Top 15 Vehicle Defects To Watch Out For Right Now

Are you in the market for a car or want to check on the safety of the cars that are currently being driven by your family members? The Safety Institute has recently released its quarterly report identifying the top watch list for potential automobile defects based on death and injury claims.

The purpose of the list is to publically identify vehicle safety issues with an analysis of the most significant problems in the U.S. auto fleet, making it easier for drivers to spot problems early on and report the problems.

The list is released each quarter and uses data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s Early Warning Reports System to identify potential defects.

The Top 15 Cars and defects are listed below in ranked order:

Details of the List

To briefly shed more detail on the above listing, there are some issues to note that are continuous from the previous quarterly report.

The 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee powertrain problems are still at the top of the safety watch list. Issues with GM vehicles continue to make up for problems with nearly half the safety list. Continued problems with the 2008 Buick Enclave (structural), Chevrolet Cobalt (electrical problems), and the Toyota Camry (speed control problems) made the safety watch list again this quarter. This is a sign that these issues have yet to be addressed.

For a more detailed description of the complaints, you may read the press release issued by The Safety Institute.

What You Should Know About the Safety Institute Report

It is important to understand that The Safety Institute does not publish this chart as a list of defects, but rather lists the areas that potentially need more investigation. The quarterly Safety Institute Report is sponsored by Ken and Beth Melton of Cobb County, Georgia in memory of their daughter, Brooke Melton, 29. Brooke died when she skidded into another vehicle after the ignition module of her 2005 Cobalt slipped into the accessory position.

Documents and evidence developed in the Melton case found that GM knew about the ignition switch problem as early as 2001. The Meltons decided to provide ongoing support to the significant research and analysis that the Watch List provides, in hope of preventing future tragedies for others. These Safety Institute Reports help the public recognize the early signs of potential problems in the U.S. auto fleet. The reports also help to identify continuing potential failures to effectively fix already known issues.

What To Do If Your Car is On This List

The vehicle safety watch list exists for a good purpose. It is important to be aware of potential vehicle defects, because they can cause serious injuries, often before the driver realizes anything is wrong with the vehicle.

The manufacturers of vehicles may be held responsible for related accidents and injuries under product liability laws in Florida. If you find that your car is on the watch list and you have concerns, you may want to consult an experienced accident attorney at David & Philpot, P. L. to weigh out your options under Florida law. The attorneys at David & Philpot, P.L. have been representing Florida drivers for over 20 years recovering millions of dollars for our clients. Contact us today at 800.360.7015 for a free consultation.