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 Christi, San Antonio, Austin, 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.

Hyundai and Kia have issued recalls for more than 37,000 hybrids because of oil leaks that could result in fires.

Details of the Hyundai and Kia Hybrid Recall

According to Consumer Reports, the recalls affect 27,029 2017 Hyundai Niro hybrids and 10,156 2017 Ioniq hybrids.

Recall documents suggest a manufacturing defect could cause oil leaks which in turn could cause an electrical short. When the short occurs, fires may be possible.

The defect was discovered during warranty repairs. Neither Kia nor Hyundai were aware of crashes or injuries related to the defect.

The recall is expected to begin June 15, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542.

Millions of Vehicles Recalled Each Year Due to Defects

In 2016, a record high 53.2 million vehicles were recalled in the United States. More than 50 million cars have been recalled in each of the past three years, a stunning fact considering auto recalls over the previous two decades have ranged between 10.2 million and 30.8 million. Many of these recalls were associated with two prominent defects:

1. Faulty ignition switches equipped in General Motors vehicles (linked to approximately 124 deaths)
2. Faulty airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation (linked to approximately 16 deaths)

These two recalls have been linked to hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths, and both have been the subject of congressional hearings and federal investigations. The number of total recall campaigns (927) was also record-breaking in 2016. Sadly, government action came too late for those adversely affected by these defective products.

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 Christi, San Antonio, Austin, 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.

A police chase in Houston ended with an innocent driver dead and two other people injured. The driver evading police has been charged with murder and aggravated assault.

Details of the Fatal Houston Crash

According to KWTX, the crash occurred Sunday night as 19-year-old Juan Jesus Sosa-Montes attempted to evade police following a traffic stop.

Authorities say law enforcement was in pursuit when Sosa-Montes ran a red light and struck an SUV, killing its 57-year-old driver. The name of the victim has not been released.

Sosa-Montes and his 18-year-old female passenger were both hospitalized with serious injuries. Sosa-Montes has been charged with murder and aggravated assault causing bodily injury.

Texas Car Crash Statistics

The following information was provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• 3,773 people were killed in Texas traffic accidents in 2016, marking a 5.45% increase from the 3,578 deaths reported in 2015.
• 638 of the deaths reported in 2016 were attributed to head-on collision.
• Alcohol was determined to be a factor in 987 traffic deaths, accounting for roughly 26% of all Texas traffic fatalities.
• An additional 264,076 people were injured in auto accidents in Texas in 2016.
• Based on reportable data for 2016, TxDOT estimates:
  • One person was killed in a traffic accident every 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • One person was injured every 1 minute and 59 seconds.
  • A reportable crash occurred every 57 seconds.

Contact an Experienced Texas Auto Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced car accident attorneys have experience handling a multitude of injury accidents, no matter how severe the crash or injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if another driver acted negligently. Our firm has the experienced lawyers and financial resources that you need to achieve the real results you deserve.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. If you cannot make it to our office, we can visit you at your home, in the hospital, or at work.

An Irving family was surprised after their Samsung top loading washing machine exploded in their laundry room. The washer was part of a recall, and injuries have been reported in previous incidents.

Family Washing Mattress Pad When Washer Explodes

According to WFMY 2 News, the family was washing a mattress pad when they heard an explosion. They found the washer had “completely blew up” with so much force that the washer was pushed from the wall and the top of the unit had blown off.

Husband and father Faisal Nuree said no one was in the laundry room when the explosion occurred and no one was injured in the incident.

Nuree said he purchased the washer new in 2015 and was unaware that the washer had been recalled prior to the incident. He also said that he had not received a recall notice from the company.

Multiple Washer Explosions, Injuries Reported

The Samsung washers were recalled in November 2016 after Samsung and regulators received more than 730 complaints. Included in those complaints were nine reports of injury, including a broken jaw and an injured shoulder.

The recall affected 2.8 million washers from 34 different models.

The recalled washers were sold at Best Buy, The Home Depot, Lowes, Sears, and other home appliance stores between March 2011 to November 2016 for between $450 and $1,500.

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a defective or dangerous product, contact Thomas J. Henry. Over two decades of experience handling a multitude of defective product cases and extensive legal and financial resources allow us to provide our clients with truly dynamic legal representation. Thomas J. Henry has a proven track record of achieving real results for clients devastated by recalled products.

Let us help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free case review.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a second “public plea” to owners of two truck models equipped with recalled Takata airbags after determining too few of the trucks had been repaired.

Vehicles Under “Do Not Drive” Warning

According to the Miami Herald, only 49.2 percent of recalled 2006 Ford Rangers and 55 percent of recalled 2006 Mazda B-Series trucks have received repairs for faulty Takata airbags that can explode on deployment.

