While this blog often discusses the effect that dangerous and negligent drivers have on causing car accidents, it’s important to remember that sometimes a design flaw in an automobile can be behind an accident or wrongful death. And while no deaths have been reported because of the latest car manufacturing problem to be discovered, Houston readers should be aware of the newest recall.
Subaru has announced that it is recalling more than 600,000 vehicles of various models and years because of a potential fire hazard. The company is noting that no serious injuries or deaths have been reported because of the problem yet. The problem stems from faulty lights underneath car doors that could catch on fire if they get too hot.
– Article By Richard Weaver
Included in the recall are the Outback and Legacy models from the years 2010 and 2011, the Tribeca from 2006-2012 and the Forester from 2009 through 2012.
Apparently if water gets into the lights it can cause a short circuit, which would lead to the overheating and fire. While no one has been hurt, the company said it has received reports of smoke emanating from the problem areas of some cars.
Despite the high number of vehicles included in the recall, Subaru said that only approximately 54,000 vehicles in the recall actually have the lights. People should take their vehicles in to dealers to have them inspected, though.
The company should be lauded for recognizing that it’s better to be safe than sorry in its effort to recall many more vehicles than necessary. But that doesn’t absolve it of responsibility if someone is hurt due to faulty manufacturing.
Source: Associated Press, “Subaru Recalls Nearly 634,000 Cars And SUVs For Fire Risk,” Jan. 3, 2012
