One Consumer Filed Formal Complaint Against Honda Defect, Manufacturer Issued Vehicle Recall
On Thursday, March 14th, Honda issued a vehicle recall notice for 250,000 cars worldwide. The problem stems from the braking system – the brakes can suddenly kick in, even when the driver is not braking.
So far, 183,000 vehicles are being recalled in the United States; 56,000 in Japan; 8,000 in Canada; 1,000 in Australia; 300 in Mexico; and 70 in Germany. The vehicles were produced between March 2004 and May 2006, so the vehicle recall does not affect new models.
Recalled models include the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, and Acura RL.
Honda says the problem is caused by improper electronics and wiring in the vehicle-stability-assist system. The system was designed to detect when the front or rear of the vehicle is sliding in the wrong direction, against the angle of the steering wheel. If the VSA discovered such a problem, it would apply pressure to the brake to nudge the vehicle back on course. Honda stated that the problem comes from a damaged electrical capacitor, as well as, possibly, an electrical ground bolt that is not tight enough.
The feature is found in many vehicles.
Consumer Complaints – Especially One Woman – Drove the Vehicle Recall Notice
Although no crashes or fatalities have been reported because of the braking problem, several drivers complained about the issue, including 17 in Japan, and one now famous woman in the United States.
Carrie Carvalho, of Arlington, MA, was frightened that her car would suddenly brake. When she researched the problem, she discovered that Honda had not issued a vehicle recall, so she took matters into her own hands.
Rather than file a complaint with Honda, she used a little-known consumer tactic: filing a formal petition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This mean the agency had to review her concern, although she was only one of six complaints filed during 2012. Upon review, the NHTSA found that thirty-eight consumers complained about “unexpected braking of varying duration, including several allegations of rapid decelerations from highway speeds to near stop in highway travel lanes.”
The NHTSA upgraded the initial investigation to a more serious engineering analysis – this move often prompts automotive manufacturers to admit that they need to issue a vehicle recall.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Defective Products and Vehicle Recall Cases
Every year, thousands of consumers sustain serious injuries from defective products. 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.
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.