In its release, NHTSA reminds consumers that both vehicle models are currently under a “do not drive” warning and that the airbags must be replaced immediately. NHTSA also states that it is “issuing a second public plea to owners to schedule a free repair today for their own safety and the protection of their loved ones.

Ford and Mazda will provide free towing to dealership service departments.

125 Million Vehicles Recalled for Takata Airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota vehicles equipped with Takata airbags to heed recall notices and have their airbags replaced.

According to reports, the airbags can explode when deployed, sending metal shrapnel throughout the recalled vehicles. These metal shards can injure and potentially kill drivers and passengers – at least 22 deaths and more than 180 injuries have been linked to the defective airbags.

More than 125 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide. The Center for Auto Safety has accused Honda of underreporting the number of injuries and deaths linked to faulty Takata airbags, and NHTSA has opened an industry-wide investigation into the matter.

Contact an Experienced Airbag Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective and dangerous Takata airbag, call Thomas J. Henry today. Our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim and provide you with a free legal consultation. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.

Volkswagen has issued a recall for 71,335 Volkswagen Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles equipped with potentially defective Takata-brand airbags.

About the Volkswagen Passat Airbag Recall

According to CNET, the vehicles were previously recalled for Takata airbag inflators, but the automaker says not every vehicle has actually had the necessary work completed. The new recall supersedes part of the old recall in hopes that all necessary repairs will be made.

The recall deals specifically with Passat Sedans and Passat Wagons from the 2006 and 2007 model years.

So far, at least 125 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide due to defective Takata airbags which can essentially explode upon deployment. The defect has been linked to 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

The airbag recall is also the subject of class-actions filed in federal court in March, which allege several automakers delayed recalls despite knowing of the deadly defect for years.

In allegations against Volkswagen, plaintiffs contend that the automaker observed repeated quality issues with Takata airbags, going so far as to reject them after an audit. Still, no recall was issued until 2016. Daimler AG, maker of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, also expressed concerns in 2003 and discontinued use of the airbags in 2004 – but again, not recalls until 2016.

