Car manufacturers may be slow to react to dangerous defects

When consumers deal with defects in their vehicles, it can be frustrating to feel as if no one is listening or taking their complaints seriously. Many California owners of Hyundai and Kia automobiles are currently in such a situation. After appealing to their dealer mechanics, the car manufacturers and even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they have no answers to the reasons why their vehicles are catching fire.

Hyundai Motor Group, maker of both Hyundai and Kia vehicles, recalled over a million cars because of a defect in the engine. According to the recall, no fires were related to the defect. Nevertheless, more than 400 owners of Kias and Hyundais not included in the recall have reported their engines catching fire even when they had not been involved in an accident. Both Hyundai and the NHTSA says they are monitoring the situation, but neither admits the complaints warrant a recall.

One man reported driving his young daughters home from school when the engine of his Hyundai inexplicably ignited. He was able to pull over and safely remove his children from the car, but his car was destroyed in the blaze. The Center for Auto Safety says the manufacturer must step up its investigation into the fires and that vehicles not included in the original recall are reportedly combusting for no apparent reason.

The safety of a vehicle is of primary concern to many California car owners. When car manufacturers are slow to address a defect that could place lives at risk, consumers may feel the need to take action. Many may seek the advice of an attorney who has experience assisting consumers with claims related to defective motor vehicles.