that may present a hazardous situation. If the driver believes that regeneration has been stopped when it has not, it could result in a fire. Dealers will change the control parameters. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008.

Volvo Recall: Possible Engine Stall and Accident
Volvo is recalling 23,000 MY 2004-2006 S40 and V50 vehicles sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Reoccurring, long-term exposure to certain environmental conditions such as salty-wet conditions, it is possible for the pump electronic module (PEM) to become corroded internally. This can cause a faulty signal to the fuel pump, resulting in low or no fuel pressure to the engine. If this occurs, the check engine light may illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle may fail to start or may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the PEM and install it in a new location to prevent corrosion. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.

Volvo Touareg Recall: Fire Risk
Volkswagen is recalling 96 MY 2008 Touareg vehicles. A fuel supply line was changed during production which could lead to insufficient sealing of the fuel supply line connector. This condition could lead to a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel supply line, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008.

GM Chevrolet Recall: Head Injury Risk
GM is recalling 181,516 MY 2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR vehicles not equipped with optional roof rail air bags for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, 'Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.' In tests, one of the upper interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard's requirement. This standard specifies performance requirements to provide head impact protection for occupants. Dealers will install an energy-absorbing plastic piece to the headliner trim. The recall is expected to begin during March 2008.

Maserati Granturismo Recall: Seat-Belt Pre-Tensioner and Air Bag May Not Deploy
Maserati is recalling 56 MY 2008 Granturismo vehicles equipped with the advanced passenger seat air bag weight sensor system. A malfunction can occur in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU) software when the battery is not fully charged. In the event of a crash, the passenger side air bag and passenger seat belt pre-tensioner may not deploy increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will replace the SRS ECU units as necessary. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008.

Ford Recall: Engine Stall Risk
Ford is recalling 1,176,000 MY 1997-2003 F-Super Duty, E-Series and Excursion vehicles equipped with 7.3L diesel engines. The camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall. In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning. Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008.

Porsch Recall: Risk of Deactivation of Traction Control
Porsche is recalling 37 MY 2008 911 GT3 and GT3RS 2-door coupe vehicles. The switch console for the Porsche active suspension management (PASM) and the traction control (TC-OFF) switches was inappropriately installed. The LEDs in the switches can signal a functional change in the PASM mode or the deactivation of traction control even though the switches are not actuated. If the traction control or active stability management system are inadvertently disabled, and the subsequent warning lamp illumination in the instrument panel onboard computer is unnoticed by the driver, the safety benefits of these systems would be unavailable to the driver which could increase the possibility of a crash during aggressive driving maneuvers. Dealers will replace the switch console.

BRP Can-Am Syder Roadster Recall: Front Brake Defect and Possible Inability to Brake
BRP is recalling 476 MY 2008 Can-Am Spyder Roadster passenger vehicles. There is a presence of an abnormal quantity of air in the hydraulic circuit of the front brake. The brake pedal may go almost to the floor when depressed. A driver may be unable to stop the vehicle as expected increasing the risk of a crash. BRP has notified each owner informing them of this problem and scheduling a pick-up time to retrieve the vehicle. Dealers will inspect and perform a bleeding of the brake system if needed. The recall began on November 21, 2007.

Volvo SUV Recall: Possible Defroster Defect and Accident Risk
Volvo is recalling 37,000 MY 2007-2008 XC90 sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, the climate control module (CCM) may receive a 'shut-down signal' from the engine control module (ECM) after ignition key insertion. If this condition occurs, the climate control functions will not be available (including the defroster) during that driving cycle. Inoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the potential to result in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage. The ECM software will be upgraded. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren Recall: Improperly Installed Windshields
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3 MY 2007 SLR McLaren vehicles. The windshields were not installed correctly. Either the primer or activator was missing at the time of installation. The manufacturer has not yet provided a consequence for this campaign. Dealers will remove the windshields, clean and reinstall them correctly with primer and activator. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008.

GM Cadillac Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky Recall: Possible Loss of Motive Power, Vehicle Control and Car Accident
GM is recalling 275,936 MY 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, MY 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice, and MY 2007 Saturn Sky passenger vehicles. The rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak. A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pinion seal. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008.

Nissan Altima Recall: Possible Tire Pressure Problem and Car Crash Risk
Nissan is recalling 114 MY 2007-2008 Altima passenger vehicles. If the body control module (BCM) was replaced during service at a dealership, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may have been inadvertently deactivated due to an issue with the dealer service software. If the TPMS is turned off, it would not alert the driver to a decrease in the tire pressure as designed. Driving on under-inflated tires is unsafe and could result in a crash. Dealers will check the TPMS function and reactivate it if necessary. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

Honda Civic Recall: Explosion Risk
Honda is recalling 6,545 MY 1998-2007 Civic GX compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. In the event of a severe interior fire in the area of the rear seat, the CNG tank may be heated unevenly, preventing the pressure relief device from venting the contents of the tank as designed. This could result in a tank rupture, explosion, and ejection of the tank from the vehicle. Dealers will install a heat insulator material to the rear seat back. An interim owner letter was mailed to owners on November 26, 2007. When parts are available, owners will be renotified asking them to bring in their vehicle for repair.