Other Vehicles Affected by Takata Airbag Recalls

• Acura
  • 2003 Acura 3.2CL
  • 2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
  • 2013-2016 Acura ILX
  • 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid
  • 2003-2006 Acura MDX
  • 2007-2016 Acura RDX
  • 2005-2012 Acura RL
  • 2009-2014 Acura TL
  • 2009-2014 Acura TSX
  • 2010-2013 Acura ZDX
• Audi
  • 2006-2013 Audi A3
  • 2005-2008 Audi A4 Avant
  • 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2005-2008 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2003-2011 Audi A6 Avant
  • 2005-2011 Audi A6 Sedan
  • 2009-2012 Audi Q5
  • 2017 Audi R8
  • 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
  • 2007-2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan
  • 2005-2008 Audi S4 Avant
  • 2007-2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • 2005-2008 Audi S4 Sedan
  • 2010-2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet
  • 2007-2011 Audi S6 Sedan
  • 2016-2017 Audi TT
• BMW
  • 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series
  • 2000-2013 BMW 3 Series
  • 2002-2003 BMW 5 Series
  • 2011-2015 BMW X1
  • 2007-2010 BMW X3
  • 2003-2013 BMW X5
  • 2008-2014 BMW X6
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 Hybrid
• Cadillac
  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
• Chevrolet
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado LD
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
• Chrysler
  • 2005-2015 Chrysler 300
  • 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen
  • 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire
• Daimler Trucks North America (Sterling Bullet)
  • 2008-2009 Sterling Bullet
• Daimler Vans USA LLC (Sprinter)
  • 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter
  • 2007-2017 Freightliner Sprinter
  • 2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• Dodge/Ram
  • 2008-2014 Dodge Challenger
  • 2006-2015 Dodge Charger
  • 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota
  • 2004-2009 Dodge Durango
  • 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum
  • 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 Pickup
  • 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Pickup
  • 2007-2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
  • 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup
  • 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis
• Ferrari
  • 2010-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
  • 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
  • 2012-2015 Ferrari 458 Spider
  • 2016-2017 Ferrari 488 GTB
  • 2016-2017 Ferrari 488 Spider
  • 2009-2014 Ferrari California
  • 2015-2017 Ferrari California T
  • 2013-2017 Ferrari F12
  • 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf
  • 2016 Ferrari F60
  • 2012-2016 Ferrari FF
  • 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
• Fisker
  • 2012 Fisker Karma
• Ford
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge
  • 2006-2012 Ford Fusion
  • 2005-2006 Ford GT
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustang
  • 2004-2011 Ford Ranger
• GMC
  • 2007-2014 GMC Sierra HD
  • 2007-2013 GMC Sierra LD
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL
• Honda
  • 2001-2012 Honda Accord
  • 2001-2011 Honda Civic
  • 2003-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
  • 2001-2011 Honda Civic NGV
  • 2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
  • 2002-2011 Honda CR-V
  • 2011-2015 Honda CR-Z
  • 2003-2011 Honda Element
  • 2010-2014 Honda FCX Clarity
  • 2007-2013 Honda Fit
  • 2013-2014 Honda Fit EV
  • 2010-2014 Honda Insight
  • 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
  • 2003-2015 Honda Pilot
  • 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline
• Infiniti
  • 2003-2008 Infiniti FX
  • 2001 Infiniti I30
  • 2002-2004 Infiniti I35
  • 2006-2010 Infiniti M
  • 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
• Jaguar
  • 2009-2015 Jaguar XF
• Jeep
  • 2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler
• Land Rover
  • 2007-2012 Land Rover Range Rover
• Lexus
  • 2007-2012 Lexus ES350
  • 2010-2017 Lexus GX460
  • 2006-2013 Lexus IS250/350
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C/350C
  • 2008-2014 Lexus IS F
  • 2012 Lexus LFA
  • 2002-2010 Lexus SC430
• Lincoln
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
  • 2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ
• Mazda
  • 2004-2009 Mazda B-Series
  • 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7
  • 2007-2015 Mazda CX-9
  • 2003-2011 Mazda6
  • 2006-2007 Mazda Mazdaspeed6
  • 2004-2006 Mazda MPV
  • 2004-2011 Mazda RX-8
• McLaren
  • 2016-2017 McLaren 570
  • 2015-2016 McLaren 650S
  • 2016 McLaren 675LT
  • 2012-2014 McLaren MP4-12C
  • 2011-2015 McLaren P1
• Mercedes-Benz
  • 2005-2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • 2011-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio
  • 2010-2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
  • 2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  • 2010-2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  • 2009-2010 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
  • 2009-2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  • 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
  • 2011-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS-Class
• Mercury
  • 2006-2011 Mercury Milan
• Mitsubishi
  • 2012-2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
  • 2004-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
  • 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
  • 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  • 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider
• Nissan
  • 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
  • 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
  • 2007-2012 Nissan Versa
• Pontiac
  • 2003-2010 Pontiac Vibe
• Saab
  • 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x
  • 2006-2011 Saab 9-3
  • 2006-2009 Saab 9-5
• Saturn
  • 2008-2009 Saturn Astra
• Scion
  • 2008-2015 Scion XB
• Subaru
  • 2003-2006 Subaru Baja
  • 2009-2013 Subaru Forester
  • 2004-2011 Subaru Impreza (Including WRX/STI)
  • 2003-2014 Subaru Legacy
  • 2003-2014 Subaru Outback
  • 2006-2014 Subaru Tribeca
  • 2012-2014 Subaru WRX/STI
• Tesla
  • 2012-2016 Tesla Model S
• Toyota
  • 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2003-2013 Toyota Corolla
  • 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix
  • 2009-2013 Toyota Matrix
  • 2004-2005 Toyota Rav4
  • 2002-2006 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
  • 2003-2006 Toyota Tundra
  • 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris (Hatch Back)
  • 2007-2012 Toyota Yaris (Sedan)
• Volkswagen
  • 2009-2017 Volkswagen CC
  • 2010-2014 Volkswagen Eos
  • 2010-2014 Volkswagen Golf
  • 2013 Volkswagen Golf R
  • 2009-2013 Volkswagen GTI
  • 2012-2014 Volkswagen Passat
  • 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
  • 2006-2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

Contact an Experienced Airbag Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective and dangerous Takata airbag, call Thomas J. Henry today. Our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim and provide you with a free legal consultation. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.

Since 2006, at least four people have died and 22 people have been injured due to suspected tire failures involving Goodyear’s Dunlop D402 tires equipped on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Despite these incidents, no recalls have been issued.

Details of the Goodyear Motorcycle Tire Failures

According to Reveal News, Steven Morris, now 59, and his wife, Patricia, were traveling to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in 2008 to celebrate their 26^th wedding anniversary when the rear tire on their Harley-Davidson suffered a catastrophic failure. A police report on the accident indicates the blowout caused Steven to lose control of the motorcycle and crash. Patricia Morris did not survive.

The tire that failed was a Dunlop D402 tire manufactured by Goodyear Tire & Rubber.

A review of state and federal court filings and police reports conducted by Reveal found that four other deaths and 22 injuries have been linked to tire failures in Dunlop D402 tires.

Joan Claybrook, a former administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), says the significant number of deaths and injuries “warrants an immediate investigation by NHTSA.”

When contacted by Reveal, Goodyear contended that the tires were safe and pointed to underinflation, overloading, or damage from road hazards as possible causes for the suspect tire failures. Goodyear’s spokesperson added that all death and injury claims are reported to NHTSA.

