Safety Investigations stepped up on several models
Christopher Jensen reports for the New York Times (6/26) “There were no significant automaker recalls this week, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stepped up safety investigations into three models: the Mercedes-Benz ML, the Chevrolet Corvette and the Toyota Sequoia.”
These types of investigations begin based on consumer complaints. Currently, investigations of the ML, Corvette, and Sequoia are undergoing engineering analysis. Engineering analysis usually occurs when investigators are concerned about what they found in the preliminary stages of investigation.
The Mercedes inquiry involves over 50,000 models from 1999 to 2002. The agency is investigating the brake line from the master cylinder to the antilock brake pump to see if it “may be damaged and rupture from chaffing with a fuel line.” The agency said it had “one report of a crash in which an inspection found a leak that was caused by the fuel line’s rubbing against the brake line, resulting in a loss of braking effectiveness.”
The Corvette investigation involves about 48,000 2005 and 2006 models, which may have an issue with the electronic stability control system. Some consumers claimed the electronic stability control system malfunctioned, “causing a sudden and inappropriate braking action without illumination of the brake lights and causing the vehicle to swerve left or right unexpectedly.”
68,000 Toyota Sequoias are being evaluated after allegations that the electronic stability control or traction control became inappropriately activated. When this occurs, the driver “loses throttle control and one or more brakes may apply, causing the vehicle to slow suddenly,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation. Furthermore, in instances of “inappropriate activation,” the brake lights do not illuminate. In response to the investigation, Toyota has said it believes the traction control system, and not the stability control system, is the source of the problem.
As a Chicago personal injury lawyer, I urge anyone with these vehicles to be aware of the potential malfunctions and pay close attention to upcoming recalls. More information on safety investigations, defective products, and issued recalls is available through the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).
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