GM /Saturn Recall: Stall and Crash Risk
GM is recalling 20,514 MY 2001 Saturn L-Series passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine. Links in the engine’s timing chain can separate. An elevated rate of engine timing chain link separation has occurred. If a timing chain link separates while the engine is running, the engine will stall and will not restart increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the timing chain. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008.

GM /Chevrolet Recall: Increased Risk of Head Injury in Accident
GM is recalling 57,100 MY 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent passenger vehicles not equipped with optional roof rail airbags or optional sunroof. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact." During NHTSA impact tests, the interior occupant protection test points exceeded the standard requirements. The results of this test indicated a possibility of an increased risk of head injury in a crash. Dealers will install an energy absorbing foam piece to each of the a-pillar trim assemblies. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008.

Nissan Altima and Sentra Recall: Possible Engine Stall and Accident
Nissan is recalling 653,910 MY 2002 and 2005-2006 Altima and Sentra vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines. The crankshaft position sensor can overheat causing a brief interruption in the signal output from the sensor. If the interruption in the signal from the sensor is so brief that the electronic control module (ECM) logic does not have time to diagnose the condition, the engine may stop running without warning while the vehicle is driven at a low speed increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the ECM. The recall is expected to begin during December 2007.

BMW Mine Cooper and Cooper S Convertible Recall
BMW is recalling 320 MY 2007 Mini Cooper and Cooper S convertible vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." The standard requires that the tire size and corresponding tire pressure be indicated on the label and the label does not correspond to the actual tires mounted on the vehicle. Tire pressure that is too high can cause premature wear and tire damage which could lead to unfavorable driving conditions increasing the risk of a crash. Owners will be provided with new tire information placards and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall is expected to begin during December 2007.

Ford Focus and Expedition Recall: Possible Airbag Defect
Ford is recalling 45 MY 2008 Focus, Expedition, F250 and F350 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'Occupant Crash Protection.' The driver air bag module may not have been properly assembled. This condition may prevent the driver air bag from properly deploying and reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash. Dealers will replace the driver air bag module. The recall began on November 20, 2007.

Toyota Lexus Recall: Possible Fuel Leak and Fire
Toyota is recalling 34,343 MY 2006 Lexus GS and IS vehicles. High stress areas may have been created in two specific fuel pipes located in the engine compartment. Combined with other factors such as the presence of corrosive agents in fuel, a crack may form over time leading to fuel leakage from the fuel line(s). Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the two involved fuel lines with newly designed lines free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during December 2007.

Mercedes-Benz Recall: Seat Belt Defect
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 5,823 MY 2008 C-Class vehicles for failing to comply with some of the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The rear outboard seat belts do not comply with the lap-belt lockability requirement which enables the lap belt portion of the belt to be locked by the user to facilitate the use of older non-latch design child restraint devices. Under certain circumstances, this situation may cause the locking mechanism not to perform as required by the standard for use with older non-latch child restraints. Dealers will replace all potentially affected seat belts. The recall is expected to begin during November 2007.

BMW Recall: Possible Engine Stall and Loss of Power Steering
BMW is recalling 29,250 MY 2006-2007 550I, 650I coupe and convertible and MY 2007 X5 4.8I passenger vehicles equipped with V8 engines. In conditions of below freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, it is possible for electrostatic discharge to occur at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine electronic control unit (ECU) could be affected resulting in engine stalling. If stalling were to occur, the driver may not be able to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate and the power steering could fail increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will attach two ground cables in the engine compartment. The recall is expected to begin during November 2007.

Volvo Recall: Possible Late Deployment of Airbags
Volvo is recalling 5,002 MY 2008 XC70 passenger vehicles. Two deviations have been found in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) control unit software. These deviations may result in a late deployment of the inflatable curtain (IC) and side impact protection system (SIPS) air bags in certain side impact crash situations. In addition, this software error may also cause the 'SRS Airbag - Service Urgent' message and SRS warning light to illuminate. Late deployment of the IC and SIPS air bags in certain side impact crash situations could increase the risk of injury to the vehicle occupant. Dealers will perform a software upgrade of the SRS control unit. The recall is expected to begin during November 2007.

Honda Recall: Possibility of Wheel Falling off of Vehicle
Honda is recalling 182,756 MY 2006-2007 Civic sedan and coupe model vehicles. The wheel speed sensor housing uses an O-ring seal to prevent leakage to or from the wheel bearing. If assembled improperly, the O-ring may not seal properly allowing water to enter the wheel bearing and eventually cause damage to the bearing, especially in areas where use of road salt is prevalent. If the driver continues to drive with this condition, it is possible for the wheel bearing to become loose, which could cause the bearing to fail. This could cause a wheel to fall off of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will inspect the rear ABS sensors and wheel bearings for damaged parts and replace them. The recall began on September 25, 2007.

