A significant number of trucks were recalled at the end of February as both Toyota and Hyundai announced separate recalls of the Toyota Sequoia and Tundra, and the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport SUVs. The Toyota recall affects 65,000 vehicles while the Hyundai recall affects 43,900 cars. Almost 110,000 trucks in total are subject to recalls for faulty mechanisms.
The recall notices were issued to address various defects in the vehicles. The Toyota recall affects cars manufactured between August, 2017 and February, 2018. In the 2017 Tundras, improperly fastened bolts attaching the second-row seats to the floor must be fixed to prevent an increased risk of injury during a crash. The loose bolts may not adequately restrain passengers if a collision occurs. Dealers plan to tighten the bolts at no cost to the vehicle owner.
In the 2018 Sequoias and Tundras, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system may deactivate suddenly without warning. This malfunction could increase the incidence of a collision. If the VSC suddenly turns off, other vehicle systems could be impacted as well. To address this defect, dealers will update the software controlling the VSC at no costs to owners. For consumers affected by these recalls, notification by first class mail is expected to be delivered by the middle of March.
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles subject to the recall contain a defect that causes the steering wheel to detach from the steering column. The steering wheel assembly may have been faulty, thereby leaving the steering wheel with “insufficient breakage strength.” Hyundai received two reports that the steering wheel disconnected from the column before issuing the recall. In one incident, a consumer leaned on the wheel to elevate himself from the seat and the wheel detached from the column. Those who own affected automobiles can contact dealers to verify the steering wheel assembly’s production lot number and provide a new assembly system if warranted.
In general, recalls have been on the rise in the past few years with the exception of 2017. In many cases, manufacturers are prepared to issue recalls even before receiving an order from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to do so. Aside from possibly preventing injuries and death, these voluntary actions may alleviate damage to a manufacturer’s public image. Also, a prompt recall can save a manufacturer money by preventing faulty parts from being installed in a larger lot of vehicles.
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.
