Fiat Chrysler has announced that they will be recalling more than 570,000 Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, due to a risk of fire. The recall affects Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Dakotas produced between 2011 and 2012, and Jeep Compass and Patriots with the model year of 2015. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation into the vehicles which led to the recall. There are two main mechanical defects with the vehicles prompting the recall: wiring in the vanity mirrors and a low-pressure hose. All owners of the recalled vehicles should contact a dealer to receive a vehicle repair. Fortunately, Fiat claims they have not received any reports regarding injuries or deaths due to the issues.
This recall is being issued on the heels of another Fiat Chrysler scandal. At the beginning of the month, the automotive manufacturer was fined $70 million for failing to report injuries and deaths caused by auto accidents linked to their vehicles. Approximately 40 million vehicles have been recalled by Fiat Chrysler this year in 40 different recall campaigns.
Recalls for vehicles, toys, food, and nearly any consumer good, are issued several times throughout the year. Unfortunately, the recalls are often issued after an injury, illness, property damage or death has occurred. Product liability laws require companies to produce items that will not cause any harm to their consumers. If you have been injured due to a defective or dangerous product, you may have grounds to file a product liability case.
The product liability attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth will fight to hold any reckless manufacturer accountable for the damages they have caused. We will take all steps to recover the maximum compensation for your damages while supporting you throughout the process. Contact us today to receive a free no-obligation consultation.