Dodge Ram Pickup Truck Recall: Possible Loss of Vehicle Control and Crash
DaimlerChrysler is recalling 1,498 MY 2007 2-wheel drive Dodge Ram pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions. The front driveshaft yoke may break under certain driving conditions. This could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the driveshaft. The recall is expected to begin during October 2007.

Jeep SUV Recall: Possible Brake Defect
DaimlerChrysler is recalling 28,755 MY 2007-2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander sport utility vehicles. Front brake calipers in a certain lot may have been manufactured from gray iron instead of ductile iron as designed and could fracture without warning. This would increase the vehicle's stopping distance and could cause a crash. Dealers will inspect the front brake calipers to see if they fall into this lot and, if so, will replace them. The recall is expected to begin during October 2007.

Nissan Pathfinder and Infinity Recall: Possible Fire and Explosion Due to Corrosion
Nissan is recalling 372,250 MY 1997-2001 Pathfinder and MY 1997-2001 Infiniti QX4 vehicles. Vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. During the coating process of the fuel filler tube assembly, a sufficient coating may not have been applied at the lower mounting bracket. This could result in an opening in the coating which can allow water to enter and make contact with the bare metal of the tube. This may result in surface rust but not perforation of the tube. However, in those areas of the country which use heavy concentrations of road salt in the winter, if a mixture of snow/water and salt makes contact with the bare metal, corrosion may occur to a degree which results in perforation of the tube. In this case fuel leakage may occur when filling the tank. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel filler tube assembly with a new one with an improved coating process. The recall is expected to begin on or about November 26, 2007.

Nissan Recall: Possible Seat Belt Failure
Nissan is recalling 3,564 MY 2007 Armada sport utility vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, 'Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.' The driver's side third row seat belt upper anchor bracket may be cracked. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will replace the seat belt bracket. The recall is expected to begin on or about November 1, 2007.

GM Recall: Possible Seat Belt Defect
GM is recalling 531 MY 2008 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." and Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." These vehicles may have one to four inboard seat stud fasteners that do not meet strength specification. In the event of a crash, the seat and seat belt assembly may not restrain the occupant as intended and could result in injury to the occupant. Dealers will inspect the inboard seat studs and, if necessary, remove the stud and install a bolt. The recall is expected to begin on or about October 10, 2007.

Chevrolet and Pontiac SUV Recall: Possible Airbag Defect and Injury During Accident
GM is recalling 437 MY 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent sport utility vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." In these vehicles, the right front passenger seat is built with a passenger sensing system. When tested with a representative unrestrained small adult, the system is required to turn the right front passenger's frontal airbag on. An error in the seat sensor calibration can cause it to fail this test. In addition, this condition can prevent the airbag from turning off when the seat is occupied by a small child. Whenever the front passenger seat is occupied, the driver should always check the airbag indicator to see if the airbag is on or off. If it is not correct for the situation, the passenger should be moved to a different seat. This can increase the risk of injury to a seat occupant during certain crash conditions. Dealers will reprogram the seat's electronic control unit. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.

GM Hummer Recall: Possible Increase in Stopping Distance
GM is recalling 363 MY 2008 Hummer H2 utility, and H2 SUT vehicles. The wires in the ABS wheel speed sensor front or rear harness may be reversed. This condition could result in increased stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will correct the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring and, if necessary, reprogram the brake control module. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

VW, Passat and Audi Recall: Possible Inoperative Fuel Pump, Vehicle Stall, and Crash
VW is recalling 34,358 MY 2003 Passat and Audi A4 and A6 vehicles equipped with 1.8L turbo, 2.8L V6, or 3.0L engines. A change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall. If fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash. Dealers will install new fuel pumps. The recall is expected to begin during September 20007.

2 Deaths Prompt Tire Recall
Tires made in China and imported by Foreign Tire Sales Inc. (FTS) are being recalled due to a dangerous defect. Gum strips are required on tires to prevent tread separation.  The Chinese manufacturer used inadequate gum strips or no gum strips on as many as 450,000 tires.  The tires can fall apart while in use, causing crashes and rollovers.  Read more about the Chinese tire recall.

Ruling Broadens Interpretation of the Exception to the "Seat Belt Gag Rule"
The Minnesota Supreme Court has broadened the interpretation of the exception to the "seat belt gag rule" to include incidents that involve a parent’s “negligent installation and maintenance” of their child’s car seat.  In the case before the court, a child sued his parents after the child was injured in a car accident in which his mother was driving.  His father had negligently secured him in the car seat.  Because the exception to the "seat belt gag rule" applied, the child was able to obtain compensation for the resulting injuries from his parents' auto insurance company.  Read more about a child car seat lawsuit.

