Building

Car Maker Will Be Punished Following Recall Problems

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will soon punish car maker Fiat Chrysler for failing to follow recall laws. According to the NHTSA, the car maker failed to follow the law in 23 recalls which involved 11 million vehicles. The car company's recall performance was recently evaluated by the NHTSA, with some of the recalls dating back to 2013. Additional allegations against the car company may be possible.

The NHTSA found that the company engaged in a number of failures to notify customers of recalls, delays making and distributing repair parts for the recalls and, in some circumstances, failed to develop repairs to rectify the recall concerns. The administrator of the NHTSA noted, following a recent two-hour public hearing concerning the issues, that there was a clear pattern and that the evidence against the company was straightforward.

Although specific punishments were not named, the NHTSA is considering all options, which can include fines and requiring the car maker to buy back vehicles subject to the recall. The NHTSA can fine automakers up to $35 million per infraction, so the violations related to 23 recalls could be costly for the car maker. The car company did not dispute the allegations against it and announced plans to follow best practices in the industry concerning safety moving forward.

The NHTSA administrator noted that the car company needed to follow the law and to meet deadlines to notify owners of recalls and when distributing repair parts for recalls. The 23 recalls included problems such as: the rear-mounted gas tanks; air bags that could explode with too great a force and send shrapnel towards victims; and ignition switches that may abruptly shut off, causing vehicles to stall.

The NHTSA administrator added that when car makers fail to follow recall laws, they place consumers at risk. Much of the testimony at the hearing focused on 1.56 million older model Jeeps which, due to the placement of the gas tanks, are at risk of being punctured in an accident. The NHTSA reports that at least 75 victims have died in fires involving Jeeps. One man, who lost his 17-year-old son in a Jeep accident when it was rear-ended and exploded, noted that the accident occurred five months after the recall and he did not learn of the recall until receiving a letter from the car maker approximately another six to seven months after the accident. Laws protecting consumers against automotive defects are important, as are legal options that may be available to victims who have suffered as a result of a defective automobile and its consequences.

Categories
    Lyons & Simmons quickly became the glue that held our family together.

    “Lyons & Simmons quickly became the glue that held our family together.”

    - Kelsy
    Staff Was Exceptional & Professional

    “They handled my case with such professionalism that I was very much at ease. I didn’t feel like just a case number or just another client. They were very family oriented which made me feel that they put my family first.”

    - Dianna W.
    Instrumental in Resolving Matters!

    “Michael Lyons, Chris Simmons, and the entire team at Lyons & Simmons have been instrumental in resolving matters over the years with the utmost expertise, professionalism, responsiveness, and care leading to results in my best interest.”

    - Cade M.
    We Are Forever Grateful!

    “Mike Lyons and his team were amazing to work with! He brought us such a great amount of hope in the midst of a difficult situation.”

    - Chelsie H.
    Brilliant Strategist and a Fearless Fighter for Justice

    “Mr. Lyons's predictions regarding the outcome of my case and the timeline were spot on. I was never misled or put on the back burner. He always responded to my questions in a very clear and honest way. He comes highly recommended!”

    - Amy B.

Let Us Make A Difference

Lyons & Simmons Is Here to Help

When you have been injured, every second counts. Speak with one of our nationwide trial attorneys today.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.