General Motors SUV recall includes Illinois vehicles

Illinois car owners should be aware of the latest concern regarding consumer safety. Vehicle giant General Motors has decided to recall some older SUV models after reports that they can become fire hazards. Among the models included in the recall are the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier.

The risks stem from the fact that fluids may seep into the driver’s door, causing rust that, in turn, may cause a short in the circuit board. The ensuing short in the circuitry can initiate overheating, melting parts of the door, which may lead to smoke, foul odor or a fire. One of the scariest parts of the dangerous and defective automotive product is that it can also cause the door to malfunction or become inoperative. Illinois drivers and passengers may be trapped in their vehicles, which can potentially cause suffocation.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has received reports of 28 door fires, including two incidents of property damage and six personal injuries. In August 2012, GM announced a recall limited to the “salt belt” states, which include Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, among others. Recently GM expanded the recall to cover other states as well. The expanded recall is scheduled to start on July 24, 2013. Meanwhile, the car company is advising owners to park the vehicles outside as a precaution against fire.

Those who are injured by dangerous and defective automotive products may seek advice from a Chicago products liability lawyer to help assess if the product has a design or manufacturing defect that renders it unreasonably dangerous, or if there was manufacturer or supplier negligence involved. If an investigation indicates that the injury was indeed caused by a defective product, a victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and reimbursement for other damages.

Source: Detroit News “GM recalling 231,000SUVs for fire risks,” David Shepardson, June 15, 2013