Source: Businessinsider.com
Tesla is recalling 14,193 of its Model X SUVs built before mid-October 2016 because the power steering bolts may become excessively corroded due to road salts that tend to be used in cold climates. The automaker issued a similar recall for the Model S sedan in March 2018.
In a written statement, Tesla says that it has seen excessive corrosion on bolts that hold a component in the vehicle’s power steering system. This corrosion has been found primarily on vehicles driven in cold climates where calcium or magnesium road salts are used in instead of sodium chloride. If a bolt fractures, the vehicle’s power steering might suddenly become inoperable, though the driver would still be able to steer the car. A driver experiencing this problem may notice significant whining, screeching, or squeaking noises. Audio or visual warnings may alert the driver to a problem as well.
Motor Vehicle Safety Defects and Recalls
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act gives NHTSA the authority to issue vehicle safety standards and to require manufacturers to recall vehicles that have safety-related defects or do not meet Federal safety standards. Since the Act was enacted in 1966, the NHTSA has recalled more than 390 million cars, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds, as well as 46 million tires, 66 million pieces of motor vehicle equipment, and 42 million car seats due to safety defects. Manufacturers voluntarily initiate many of these recalls, while others are either influenced by NHTSA investigations or ordered by the courts. If a safety defect is discovered, the manufacturer must notify NHTSA, as well as vehicle or equipment owners, dealers, and distributors. The vehicle manufacturer is then required to remedy the problem at no charge to the owner.
NHTSA is responsible for monitoring the manufacturer’s corrective action to ensure successful completion of the recall campaign. Tires can be defective in several different ways. Product defects generally fall into one of three categories: design defects; manufacturing defects; and inadequate warnings or instructions for the product’s safe use. Like other defective products, tire defects can fall into these three categories, as well. Learn more about common tire defects and dangers below. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards set minimum performance requirements for those parts of the vehicle that most affect its safe operation (brakes, tires, lighting, etc.) or that protect drivers and passengers from death or serious injury in the event of a crash (air bags, seat belts, car seats and booster seats, energy absorbing steering columns, motorcycle helmets, etc.
Call a Miami Defective Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you sustained injuries due to a defective tire product, you shouldn’t have to bear the entire financial weight of those injuries. Companies should be held accountable for their defective, dangerous products. Assess the strength of your claim by speaking with a Miami product liability attorney who is familiar with Florida’s product liability laws. The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero represents consumers in various types of product liability claims.
Our skillful attorneys are genuinely committed to our clients. We will fight to make sure that you get the maximum amount of compensation owed to you. Let us help you get the medical care you need and fight to make sure you are compensated for your injuries! Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights.
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