Chrysler Update: Ignition Switch Recall Expands; Toyota Announces New Massive Worldwide Recall

We have previously addressed the brewing recall at Chrysler regarding problems with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) and the ignition switch. While there has yet to be further developments on the possible TIPM defect, some new developments have emerged regarding the Chrysler ignition switch defect. Furthermore Toyota, already stung by 16.4 million recalls in 2012 and 22 million recalls in 2013, has announced another massive recall targeting three distinct safety problems.

If you have been injured by a defective car, truck or SUV in Arkansas, call the Law Practice of Ken Kieklak; our Sebastian County car accident lawyers can fight to hold the manufacturer accountable and recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and more.

The expanding Chrysler Ignition Switch Recall

On October 14, 2014 Chrysler and the NHTSA announced NHTSA recall campaign 14V567000. This expansion of the previous ignition swtich recall affecting Chrysler vehicles could potentially affect up to nearly 300,000 cars, trucks and SUVs. Affected vehicles include:

• Model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles that were manufactured between May 31, 2007, and May 12, 2008.
• Dodge Magnum cars that were manufactured between May 23, 2007, and May 12, 2008.
• Dodge Charger vehicles that were manufactured between May 24, 2007, and May 12, 2008.
• Jeep Commander vehicles that were manufactured between April 3, 2007, and May 12, 2008.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008.

In impacted vehicles, the ignition key may fail to rotate to the ON position after the key is moved into the START position to start the vehicles engine. Additionally, it appears that the switch can also apparently be inadvertently moved into the OFF or ACCESSORY positions.  Consequences of this defect can be as serious as those in the massive previously announced GM ignition switch recall and includes an accident and severe injury. If the switch fails to return to the ON position after starting the vehicle, certain electric functions will be unavailable. If the switch inadvertently slips to the OFF or ACCESSORY positions an array of consequences will occur including:

• The engine will turn off
• Airbags will not deploy
• Power steering will be non-operational
• Power braking will be non-operational

The unexpected loss of these safety systems can result in serious injury or death. Perhaps what is most troubling about this recall is that Chrysler has not yet developed a solution to correct this ignition switch defect. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service or NHTSA for more information. The Chrysler internal designation for this particular recall is P57.

Toyota Announces Massive Worldwide Recall

On October 15, 2014, Toyota announced its fourth gloabal recall. Roughly 1.75 million vehicles are affected by the three separate problems worldwide. These problems include:

• Brake master cylinder defect – A misshaped groove in the brake’s master cylinder can cause the braking system to become less effective over time and through use.
• Fuel delivery pipe defect – Approximately 425,000 vehicles in the U.S. are affected by a fuel delivery pipe issue that can increase the risk of a fire in the vehicle. Affected vehicles include model year 2005 to 2010 Toyota Crown, Crown Majesta and Mark X cars and Lexus IS, GS and LS sedans.
• Fuel suction plate defect – This defect mainly affects vehicles sold in Japan. It can acasue a fuel leak and result in an increased risk of vehicle fire.

This new recall comes on the heels of Toyota’s recall of nearly 700,000 Tacoma trucks in September. In total, Toyota has now recalled approximately 5.3 million vehicles in the United States in 2014.  However, this is hardly the end of Toyota’s concerns in the US.

NHTSA has announced that it will be investigating a claim of low speed surging, that is, unexpected acceleration at low speeds. If NHTSA investigation uncovers a defect, as many as 1.69 Toyota Corollas from model years 2006 through 2010 could be affected.

Put Our Auto Defect Experience to Work for You

If you have suffered a serious injury due to an auto defect like a fuel pump problem, an ignition switch defect, or other issues you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation may include monetary damages for your injuries, medical bills, rehabilitation, missed work, and pain and suffering. Put the experience of the Law Practice of Ken Kieklak to work for you. For more than 20 years, Fayetteville AR personal injury lawyer Ken Kieklak has fought for Arkansans who have been injured due to negligence or defective products. To schedule your free and confidential initial consultation, call (479) 316-0438 or contact us online today.

Sources:

• Ignition Switch may turn off, NHTSA Campaign Number 14V567000
• Toyota recalls 1.75 million cars over various issues
• 690,000 Toyota Tacoma vehicles from 2005-2011, NHTSA Campaign Number 14V604000