Check to Protect: Is Your Vehicle Under Recall?

Over 5 million vehicles are under recall for splitting tires, stalling engines and faulty airbags

Fall has arrived in Tampa Bay, which means beautiful weather, lots of football, and pumpkin everything. But this year, fall is also synonymous with recall—in the last eight weeks, more than 5 million vehicles have been recalled for a variety of safety-related defects, including splitting tires, stalling engines, faulty airbags, and potential fire hazards. On top of that, over 3 million child car seats have been recalled for design hazards that could lead to strangulation or asphyxiation.

Operating a vehicle under a known recall is dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.

Below, we list the latest vehicle safety recalls (Aug-Oct 2021) from the NHTSA, as well as provide information on steps to take if your vehicle is affected, how to remain informed about potential recalls in the future, and what to do if you have been injured in an accident in North or South Carolina caused by a safety defect.

Major vehicle recalls from August-October 2021

Here is a list of the latest vehicle recalls issued between August and October 2021; however, there are dozens of other cars, trucks, and SUVs currently under recall. If you don’t see your vehicle on this list, we strongly encourage you to go to the NHSTA official recall website to look up your specific make and model.

• ● 2001-2009 Volvo S80 and S60 – Approximately 460,769 Volvo cars are being recalled worldwide due to faulty air bags that could be deadly in the event of a crash. When the airbags are activated, fragments of the inflator inside the air bag may, in certain cases, project out and in a worst case strike you, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Learn more here.

• ● 2021 GM Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Denali – Nearly 15,000 GM vehicles are being recalled due to software-related issues that cause the power control module and fuel pump to operate intermittently or fail altogether. So far, GM has received 229 reports of engines stalling while stopping or moving in these vehicles. Learn more here.

• ● 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2017 Tucson and Sonata – Over 500,000 Hyundai vehicles are being recalled for different issues that increase fire risk. Affected Santa Fe SUVs may have brake fluid leaking into the anti-lock brake computer, which can cause an electrical short and fire. To date, at least 18 fires have been reported. Affected Tucson and Sonata hybrids have rod bearings inside the engine that may wear out prematurely, which can cause the engine to stall—risking an accident—or cause a fire. Learn more here.

• ● 2011-2013, 2020-2021 Ford Explorer, Lincoln Corsair, and Lincoln Aviator – Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 350,000 vehicles for two separate reasons: faulty rearview cameras where images are not displaying correctly and faulty rear suspension joints that can fracture. Learn more here.

• ● Cooper Tires – A massive recall of some 442,000 tires sold under a variety of popular brand names could affect over 100,000 vehicles and their drivers. The tires, which were made by Cooper but sold under other brand and store names as well, are the subject of a pair of separate recalls, both having to do with defects in the sidewall which can lead to the tires quite literally tearing apart. That’s pretty much the worst thing you can have happen when you’re driving your car, short of a crash. Check to see if your tires are affected here.

Child car seat recalls

• ● The Boppy Recall – Over 3 million Boppy products, including Boppy Car Seats and Boppy Newborn Loungers, are being recalled because of concerns that infants can strangle themselves in the straps or become positionally asphyxiated due to design flaws. Learn more here.

• ● 2016-2019 Combi BabyRide Infant Car Seats – Combi is recalling certain Combi BabyRide Infant Car Seats, model 378099, due to issues with the shoulder harness that may fail in the event of a car crash. Learn more here.

Find out if your vehicle is under recall

Regardless of whether or not your vehicle is included in the above list, we encourage all vehicle owners to do the following:

• ● Check for recalls using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
• ● Get the fix by calling your local dealer; it will be repaired for free.
• ● Sign up for Recall Alerts about any future recall affecting your vehicle.

Will I have to pay to have my recalled car fixed?

By law, you won’t have to pay for repairs if the recall is announced 10 years or less after the date of the car’s original purchase date, according to the NHTSA. But even if your car is older than that, your safety is still worth every penny when paying for the repairs yourself.

What to do if you’re injured in an accident caused by a vehicle recall in Tampa Bay

Immediately call Darrigo & Diaz at  813-437-5523 

If you have been injured in an accident in Tampa Bay that was caused by a vehicle under recall, you have the right to file a product liability claim and hold the manufacturer responsible.

For over two decades, Darrigo & Diaz has helped thousands of accident victims and their families in the greater Tampa Bay community. Led by Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney Nadine Diaz, our experienced Tampa car wreck lawyers provide trusted, personalized legal guidance, designed to get you results.  We are an esteemed member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum^®, and we have over 250 5-Star Google Reviews attesting to our ability to meet and exceed client expectations.

We offer FREE, no-obligation consultations, and you do not have to pay for anything unless we secure a financial settlement for you. Learn more about our services by calling our Tampa personal injury lawyers today at 813-437-5523.