Over 1.7 Million Cars Recalled Due to Air Bag, Brake Light Defect

Car companies often have to issue recalls of various makes and models because there are so many defective, malfunctioning and missing parts in cars. Questionable manufacturing oversight combined with the desire to save money means that many car companies end up putting unsafe vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, it often takes a serious accident or fatalities for automakers to realize that their product may be to blame.

When an auto defect is identified, automakers generally issue a recall for the vehicles that are affected. Consumers in Tennessee and nationwide are notified through various outlets that specific make or model of a vehicle may be unsafe.

Recently, two car companies issued recalls for more than 1.7 million vehicles that may have faulty brake switches, shifting mechanisms and malfunctioning cruise controls. Kia and Hyundai both use many of the same parts in their vehicles in order to save money, so now that something has gone wrong, both companies are significantly impacted by a recall.

According to reports, the majority of the problems that have been cited have to do with the brakes. For example, brake lights are not illuminating due to a brake switch failure on affected vehicles. Cruise controls are not disengaged when motorists apply the brake. People can shift out of park even when the brake is not pressed. In other vehicles, airbags are injuring motorists when they inflate.

Hyundai vehicles affected by the recall include certain models of Tucson, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Genesis Coupe, Veracruz, and Santa Fe vehicles. Kia recalled various models of Rondo, Sorento, Soul, Sedona, Optima and Sportage vehicles.

Even the smallest defective part on a car can put motorists in danger, especially when they are traveling down the highway at high speeds. It is important for victims of accidents caused by a broken, malfunctioning or missing part to work with an attorney in order to determine if a product liability lawsuit is appropriate. In many cases, victims of a defective or dangerous product can collect compensation to cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.