Volvo Recall: Engine Stall and Accident Risk
Volvo is recalling 38,700 MY 2003-2004 V70 and S60 vehicles. The fuel pressure sensor located on the left end of the fuel rail may, at times, transmit an incorrect signal regarding the fuel pressure to the engine control module. If the signal is outside of the pre-programmed allowable limits, a diagnostic trouble code may be set and the check engine light will come on. The soldered joints on the circuit board of the fuel pressure sensor may crack due to temperature changes and excessive vibrations. Misfire may occur during driving that, in turn, will reduce the engine torque and, in the worst case scenario, the engine may stall without warning. In certain traffic situations this could cause an unsafe situation and possibly a crash. Dealers will replace the fuel pressure sensor. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.

Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger Recall: Injury Risk Due to Defective Air Bag
DaimlerChrysler is recalling 798 MY 2007-2008 Sebring and MY 2008 Dodge Avenger vehicles. The front seat track position sensors utilized for the air bag system may not function properly. This could increase the risk of injury to front seat occupants during certain crash conditions. Dealers will inspect the front seat track position sensors and replace them. The recall began on June 18, 2007.

Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent Recall: Personal Injury Risk Because Windshield May Not Be Retained During Accident
GM is recalling 6,213 MY 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 212, "Windshield Mounting." An incorrect primer may have been used when installing the windshield. The same primer may have also been applied to the liftgate glass and the side stationary glass. In the event of a crash, the windshield may not be retained to the extent required by the standard, increasing the risk of personal injuries to the vehicle occupants. Dealers will replace the windshield, the liftgate glass, and the side stationary glass. The recall began on June 14, 2007.

Nissan Quest Recall: Accident Risk Due to Possible Front Suspension Defect
Nissan is recalling 1,438 MY 2007 Quest vehicles. During production, a select number of vehicles underwent an offline inspection at the assembly plant where a bolt in the front suspension assembly was removed. On some of these vehicles, it is possible that this bolt may not have been tightened to specification when it was reinstalled. If the bolt is loose, the driver will hear a rattling noise and notice vibration. If the bolt comes off completely, the driver can experience difficulty in controlling the direction of the vehicle which could result in a crash. Dealers will replace the attachment bolts and tighten them to the specified value. This recall is expected to begin during July 2007.

Mercedes-Benz Recall: Fire Hazard
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 19,924 MY 2000-2004 CL Class and S Class vehicles. Corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (ABC) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose. This may result in ABC hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire. Dealers will install new corrosion resistant ABC high pressure distribution hose. The recall is expected to begin during July 2007.

Nissan Altima Recall: Fire Risk Due to Flammability of Air Filter
Nissan is recalling 140,582 MY 2007 Altima vehicles. If a sufficiently hot object enters the air filter housing through the engine fresh air intake system and contacts the engine air filter, the flammability characteristics of the air filter material are such that the filter may ignite. If the air filter material ignites, a fire may occur. Dealers will replace the air filter with a new one that has improved anti-flammability material characteristics. The recall is expected to begin on or about July 3, 2007, and will continue through October 1, 2007. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE07-026, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation.

Lincoln Town Car, Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis Recall:
Accident Risk Due to Possibility of Wheel Separating from the Car. Ford is recalling 3,534 MY 2007 Lincoln Town Car, MY 2008 Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. A front wheel bearing and hub assembly may fracture due to improper heat treatment. If a hub fractures, it may potentially detach from the wheel knuckle, resulting in the wheel being retained only by the brake caliper assembly. As a result, the wheel may separate from the vehicle potentially resulting in a crash. Dealers will inspect both front wheel bearing and hub assemblies and replace them. The recall is expected to begin during July 2007.

Suzuki Recall: Windshield Injury Risk
Suzuki is recalling 921 MY 2007 XL7 vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 212, "Windshield Mounting." An incorrect primer may have been used when installing the windshield. In the event of a crash, the windshield may not be retained to the extent required by the standard, increasing the risk of personal injuries to the vehicle occupants. Dealers will inspect and replace any glass (windshield, liftgate glass, or the side stationary glass) that was installed incorrectly. The recall is expected to begin during July 2007.

VW Jetta Recall: Fire and Explosion Hazard
VW is recalling 58,900 MY 2006 Jetta vehicles equipped with 2.5l gasoline engines. These vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against the underhood fuel supply line. If this happens, the chafing has the potential to cause a fuel leak over time. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir and will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the underhood fuel supply line. The recall is expected to begin on or about August 13, 2007.

Town and Country and Dodge Caravan Recall: Air Bag Corrosion and Decreased Air Bag Protection
DaimlerChrysler is recalling 270,958 MY 2005 Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans originally sold in or currently registered in the 27 states plus the District of Columbia that use greater amounts of salt for winter road deicing. The up-front (UF) air bag sensors that contain brass bushings installed in these vehicles may corrode and crack allowing water to enter the sensor. These sensors provide enhanced air bag performance in certain types of frontal crashes. In one of these crashes, with one or both of the vehicle’s UF sensors inoperative, the occupants will not benefit from the enhanced air bag protection that these sensors would provide. For vehicles registered in the recall states, dealers will replace the original UF air bag sensors with ones with greater corrosion resistance. Vehicles registered in other states will obtain a lifetime free replacement of any UF sensor that fails. The campaign is expected to begin during July 2007. DaimlerChrysler has not decided that this is a defect related to motor vehicle safety. However, it has informed NHTSA that it will provide the modifications described above.