COMMON CAUSES OF A MOTORCYCLE RECALL

Motorcycles are similar to other vehicles in that there are many different parts and equipment that can end up faulty or manufactured with a defect. Common motorcycle defects include:

• Brakes
• Engine
• Fuel tank
• Fuel line
• Handlebars
• Tires

A small defect can have catastrophic consequences for motorcyclists, who do not have the same protection afforded to them as automobile drivers by a seatbelt and airbag.

INJURIES ASSOCIATED WITH MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

Whether caused by a recalled motorcycle or a reckless automobile driver, motorcycle crash injuries are oftentimes debilitating and nearly always severe.

Serious injuries caused by a motorcycle wreck include:

• Fractures and broken bones
• Burns
• Head injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Death

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE RECALL AND DEFECT ATTORNEY

If you or a loved one were injured due to a recalled or defective motorcycle, contact Thomas J. Henry immediately. Our experienced vehicle recall lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to evaluate your claim. Our team of legal professionals are ready to take immediate action on your case. You may be entitled to compensation if a manufacturer’s negligence lead to your injuries.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Call us today for a free legal consultation.

Wild & Wolf have issued a recall for nearly 3,000 children’s xylophones after determining the products pose a choking hazard to small children.

Details of the Wild & Wolf Xylophone Recall

According to the CPSC, the ball end of the toy xylophones beater stick can separate, creating a choking hazard.

Consumers are urged to discontinue use of the xylophones and contact Wild & Wolf for a free replacement.

Recalled units were sold at Barnes & Noble, Patina, Urban Outfitters, and other stores nationwide from August 2017 through February 2018. Units were sold for about $24.

Description of the Recalled Xylophones

The following information was provided by the CPSC:

• The recall involves Petit Collage musical jumbo wooden xylophones.
• The recalled xylophones has a wooden base shaped like the profile of an elephant and is equipped with five different colored metal keys.
• The products include a wooden beater stick with a red wooden ball attached to one end.
• “Petit Collage” and “TT.1902.0617” are printed on the bottom back of recalled xylophones.

Hyundai announced a recall for more than half a million Sonata sedans, stating the electrical issues could render airbags and seatbelts useless in the event of a collision. Multiple deaths have been linked to the defect.

Hyundai Sonata Airbag Failures Likely Part of Larger Issue

According to Car and Driver, the defect lies in the airbag control unit (ACU) for the Sonata vehicles. Hyundai says it is aware of four crashes in which electrical damage was found in the ACU. These crashes have been linked to four injuries and two deaths.

A fifth incident which resulted in one death is still under investigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation also report two similar incident involving Kia Fortes, one of which resulted in a death. The Fortes and the Sonatas both use ACUs supplied by ZF-TRW, but Kia has yet to issue a recall.

ACUs supplied by ZF-TRW were also at the center of a 2016 recall by Fiat Chrysler. That recall affected 1,425,627.

Vehicles Affected by the Airbag Recall

Currently, the recall is limited to Hyundai Sonatas from the 2011-2013 model years. The Kia-related incidents were associated with 2012 and 2013 Kia Fortes; however, it is unclear if Kia will issue a recall.

Owners of affected Sonatas should prioritize the recall once a remedy is finalized, and owners of both the affected Sonatas and the aforementioned Kia Fortes should take their vehicle to a dealer if the airbag warning light comes on.

To see f your vehicle is affected by this recall or another, enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website.

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Defect Attorney

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 Christi, San Antonio, Austin, 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.

Audi has issued a recall for 1.2 million vehicles due to a defect which can cause electric coolant pumps to overheat, potentially causing a fire.

Details of the Audi Coolant Pump Recall

According to USA Today, government documents cite two issues with the electric cooling pumps. The first issue involves the pumps becoming blocked with cooling system debris while the second involves moisture in the pumps causing an electrical short. Both issues can result in an increased risk of fire.

Audi’s parent company, Volkswagen, says dealers will replace the defective pumps at no cost to owners; however, a spokesperson for Audi said replacement parts will not be available until November. In the meantime, dealers can install new units of the current pumps to reduce the risk of defect.

Consumers can expect to be notified via mail on or before June 11.

Vehicles Affected by the Audi Coolant Pump Recall

The following vehicles are affected by the coolant pump recall:

• 2013-2016 Audi A4
• 2013-2017 Audi A5
• 2012-2016 Audi A6
• 2013-2017 Audi Q5 SUV

All recalled vehicles have 2-liter turbocharged engines.

The same vehicles were previously recalled for the same issue, but the software update ordered by the company did not resolve the coolant pump problems.

Contact an Experienced Auto Recall Attorney

Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division has extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively. We represent a multitude of people who are battling against manufacturers of defective vehicles and auto parts.

Your choice does matter. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries because of a recalled vehicle or defective auto part, call Thomas J. Henry immediately. We represent clients/victims all over the country. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.