Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced a major recall involving 65,760 Ram trucks and 75,364 Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles. According to a Channel News Asia report, the recall involves faulty rear axles and possible fire risks.
Fiat is specifically looking at Ram 1500 pickups made between mid-June and late September this year. These models have axle shafts that haven’t been properly heat-treated, leading to component fracture and wheel separation. The Jeep Cherokee SUVs have air conditioning lines that are too close to the exhaust manifolds, resulting in a fire risk.
At the time of the report, FCA is only aware of one incident that may have resulted from the defective axle shaft. No injuries have yet to be reported. The recalled Jeep Cherokees haven’t been involved in any reported accidents.
It’s common for auto manufacturers to delay issuing a recall until people have suffered serious injuries, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) forces a recall. In fact, officials often don’t conduct full investigations until they have received many similar complaints from car owners. This is why it’s important for drivers to report any major issues they have while driving.
You can view if your vehicle is currently under investigation or recalled by visiting the official NHTSA website. If you or a loved one has been hurt because of a defective auto part, you may be able to get financial compensation for your losses from the auto manufacturer.
A product liability claim against an auto manufacturer can result in support for damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. To get fair compensation, you’ll need to show that the auto part was defective, that defect resulted in an accident, and that accident caused actual harm.
A New York auto defect attorney can review the specifics of your case to determine if you have a valid claim.
Contact Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP to discuss your situation. You can reach us at (212) 986-7353.
Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/fiat-recalls-65-760-truck/2221488.html