Jaguar XRK Recall: Brake Defect and Crash Risk
Jaguar is recalling 277 MY 2007-2008 XRK passenger vehicles. The brake servo vacuum supply hose may have been mis-routed during assembly. This condition may bring the pipe too close to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve and attachments on the exhaust manifold. In the case of a contact condition, the brake vacuum hose may melt leading to a loss of brake assistance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose routing and adjust as necessary. The hose will be replaced if there are signs of damage. The recall is expected to begin during June 2007. 

Volvo Recall: Defective Left Door
Volvo is recalling 7,828 MY 2007 C70 passenger vehicles. An incorrect temporary assembly instruction resulted in an incorrect assembly of the left door handle Bowden cable attachment. This incorrect assembly may result in the left door not meeting certain legal requirements at a certain crash scenario. Dealers will adjust the left door Bowden cable by removing an existing cable tie and placing the Bowden cable in its designated position. The recall is expected to begin during June 2007.

Volvo Recall: Possible Jack Crank Handle Misplacement and Fire Hazard
Volvo is recalling 42,211 MY 2005 XC90 passenger vehicles. It has been determined that while doing battery maintenance, the jack's crank handle can be misplaced under a bracket which retains the battery. Misplacement of the jack's crank handle can pose a safety risk as it can result in a short circuit of the battery which could then lead to a fire. Dealers will inspect and ensure proper placement of the jack crank handle and a warning label with approved text will be affixed to the bracket which retains the battery. This warning label will inform an operator not to place the jack crank handle between the bracket and the battery. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Recall: Glass May Separate and Hit Pedestrian or Car
DaimlerChrysler is recalling 38,447 MY 2005-2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser passenger vehicles. The rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle. If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle or injure a pedestrian. Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. The recall began on April 30, 2007.

Volvo Recall:  Fuel Leakage and Fire Risk
Volvo is recalling 1,681 MY 2001-2002 S60 passenger vehicles, originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Arizona and Nevada. Due to the combination of fuel quality and climate conditions, the fuel pump may, in certain cases, experience a reduced functionality. The most common symptoms would be fuel odor. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007.

KIA Sportage Recall: Possible Separation of Fan Blades and Risk of Personal Injury
KIA is recalling 35,090 MY 2002 Sportage vehicles. The heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan including its retaining ring, which stresses the polypropylene thereby initiating cracking of the blades. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blades can cause the cracks to propagate until complete separation occurs. Separation of the fan blade(s) can create a risk of personal injury. Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan with a fan made of improved material. The recall is expected to begin during June 2007.

Ford Freestar Conversion and Summit Minivan Recall: Possible Brake Defect and Crash Hazard
Vantage Mobility International is recalling 742 MY 2004-2006 Ford Freestar Conversion and Summit minivans. The brake lines may have been routed incorrectly. The brake lines can make contact and chafe on the stabilizer bar. If this happens, the lines could wear through causing partial or full loss of braking ability due to a loss of brake fluid which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake lines to make sure the routing is correct. If no chafing is found, the brake lines will be secured to the vehicle chassis. If the brake lines are worn, the lines will be replaced. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007.

BMW Recall: Possible Deactivation of Air Bag and Personal Injury
BMW is recalling 225 MY 2007 6-Series passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'Occupant Crash Protection.' The front passenger seat has a sensing system that detects if the seat is occupied. This sensing is programmed to detect if the seat is occupied by a small adult or certain child restraint seats. Placing certain child seats on the front passenger seat is designed to result in the automatic deactivation of the front seat passenger's air bag. In some cases, the sensing system may misinterpret a properly seated small adult as one of these specific child seats, resulting in deactivation of the front passenger air bag when the air bag might be beneficial for the adult, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will replace the front passenger seat sensor. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007.

Ford Explorer Recall: Decreased Steering Effectiveness and Accident Risk
Ford is recalling 11 MY 2007 Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles. The two bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the frame may have been over-tightened. This condition could result in one or both of the bolts fracturing, causing the steering gear to become loose. This condition could cause a "clunking" noise when steering as well as decreased steering effectiveness potentially resulting in a crash. Dealers will replace both the steering gear assembly mounting bolts and nuts free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about May 5, 2007.

Ford Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis Recalls: Defective Brakes and Accident Risk
Ford is recalling 630 MY 2007 Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis passenger vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS) for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, “Passenger Car Brake Systems." The front and rear right side brake lines may be reversed at the ABS hydraulic control unit. The brakes may not operate as intended, which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake line connections and the hydraulic control unit and reposition them free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about May 3, 2007. 

