In new product recalls, millions of automobiles equipped with keyless ignitions have could be recalled due to a potentially deadly defect. Some vehicles with keyless ignitions do not automatically shut off if the driver fails to press the start/stop button, resulting in the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Thirteen deaths and numerous “close calls” have been linked to the defect.
Keyless vehicles permit the operators to start the engines by pressing a start/stop button rather than inserting a key into the ignition switch. To shut the engine off, the button must be manually pressed again.
In a lawsuit filed this week in Los Angeles Federal Court, automakers Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Honda, GM, BMW, Volkswagen, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Kia were named as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that the automakers were aware of the dangerous defect for years. The suit also alleges that the automakers failed to warn owners and conceled the safety risk from the public, while profiting from sales of keyless fobs which are frequently part of expensive upgrade packages.
Some vehicles are equipped with audible alerts that signal the drivers that the engine is still when if the driver leaves the vehicle without pressing the start/stop button.
Product recalls involving automobiles have become commonplace. Last year, a record number of vehicles were recalled for a variety of dangerous defects.
If you or a loved one have been injured and you believe the injuries were a result of product recall, you may have a claim. Contact the Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List.