Manufacturer News from Milwaukee Auto Defect Attorneys
Chrysler rebuffs recall of late model SUVs and Libertys
On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, June 5, 2013.
Chrysler Group, LLC has gone through a renaissance since being bailed out by the federal government. Many of its models, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Dart have enjoyed robust sales. Also, they have been noted for customer quality and safety, two things that could not be said about previous models.
Because of this, it is not surprising that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommended that Chrysler recall thousands of Grand Cherokees built between 1993 and 2004. The same recommendation was issued for Jeep Liberty models built between 2005 and 2007.
NHTSA researchers found that the gas tank located near the vehicle’s rear axle could be damaged in rear-end collisions. A ruptured gas tank could spill fuel which can spark an explosion or lead to a deadly fire. Either poses a substantial danger to the vehicle’s occupants.
Despite the research, Chrysler insists that no recall is necessary and that its vehicles are safe. It believes that the likelihood of a gas tank explosion is so remote that the vehicles do not need repairs, which would cost the company upwards of $200 million.
Nevertheless, automakers have a duty to keep vehicles safe. Recalls enable them to correct defects and prevent consumers from being injured. If an automaker breaches this duty by not complying with a recall order, they could be held liable for injuries suffered in accidents caused by the defect.
In the meantime, the NHTSA may seek legal action to enforce its recommendation, as it did once before (in 1996) with the Dodge Stratus, and Milwaukee auto defect attorneys will continue to watch as this story evolves.
Source: ABC News.com, Chrysler refuses US request to recall vehicles, June 5, 2013
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