Bently Arnage Recall: Road Wheel Defect
Bentley is recalling 222 MY 2005-2006 Arnage R, T and RL passenger vehicles. The road wheel fixing bolts may be dimensionally incorrect. The potential exists for these bolts to loosen. This could lead to the road wheel becoming detached from the hub increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace all wheel bolts free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2007.

Ford Excursion and Lincoln Blackwood Recall: Fire Hazard
Ford is recalling 155,584 MY 2002-2003nE-550, MY 2003 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Excursion and Lincoln Blackwood vehicles equipped with speed control. Gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat. Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on March 12, 2007.

Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Recall: Wheel Defect
Ford is recalling 109,664 MY 2003-2005 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor vehicles equipped with steel wheels. Some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk. The cracks can ultimately result in rapid air loss from the tire and could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the four road wheels and spare wheel based on the wheel part number. The recall began on March 12, 2007.

Saab Recall: Fuel Line Defect and Fire Hazard
Saab is recalling 94,377 MY 2000 and 2003 9-3 convertible, MY 2003 9-3 sedan, and MY 2001-2005 9-5 estate and sedan vehicles. The fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during production. Over time, this could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If an ignition source were present, the fuel may ignite resulting in a vehicle fire. Dealers will install a bracket that will secure the fuel lines to the fuel pump even if the plastic retaining tabs should break. The recall is expected to begin during April 2007.

Nissan Versa Hatchback Recall: Air Bag Defect
Nissan is recalling 16,309 MY 2007 Versa hatchback model vehicles. The terminals for the passenger side seat belt tension sensor harness connector may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. This could result in a loss of electrical continuity causing the occupant detection system to become inoperative. If this occurs, the air bag warning light will come on and the passenger side frontal air bag will be suppressed. Dealers will replace the connector for the seat belt tension sensor harness free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about April 16, 2007. 

Honda Odyssey Recall: Fuel Pump Defect and Engine Stall Hazard
Honda is recalling 166,561 MY 2005 Accord, Odyssey, Acura TL, RL, TSX, and MY 2006 Ridgeline vehicles. A coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start. If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about April 2, 2007.

Dodge Avenger Recall: Defective Door Latch and Ejection Hazard
DaimlerChrysler is recalling 11,191 MY 2007-2008 Dodge Avenger passenger vehicles. The front door latch cable may become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing causing the door latch to stick in the open position and not be secured to the striker. During certain crash conditions, the possibility of a door opening could cause an unbelted passenger to be ejected, increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will add free of charge a secondary feature to both front doors to prevent the door latch cable ferrule from becoming unseated at the interior front door release handle housing. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.
 
Car Accident Injuries
Pritzker | Ruohonen provides information on car accident injuries, including the following: amputation, broken bones, Cesarean section emergency delivery, collapsed lung injury, fibula fracture injury, kidney failure, tibial plateau fracture, traumatic brain injury, traumatic spine cord injury, and whiplash.

Car Accident Insurance Lawyers
Lawyers at Pritzker | Ruohonen are fierce negotiators and have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies.  Read about auto insurance lawyers.

VW Jetta, Beetle, Golf and GTI Recall: Faulty Brake Lights
VW is recalling 790,000 MY 2001-2005 Jetta sedans and wagons, MY 2001-2007 New Beetle sedans and convertibles, MY 1999-2006 Golf and GTI sedans, and MY 2004 R32 vehicles equipped with or without cruise control. A brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly. The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning. Dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before April 27, 2007.

Toyota Scion Recalls: Faulty Cruise Control
Gulf States Toyota is recalling 1,372 MY 2006-2007 Scion xA and xB passenger vehicles equipped with Rostra Precision Controls' speed controls. These controls were installed by Gulf States Toyota (GST) dealers or at their vehicle processing center. When the speed control "on/off" switch is pressed once to turn the unit off, the throttle does not return to idle. When the "on/off" switch is pressed a second time, the throttle will return to idle. A crash could occur in the event that the cruise control does not allow the engine to return to idle on the first depression of the "on/off" switch. Dealers will inspect and/or replace the speed control module. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.

Southeast Toyota is recalling 716 MY 2006-2007 Scion xA and xB vehicles equipped with Rostra Precision Controls’ speed controls. These controls were installed by Southeast Toyota dealers or at their vehicle processing center. When the speed control "on/off" switch is pressed once to turn the unit off, the throttle does not return to idle. When the "on/off" switch is pressed a second time, the throttle will return to idle. A crash could occur in the event that the cruise control does not allow the engine to return to idle on the first depression of the "on/off" switch. Dealers will inspect and/or replace the speed control module. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 

Land Rover Freelander SUV Recall: Faulty Brake Lights
Land Rover is recalling 33,247 MY 2002-2005 Freelander sport utility vehicles. The brake lights may remain illuminated even when the brake pedal is not depressed. Hill descent control (HDC), traction control (TC) and cruise control warning lights may also be illuminated. Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning. Dealers will inspect the brake lamp operation and, where required, adjust and/or replace the brake light switches with new switches of the same design until a newly designed brake lamp switch is available in May 2007. Owners will then be re-notified to bring their vehicles in for the new brake light switch. An interim letter for the initial inspection will be mailed on or about March 8, 2007. The second letter for replacement of the switches will be mailed beginning May 28, 2007.  

