Consumers expect that the products they purchase are safe for their intended use. This is particularly true when a product is safety-critical, such as a motor vehicle. Every time you get in your car, you take your life into your hands. Obviously, you want your vehicle to be as safe as possible.
Proper maintenance is very important to limiting your risk for a car crash, as is attentive and defensive driving. Unfortunately, there are certain factors that you, as a driver, cannot control. These include issues with bad products coming out of auto manufacturing plants and the companies that make their various components.
Because issues with cars can often be safety-critical, recalls are common if a bad part could cause injury or death. In some cases, like defective airbags, it is only after major accidents that automakers initiate a recall. Other times, auto makers make pre-emptive recalls in order to protect consumers.
Volvo recalling more than 200,000 vehicles over potential fuel leak
The recall announced by Volvo in January, 2019, reflects a desire by the automaker to avoid injuries and accidents. They specifically claimed that there have been no reported incidents resulting in the injury of consumers at this time. However, there is a very real risk of injury, given how serious the concern is that led to the recall.
Essentially, small cracks in the fuel lines inside the engine could result in fuel leaking over time. With wear and aging, the issue could become worse. That may increase the risk for fires or explosions in the event of a crash. In order to keep consumers safe, Volvo has voluntarily recalled roughly 219,000 cars.
Most of the impacted cars are in Europe, but some vehicles in the United States may also be affected. Both 2015 and 2016 models are part of the recall. Volvo owners should check carefully to see if their vehicle is part of this most recent recall.
Consumers should be able to trust products on the market
Consumers should not have to worry about getting hurt because of a company’s failure to engage in proper testing or quality assurance. However, it does happen, even with very dangerous machinery, like motor vehicles.
Product recalls occur because companies worry about the financial liability of product failures. However, simply recalling a product or component does not absolve a company of responsibility or liability for defects.
Those who get hurt by defective products, whether it’s a kitchen appliance or a car, have the right to take legal action against the company responsible for the defective product. Sitting down to discuss your situation with an experienced attorney is a good first step if you believe you have a case related to a defective vehicle component of other consumer product.
