We’ve all seen cars crash and then catch fire in the movies but, of course, we hope it won’t happen to us in real life. While engine fires are relatively rare, they can and do happen. According to statista.com, there were approximately 174,000 highway vehicle fires reported in the United States in 2021. This was a slight increase from the previous year that had 173,000 reported highway vehicle fires.
There are a variety of reasons that engines catch fire, including car accidents, problems with a vehicle’s electrical wiring or fuel system, and overheating due to poor maintenance. When problems with vehicle parts cause increased risk of accidents or injuries, it’s important to know whether a manufacturing error was at play. When it comes to manufacturing errors that cause defective or dangerous parts, manufacturers are obligated to recall all affected vehicles in a timely manner and cover the cost to repair or replace the defective part. If they fail to do so, they may be liable for any accidents and injuries that are caused as a result of their negligence.
Risk of Engine Fires Prompts Kia Recall
In a press release issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we learned that Kia America has issued a new recall for 72,000 Model Year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles because of a continued risk of fire. Specifically, there is a risk of an engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) while the vehicle is parked or being driven. Kia says it has received reports of eight fires and 15 reports of melting or damage since April, 2017. There has been no report of injuries.
These same vehicles were recalled in 2016 due to corrosion in a wiring harness near the engine control unit. Owners will need to have their vehicles repaired again under this new recall. In the meantime, the manufacturer is strongly urging owners of these vehicles to park their cars outside and away from homes and other structures until their vehicles have been taken into a shop for repairs.
The recall repair plan is still under development and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 with any questions, while referencing recall number SC253. Vehicle owners can also visit NHTSA.gov/recalls or download NHTSA’s SaferCar app for Apple or Android and enter their information to discover whether their vehicle is part of the recall.
Product liability law
Defective and dangerous products cause thousands of injuries every year. If you were involved in a car crash caused by a defective part, contact a product liability lawyer today; he or she may be able to help you recover damages for your injury.
In successful product liability cases, a product manufacturer, distributor or seller is held liable for the injuries caused by the defective or dangerous product. Product liability laws vary by state but generally require that a product meet ordinary consumer expectations that a product be free of defects or dangers. When a product fails to meet this threshold, it could end up as part of a product liability lawsuit.
Seek the help of a personal injury lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another – including a motor vehicle manufacturer – contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