Honda Civic Hybrid Recall: Engine Stall Risk
Honda is recalling 31,123 MY 2006 Civic Hybrid passenger vehicles. Certain parts of the integrated motor assist (IMA) system are located under a metal cover behind the rear seat back. Over time the weight of rear seat passengers may cause the metal cover to come into contact with a rubber cap covering an electrical terminal. The rubber cap may get pinched, exposing the electrical terminal. The terminal may come into contact with the metal cover, which can result in an electrical short that may blow the IMA fuse. A blown fuse will cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a plastic cover attached to a metal bracket over the rubber cap. The recall began on February 26, 2006.

Chrysler 300 Stretch (Long Wheel Base) Vehicle Recall: Faulty Park Brake
Accubuilt is recalling 69 MY 2007 Chrysler 300 long wheel base vehicles. The park brake cable could lose tension. Should this cable fail, the park brake will not adequately hold the vehicle in all circumstances, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the park brake cable. This recall only pertains to DaimlerChrysler vehicles converted by Accubuilt. The recall is expected to begin during February or March 2007.

Subaru Forester and Impreza Recall: Faulty Airbag
Subaru is recalling 7,004 MY 2006 Forester and Impreza vehicles. The wiring harness for the air bag occupant detection system in the front passenger seat may have been pinched during production. Pinching of the wiring harness between the floor crossmember and the seat mounting bracket could result in an electrical short in the passenger's front air bag. This could cause the air bag to become disabled and may not deploy in the event of a crash increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Also an electrical short circuit could cause a fire. Dealers will inspect to see if the wiring had been incorrectly routed under the seat bracket. If so, the dealer will repair any damaged wiring, reroute and secure the wiring harness in the correct location, and re-calibrate the occupant detection system as necessary. The recall is expected to begin on or about March 5, 2007.

Mazda Recall: Accelerator Pedal Might Get Stuck Behind the Floor Mat
Mazda is recalling 1,700 MY 2007 MAZDASPEED3 passenger vehicles equipped with optional accessory all weather floor mats. There is insufficient clearance between the floor mat and accelerator pedal. In this situation it is possible that the accelerator pedal might get stuck behind the floor mat, which may prevent the vehicle from properly decelerating when the accelerator is released increasing the risk of a crash. Owners will be instructed to return the floor mat to dealers and will be shipped a new floor mat free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about March 7, 2007.

Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia Recall:  Faulty Air Bags
GM is recalling 13,032 MY 2007 Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia vehicles. The sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), which controls the function of front air bags, may not operate properly. As a result, the front air bags may fail to deploy in a frontal crash. Also, the air bag warning lamp on the instrument panel may fail to provide warning that the system is inoperative. In the event of a crash, this condition could increase the risk of injury to occupants in the front seat. Dealers will reprogram the SDM computer module. This recall began on February 22, 2007.

2007 New Car Crash and Rollover Safety Ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today announced that 24 passenger vehicles for the 2007 model year have received five stars in front and side crash tests, the highest government rating under the agency’s New Car Assessment Program.  Learn more about the 2007 new car crash and rollover safety ratings.

Rich Ruohonen Chairs Pain and Suffering Seminar
On February 15, 2007, Pritzker | Ruohonen partner Rich Ruohonen presented two courses at a Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association seminar on conveying pain and suffering issues in a jury trial.  Learn more about Minnesota injury attorney Rich Ruohonen and his pain and suffering seminar. 

Insurer Denial of Medical Expenses
A CNN investigation into minor-impact soft-tissue injury crashes around the country revealed that insurers will most likely not be willing to pay all the medical costs incurred, even if the injured person was not at fault.  According to the CNN story, “insurance companies are paying out less and less for minor crashes even while their profits soar and premiums continue to rise.”  Learn more about possible insurance bad faith. 

National Child Passenger Safety Week, February 11–17, 2007
During 2005, a total of 1,143 motor-vehicle occupants aged less than 12 years died in motor-vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and CDC recommend that children aged less than 13 years sit in the back seat of motor vehicles and use age-appropriate restraints. Information about National Child Passenger Safety Week activities and child passenger safety is available from NHTSA by mail, NHTSA, Office of Communications and Outreach, 400 Seventh St., SW, NTS-21, Washington, DC, 20590; fax, 202-493-2062; or online, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov; and from CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, at http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/childpas.htm.  www.pritzkerlaw.com/car-crash-auto-rollover/

Toyota Sequoia and Tundra Recall
January 22, 2007 – Toyota is recalling 533,124 Sequoia SUVs and Tundra trucks (model years 2004-07) because of a steering defect.  According to Toyota, there have been 11 reported accidents and 6 injuries as a result of the steering defect.  Learn more about the Toyota Sequoia and Tundra recall.

