10 Most Commonly Defective Car Parts

Defective car parts pose serious risks to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. These defects can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and are often the subject of product liability lawsuits. Below is a list of the 10 most commonly defective car parts that have been linked to accidents and legal actions.

1. Brakes

Brakes are critical for vehicle safety, and defects in brake systems can be catastrophic. Common issues include faulty brake pads, defective rotors, or problems with the hydraulic system. These defects can cause brakes to fail, resulting in the driver’s inability to stop the vehicle, often leading to serious accidents.

Sources:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• American Automobile Association (AAA)

2. Airbags

Airbags are designed to protect occupants during collisions, but defective airbags can cause more harm than good. Issues such as non-deployment, unexpected deployment, or deployment with excessive force have been linked to severe injuries and fatalities. The Takata airbag recall, affecting millions of vehicles, is a prominent example of widespread airbag defects.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• Consumer Reports

3. Tires

Defective tires can lead to blowouts, tread separation, or other failures that cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Tire defects have been linked to rollovers, especially in SUVs, leading to serious injuries or deaths. The Ford-Firestone tire recall in the early 2000s highlighted the dangers of defective tires.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• Tire Industry Association (TIA)

4. Steering Components

Malfunctions in steering systems can make it difficult or impossible to control the vehicle. Defects in steering columns, power steering systems, or linkages can lead to accidents, especially at high speeds or in challenging driving conditions.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• Consumer Reports

5. Fuel Systems

Defective fuel systems can cause leaks, which may lead to fires or explosions. Issues like faulty fuel tanks, lines, or pumps are particularly dangerous in the event of a collision, where a minor spark could ignite leaking fuel.

Sources:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• NHTSA

6. Seatbelts

Seatbelts are a primary safety feature, but defective seatbelts can fail to restrain occupants during a crash. Issues such as failure to latch, tearing under stress, or unintended unbuckling can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

7. Ignition Switches

Defective ignition switches can cause a vehicle to shut off unexpectedly, disabling power steering, brakes, and airbags. General Motors faced significant litigation due to faulty ignition switches linked to numerous accidents and fatalities.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• Consumer Reports

8. Accelerator Pedals

Defective accelerator pedals can stick, leading to unintended acceleration. This type of defect was central to the Toyota sudden acceleration cases, where vehicles accelerated uncontrollably, causing crashes and fatalities.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• Automotive Safety Foundation (ASF)

9. Transmission Systems

Defective transmissions can cause sudden shifts in gears or complete loss of power, making it difficult to control the vehicle. These defects are particularly dangerous when they occur at high speeds or during heavy traffic conditions.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• ASE Certified Technicians

10. Electrical Systems

Defects in a vehicle’s electrical system can lead to a variety of issues, including fires, malfunctioning lights, or failure of critical systems like airbags and power steering. Electrical defects are often challenging to diagnose and can have wide-ranging effects on vehicle safety.

Sources:

• NHTSA
• National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards (NEVSS)

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Conclusion

Defective car parts are a significant safety concern and can lead to serious legal consequences for manufacturers. If you suspect that a defective car part caused an accident or injury, it is crucial to consult with an experienced California defective car parts lawsuit attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of product liability law and secure the compensation you deserve.

References

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
2. Consumer Reports
3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
4. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
5. Tire Industry Association (TIA)
6. Automotive Safety Foundation (ASF)
7. ASE Certified Technicians
8. National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards (NEVSS)