Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Drivers of General Motors vehicles should take note that their vehicles may be subjected to a new recall. This current recall is related to a potential fire hazard that may be caused by leaking oil, an issue that has been addressed twice before but reportedly unsuccessfully to this point.
General Motors says that 1.4 million vehicles are affected and that the years at issue date back to 1997. Affected models include the Pontiac Grand Prix manufactured between 1997 and 2004, Buick Regal made between 1997 and 2004, the Chevy Lumina made between 1998 and 1999, the Oldsmobile Intrigue made between 1998 and 1999, the Chevy Impala manufactured between 2000 and 2004, and the Chevy Monte Carlo made between 1998 and 2004.
The fire hazard issue was first identified in 2007, prompting a recall in 2008. A second recall became necessary in 2009 for the same problem but despite repairs, some 1,300 vehicles still caught fire.
The issue was one that became apparent with time as a wearing valve cover gasket was partially to blame. The part, after some use, could degrade and allow drops of oil to escape and fall onto an exhaust manifold. The leaking oil usually occured while the vehicle was being operated or immediately afterwards and therefore the oil would hit a hot manifold, leading to the potential for a fire. The previous two recalls dealt with spark plug replacements and did not address the valve cover gasket itself.
Numerous fires have been reported and some have caused damage beyond the vehicle itself, including damage to garages and other structures.
Those who own the affected vehicles should be notified in writing of the recall but if they have any questions in the meantime, they should contact their local General Motors dealership for additional information.
Unfortunately, faulty designs of vehicles and mechanical failures lead to thousands of injuries every year in the United States alone, and those who live in the Chicago area continue to be at risk as well. If a problem with your vehicle caused you to crash or led you to be injured, make sure you understand your legal options so that you can obtain the relief that you deserve.
The law firm of Abels & Annes, P.C. offers a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation to all victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we have an attorney standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
Everything discussed during the consultation will be kept confidential and if we represent you in your case, we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf. If you have questions, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
How to Prevent Rollover Car Accidents, Chicago personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 26, 2015.
Resource:
GM recalling 1.4M cars; oil leaks can cause engine fires, by Tom Krisher, AP/MSN News, published October 27, 2015.