Honda Accord Recall: Possible Airbag System Defect
NHTSA has announced the recall of 81,000 Honda Accords, model year 2004 and 2005, due to a potentially-defective airbag system.  Learn more about the Honda Accord recall.

Land Rover SUV Recall: Fire Hazard
Land Rover is recalling 6,116 MY 2005-2006 Discovery LR3. Some sport utility vehicles may have fuel tanks that contain an internal breather pipe that was not made to specification. This could result in excessive swelling and cracking of a grommet and subsequent detachment of the breather pipe from a connector tube. When the fuel level in the tank is above the level of the detached joint, fuel may then enter the breather pipe and excess fuel may be discharged onto the ground. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks. The recall is expected to begin on January 29, 2007.

GM Chevrolet Cobalt Recall: Possible Head Injury
GM is recalling 98,707 MY 2005-2006 Chevrolet Cobalt passenger vehicles not equipped with optional roof-mounted side impact air bags for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, 'Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.' In a crash, head impact protection may be inadequate. Dealers will install energy absorbing plastic to the headliner trim to reduce the severity of head impacts in a crash. The recall is expected to begin during March 2007. This recall was the subject of an investigation, OA-201-051126D, conducted by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance.

Four People Killed on Icy Minnesota Roads
January 16, 2007 - Four people died in three crashes on Minnesota roads on Monday, January 15, the morning after a heavy snow.  Read more about the deaths on Minnesota roads.

Automobile Crash Tests to be Improved
January 8, 2007–U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters unveiled a plan that would improve its automobile crash tests and strengthen its five-star vehicle safety rating system.  Under the improvements suggested for the five-star safety rating program – known as the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) - vehicles will be subjected to more stringent rollover, frontal and side crash tests. Secretary Peters added that the new proposal could include, for the first time, ratings for crash avoidance technologies like electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems.  Read more about automobile crash tests.

Minnesota Traffic Deaths 2006
January 2, 2007 – Preliminary 2006 Minnesota traffic death figures reflect 67 fewer deaths than in 2005 — a 12 percent decrease. The 475 deaths — including five killed over the year’s final weekend — cap three consecutive years of fewer traffic fatalities since 2003 when there were 655 deaths. While noting the dramatic progress, Department of Public Safety officials deemed the nearly 500 deaths “preventable tragedies,” and called on all Minnesota motorists to commit to driving the state toward zero deaths.  Read more about Minnesota traffic (car, truck, etc.) deaths in 2006.

Four Car Accident Fatalities on Minnesota Roads
January 1, 2007 – According to the Star Tribune, “State Patrol officials on Monday released the names of several of the people killed or injured in a series of New Year's Eve crashes, many of which were apparently triggered by the snow that hit Minnesota on Sunday.
The patrol reported that four people were killed in crashes Sunday across the state.”

Tom Ford, Snowy roads a factor in fatal crashes in state: Four people were killed, while several people remain hospitalized after numerous accidents Sunday, Star Tribune, January 1, 2007.

Icy Conditions are Here Again – Drive Carefully
Icy bridge decks, overpasses and ramps cause accidents. According to officials at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the driving surfaces of bridges can freeze sooner than the roadway because off-ground highway structures are not insulated by the ground. Even though the main roadway may appear relatively safe, the bridge decks may be frosty or icy, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours.  Read about other winter driving tips.

For further recall information, please see the following:

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Pritzker | Ruohonen Newsletter

Pritzker | Ruohonen is now publishing its newsletters online. Sign up today to receive the newsletter via email. Read our newsletters: Feb/March 2008 and April/May 2008.

 

Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit

NBC affiliate KSBY interviewed Fred Pritzker regarding Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents. There has been a Yamaha Rhino recall. Read more Yamaha Rhino accident information and about a Rhino rollover suit.

 

Rich Ruohonen Successful Against Allstate Insurance Company

Pritzker | Ruohonen recently won an appeal on behalf of a client injured in a motorcycle accident.

 

Attorney Rich Ruohonen Has Article Published

Rich Ruohonen has written a ground-breaking article on traumatic brain injury.

 

Pain and Suffering

Rich Ruohonen recently chaired a legal seminar on obtaining compensation for pain and suffering in a personal injury case.

 

Traumatic Brain Injury

Pritzker | Ruohonen attorneys Fred Pritzker, Rich Ruohonen and Elliot Olsen spoke at the annual Minnesota Association for Justice Brain Injury Seminar.

 

Rich Ruohonen Interviewed by Lawyers USA

Attorney Rich Ruohonen was interviewed by Lawyers USA, a national legal magazine, for a story about lawnmower accident lawsuits.