Smart Cars Recalled for Potential Fires in Engine Compartments

Mercedes-Benz USA recalls thousands of Smart cars for potential fire risk in the vehicles’ engine compartment.

Description of Smart Car Recall

According to Consumer Reports, Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling thousands of 2008 and 2009 Smart ForTwo vehicles after determining the vehicles are prone to engine compartment fires.

Recall documents show that the problem involves the rear insulation mat in the vehicles’ engine compartment. Reports suggest the mats can deform, deteriorate, and come loose. The mat can then come in contact with the hot exhaust system components, resulting in a fire starting in the engine compartment.

Mercedes-Benz USA will begin notifying owners of the recall soon, and dealers will replace the rear insulation mat with an improved one, free of charge.

There have been no deaths or injuries reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What Are the Most Common Vehicle Defects?

While the General Motors and Takata recalls have garnished the most attention, it is important to remember that safety defects can occur in any vehicle. Among those most commonly cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and automakers are:

  • Defective steering components
  • Door latch failures
  • Defective gas tanks and fuel lines
  • Seat belt failures
  • Defective child seat anchors (LATCH System anchors)
  • Defective airbags
  • Tire defects
  • Weak vehicle structure

Cars, trucks, and SUVs are not the only vehicles that experience recalls. Recalled motorcycles and ATVs have caused many severe injuries and deaths due to manufacturer defects as well.

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Defect Lawyer

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus ChristiSan AntonioAustin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

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