The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) is stepping up it’s investigation of 21 models of General Motors trucks and SUVs made between 2006 and 2008. These models possibly have the potential for engine compartment fire, even when the ignition is turned off. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) reports that they have been made aware of “41 non-crash engine compartment fires” in the GM trucks and SUVs. Sixteen of those fires occurred with the vehicle’s ignition in the OFF position. Electrical systems, engine and engine cooling systems, battery cables, under-hood wiring, fuses, and circuit breakers are all being investigated. Owners of these GM vehicles should keep aware of potential recalls.

The following GM vehicles are under investigation (all years are model years):

2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT

2007-2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500

2007 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500

2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500

2007-2008 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 and 2500

2007-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

2008 GMC Sierra

2007-2008 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500

2007 GMC Sierra Classic

2007 GMC Silverado

2007-2008 GMC Yukon

2007-2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500, and XL 2500

2006-2007 Hummer H2 Utility

1999-2008 Hummer H2

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous vehicle or in a car wreck or truck wreck, call the truck wreck lawyers at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP at 1-800-460-0606 today.

          The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating consumer complaints of suspension failure in the 2001 model year Hyundai Santa Fe. Two consumers have reported to the NHTSA that their Santa Fe “nearly rolled over” after their suspension failure, and the NHTSA has received six consumer complains about failed suspension parts in their Hyundai vehicle that say the rear trailing arm has failed because of excessive corrosion. Three people have reported that they lost control of their vehicle while traveling in excess of 55 mph.

          The NHTSA is also holding the Hyundai Sonata under scrutiny because of reports of severe corrosion in the 1999 to 2002 model year vehicles that has lead to suspension failure. These reports include “fist-sized holes in the frame” that can cause the suspension control arm to detach from the vehicle. This can cause “wheel collapse or separation, half shaft detachment resulting in sudden vehicle disablement and or steering anomalies,” according to the NHTSA. The Administration has also received reports of corrosion in the engine cradle and front cross-member. The corrosion has been reported as being discovered during routine maintenance on the vehicles, but a greater number of the complaints “allege that the corrosion was not detected until it resulted in suspension failure” or a wheel came off, according to the NHTSA.

          If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a dangerous vehicle or a wreck, contact the attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP today, at 1-800-460-0606.

On July 11, an Alabama court decided that a case filed by car wreck attorneys against Ford Motor Company, Pontiac Coil, Inc. and Visteon Corporation can proceed despite motions to dismiss.

The motion to dismiss filed by Pontiac Coil, Inc. was denied because of pre-established case law.

Car wreck attorneys filed the case on behalf of the Alabama couple after the wife was seriously injured in a car wreck. The case alleges that the brake transmission shift interlock system failed, causing the vehicle to move out of park and into gear. The ensuing car wreck resulted in serious injuries to the wife including the amputation of her leg.

Ideally, the brake transmission shift interlock system will not allow a driver to shift the vehicle out of park without applying pressure to the brake.