Honda Issues Vehicle Recall for More Fits
Honda is expanding an earlier vehicle recall of its compact Fit hatchback model, adding another 48,000 vehicles to the list. Reportedly, the recalled Fits need to have their stability control software updated.
The vehicle recall announcement on Thursday, July 18th, raised the total of recalled Fits to 91,920. The Fits are all model years 2012 and 2013.
The first part of the vehicle recall was issued in April, and covered only premium sport versions of the Honda Fit. Initial testing led Honda officials to believe that only Sport models had problems with stability control software.
However, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration tested the Fit more rigorously, in a battery of tests that Honda did not account for, according to reports. After reviewing the new test information from the NHTSA, Honda decided voluntarily to expand their vehicle recall.
Generally, stability control systems use sensors that determine if the vehicle is moving against the direction the driver is steering, and stability programs within the vehicle will correct for the problem by braking one wheel at a time to help control movement. The problem with the Fit software reportedly allows the car’s body to roll too much before the program intervenes, which could lead to the driver losing control. Fortunately, no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of the faulty program.
Although Honda tested all their Fit models, the NHTSA accounted for extremely worn tires, wheels that were out of alignment, and high-speed driving.
“The electronic stability control system of the affected vehicles may allow excessive yaw rates at high steering angles with certain tires,” said NHTSA in its summary of the problem at the time of the original recall. “Excessive yaw rates prevent the proper function of the electronic stability control (ESC) system, increasing the risk of a crash.”
Honda said that consumers will be notified by mail in early August, and they can take their vehicles to their local Honda dealership to have the software upgraded at no charge.
Personal Injury Related to Delayed Vehicle Recalls
Typical causes of automobile accidents include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, automobile defect, failed maintenance, failing to be careful, speeding, running stops signs or stop lights, failing to yield the right of way, not paying attention because of using cell phone or PDA, adjusting the radio or a DVD player, or eating while driving.
If a car accident is caused by a delayed vehicle recall, the product is considered defective.
Every year, thousands of consumers sustain serious injuries from defective products. A defective product lawyer can help you with an injury you may receive. Many of these injuries could be avoided if the manufacturers or distributors of these products took additional steps to ensure consumer safety. Defective products that commonly cause injuries include medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and other defective products such as toys, cars and automotive parts.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Personal Injury Cases Related to Vehicle Recall Delays
If you have experienced a problem with a defective product in your automobile, especially if a defective part has led to an auto accident or personal injury, and a proper vehicle recall notice has not been issued, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We can help you with complicated auto insurance claims, and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve to help you with lost income and medical bills. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in South Carolina, Georgia, and New York. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today at (803) 252-4800.
