Common Types of Vehicle Defects

A vehicle defect can be dangerous and means there is a flaw with the vehicle or one of its parts. The most common types of vehicle defects that prompt auto recalls include the following.

Faulty Steering Equipment

Steering equipment is often the focus of auto recalls. The steering system is responsible for transferring the rotation of the steering wheel to the steering shaft that then moves the vehicle’s wheels left or right. When there is a defect, a driver can easily lose control. Examples of recalled defects include faulty wheel assembly, stabilizers, suspension bushings, control arms, or electrical shorts or malfunctions.

Defective Airbags

Poorly designed or untested airbags can fail to go off, inflate too much or too little, are too powerful, or go off without warning, leading to preventable catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Wiring Issues

A vehicle’s electrical system plays a critical role in how well it runs. It consists of many components and controls many things, from windows to starting the engine. As a result, when there is a defect in the wiring system, vehicles must be recalled. Recalls have occurred due to drivers experiencing an abrupt loss of power in a part of the vehicle, intermittent failure of electrical components, or a risk of fire.

Fuel Leaks

Another common reason for vehicle recalls is defective fuel systems, which are linked to a large number of vehicle fires. Reasons for fuel leak recalls often include issues with the fuel tank design, for instance, if it is improperly positioned, poor welding, or there is a lack of barriers, increasing the possibility of a puncture, and others. When the fuel tank is improperly designed or manufactured, it can lead to a complete fuel system failure placing the driver’s and other’s lives at risk if a fire or explosion occurs.

Defective Brakes or Braking Systems

Faulty brake systems are often recalled because they can cause malfunctions, which may lead to brake fluid leaking out. As a result, the fluid will not reach the brakes, and the driver will not be able to stop the vehicle when pushing the brake pedal. Other vehicle brake manufacturing defects are commonly found in the Antilock Brake System (ABS) or the dual brake system (parking brake). For example, an ABS malfunction that causes a vehicle’s wheels to lock up, preventing the driver from steering to safety.

Tire Defects

Defective tires can be incredibly dangerous and can cause a blowout, which is when the tire bursts and loses all air pressure, or tread separation, where the tread detaches from the body of the tire. As a result, a driver can quickly lose control, leading to a collision. When a tire has a defect, it is often due to the manufacturer having used already defective or low-quality materials to cut costs.

Seat Belt Defects

A seat belt failing in an accident can be fatal. Seat belts are often recalled due to unlatching, failing to lock, or failing to protect certain occupants—such as children or smaller adults. Causes of seat belt defects are often poor design, manufacturing or assembly errors, or low-quality materials used for webbing.

For help with a faulty car part accident claim, contact our Waco auto defect attorneys today.