The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is set to examine 20 separate Fiat Chrysler recalls of more than 10 million vehicles in a hearing in July. The regulator has expressed concerns about recurring issues that question if the automaker is meeting obligations to protect drivers safety.
The sweeping charge highlights the automakers abuse of the trust that we place in their products. Often automakers opt for profit over safety or simply neglect to meet required safety standards. This is an unacceptable practice that results in hundreds of injuries every year. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a defective car part, contact a Weatherford car accident lawyer today at (817) 920-9000.
More than 56 deaths have been tied to various Fiat vehicle deficiencies. A total of 10 million Fiat Chrysler vehicles have been recalled in a two-year period and involve a wide range of models and defects including loss of steering control and unintentional airbag deployments.
The NHTSA noticed a pattern in the manufacturers promptness in notifying owners and fixing countless defective parts. A number of reoccurring reports have been filed by consumers about lack of notification, misinformation, unavailable replacement parts and difficulty in scheduling service appointments. There were even reports of vehicles catching fire after being fixed.
Depending on what is learned during the hearing, Fiat Chrysler could face steep financial penalties and even an order to buy back defective cars. The last hearing of this kind was held in 2012 when Wildfire Motors was ordered to buy back its recalled vehicles.
It is unusual for the NHTSA to call for such a hearing on so many recalls from one manufacturer. It is a sign that there could be a systematic problem with Chrysler.
If you have been injured in a Fort Worth car accident that was caused by a defective product, you will need an expert team of lawyers dedicated to defending your rights against big automakers. Call an experienced lawyer at the law offices of Anderson & Cummings today for a free consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Call (817) 920-9000 for help with your potential lawsuit.