The risk of fire in the engine compartment has prompted a recall of Smart cars amid pressure by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall by Smart car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, affects 43,000 Smart cars in the United States and follows a NHTSA investigation initiated in 2016. The cars implicated in the recall include 42,781 Smart ForTwo cabrio and coupe cars model years 2008 and 2009.
The NHTSA announced that the recall was due to fire dangers in the engine, engine cooling and exhaust systems. The agency warned that the rear insulation mat may be subject to damage or deterioration over time which can result in the mat coming into contact with hot exhaust system parts. If this occurs, there is an increased risk of fire. The Office of Defects Investigation performed an engineering analysis which led to this latest recall.
This defect had led to 27 reported cases of engine fires. One injury has resulted from an engine fire. Owners and dealers are expected to be notified by late June and the recall is set to begin in July, 2018. To address the issues in affected Smart Cars, Mercedes-Benz will replace the rear insulation mat at no cost to consumers. The German car manufacturer is suspended from selling or delivering the cars or the faulty component until the defect has been remediated in accordance with the manufacturer’s directives.
In this case, Mercedes initiated a recall after an investigation was opened by the NHTSA, When a car manufacturer becomes aware of a safety condition in its cars, it can choose to implement a voluntary recall or choose to take no action. If it does not voluntarily recall its cars, the NHTSA may decide to take action. The NHTSA investigates each complaint it receives from owners and drivers. Typically, it launches full investigations when it receives multiple reports related to the same car or issue. If the NHTSA determines that the car contains a safety defect or fails to meet minimum safety standards established by the federal government, it can require the company to recall the cars.
If you or a member of your family suffered injury or death as a result of negligence or a defective automobile, contact the attorneys Alexander Law Group, LLP. Our exceptional personal injury lawyers will answer your questions and get you the maximum compensation that is possible. Call 888.777.1776 or contact us online.
