Honda has recalled nearly 240,000 Odyssey minivans in the United States because of a fire risk caused by exposed wiring in the third row. In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Honda disclosed an improperly installed piece of interior trim on a third-row power outlet that can potentially damage wires, causing an electrical short and a fire.
While there have been no injuries reported, the wiring issue has caused at least three fires to date. For vehicles with in-tact wires, protective tape can be applied. Odyssey vans with damaged wires will receive replacements. The recall impacts 2008, 2019, and 2020 models. Services and parts associated with the recall are provided free of charge. The recall is scheduled to start mid-March. To find out if your vehicle has been recalled, enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.
Auto Recalls and Products Liability Claims
A vehicle is a significant investment and most consumers consider safety when choosing a car, truck, or minivan. It is disconcerting to learn the vehicle you transport your family in every day is at risk of a fire. What should consumers do if they are injured by an automotive defect? In a case where you were injured in some way by a defective or dangerous vehicle or part, it is not necessary to prove carelessness as in other types of personal injury claims. However, you and your products liability lawyer need to establish three conditions:
- The defect exists: At some point in the chain of distribution, a defect occurred, either in the vehicle’s design, its production, or through a failure to warn you of the risks of a defect.
- The defect caused you to be injured: Although you operated the vehicle as intended and instructed, you were injured in some way as a result of the defect.
- The vehicle is essentially the same as when you received it: You did not alter the vehicle in any substantial way from the original condition in which it was sold.
If your situation meets all these criteria, you may have cause to bring a claim against the auto company that sold you an unsafe vehicle. To learn more about your legal options and rights under the law, contact a lawyer for assistance.
Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Advocate for Clients Injured by Auto Defects
If your injury was caused by an auto defect or other unsafe product that should have been recalled, the Philadelphia products liability lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can help. We take the time to ensure your claim meets products liability standards under the law so you can recover fair compensation for your injuries. Take the first step toward justice by calling 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Media, and Abington, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and Haddonfield, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.