Few industries are as brand-conscious as the auto business. Typically, buyers of luxury cars have higher expectations of their ride; they’re purchasing not just a status symbol but a reputation for superior workmanship. But luxury cars can have glitches, too. Judging from a recent rash of recalls, sometimes the increasingly sophisticated technology in the high-end brands can be more of a curse than a blessing.
Consider these trending examples:
Ford
- Ford recently announced the recall of more than 100,000 Lincoln Aviator (2020-23) and Corsair (2020-22) SUVs over a malfunction in the seat-belt warning system. The warning chime urging riders to buckle up doesn’t sound long enough, it seems, because of a conflict with the vehicles’ premium audio system. Ford’s Explorer and Escape models are not affected because they don’t use the same audio components.
Mercedes-Benz
- Mercedes-Benz has notified dealers of a recall of close to 324,000 vehicles produced from 2012 to 2020, spanning several different models of SUVs, over a defect that can cause the engine to stall while being driven. The problem has to do with water accumulating in the spare tire wheel well and damaging a fuel pump component. Roughly one percent of the recalled models are estimated to have the problem, but there is apparently no way to ascertain which ones short of a recall.
- The engine-stall recall comes on the heels of another broad-based Mercedes recall, encompassing 125,000 coupe and sedan models from 2001-2011, including C-Class, E-Class, and CLS models. Defective bonding of the sun roof panels can cause the roof to come loose while the vehicle is in motion.
General Motors
- General Motors has issued a massive recall for numerous brands and models dating from 2020-23, including certain Cadillac Escalades and CT4s and CT5s, as well as Chevrolet Silverados, Suburbans, and Tahoes, GMC Sierras and Yukons, and Buick Envisions, because daytime running lights remain on when the headlights come on, increasing glare and the possibility of a crash. In all, more than 740,000 vehicles are affected.
Recalls for approximately 25 million vehicles were issued in 2022. Ford heads the list among car makers for putting out the most recalls, followed by Volkswagen, Stellantis (which includes Fiat Chrysler), and General Motors. But Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and BMW are also in the top ten of most recalled brands – a reminder that pricey doesn’t necessarily mean perfect.
HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOUR VEHICLE IS RECALLED
Checking for recall alerts on your own vehicle takes only a few seconds and should be an essential part of your vehicle safety and maintenance routine. Simply locate your vehicle identification number, or VIN, a 17-digit figure that can be found on your insurance card, your vehicle registration, your door jamb, or in the lower corner of your windshield on the driver’s side. Then enter it in the search box on the NHTSA recall search page. If there’s no issue, you can breathe easy. If it turns out there is a recall for your vehicle, schedule an appointment with your dealer so you can get back on the road with confidence.
THE CAR CRASH ATTORNEYS AT FDAZAR
For more than thirty years the attorneys at Franklin D. Azar & Associates have helped thousands of injured people obtain complete and timely compensation for their losses. Our proven track record and expertise have allowed us to grow into the largest personal-injury law firm in Colorado, with offices in Denver, Aurora, Fort Collins, Thornton, Grand Junction, Greeley, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. If you’ve been injured in a bus, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call the car accident attorneys at FDAzar day or night at 720-372-2824, or contact us here for a free consultation and no-obligation evaluation of your case.
