Automobile Defects
A vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases that many consumers make during their lifetime. We rely on our cars to get us to work, to be there for us in an emergency, and to provide safe and reliable transportation for our loved ones. Unfortunately, car manufacturers all too often place vehicles on the road that they know contain hidden defects. Common defects include:
- Malfunctioning airbags
- Stalling / lack of power
- Transmission problems
- Engine Failure
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Excessive oil consumption / catastrophic engine failure
- Exploding sunroofs
- Cracked windows
- Infotainment system issues
Such defects may pose a danger to occupants as well as pedestrians and can be costly to fix.
Under many state consumer protection laws, a manufacturer may be liable for the failure to disclose a safety-related defect at the time of sale or lease. A manufacturer may also be liable for defects under the vehicle’s express warranty. However, it can take an experienced consumer fraud attorney to prosecute such claims properly.
At Glancy Prongay & Murray we have recovered millions of dollars in benefits for thousands of consumers impacted by vehicle defects. For example, in Reniger, et al. v. Hyundai Motor America, Case No. 4:14-cv-03612 (N.D. Cal.), we forged a settlement between Hyundai and approximately 77,000 purchasers and lessees of 2010-2012 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles prone to stalling. Under the settlement, Hyundai agreed to keep open a free service campaign for affected owners for a period of ten years, reimburse out-of-pocket expenses and provide up to $2,000 off the purchase of a replacement vehicle. In Shin et al., v. BMW of North America, Case No. 09-398 (C.D. Cal.), Glancy Prongay & Murray obtained a significant settlement for over 45,000 6 Series BMW owners who suffered cracked wheel rims. The class received cash reimbursement for their expenses incurred to replace the wheel rims, free replacement of cracked wheel rims, free replacement of the wheel rims that Class Members previously repaired, and partial reimbursement for tires on the wheel rims which were or will be replaced.
If you have experienced problems with your vehicle, call us for free and confidential case review.