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Home » Consumer Information » Automobile Safety

Defective Fuel Systems

Some automobile designs are more prone to catching fire than others. The infamous Ford Pinto with the exploding gas tank will forever be etched in people's memories that are old enough to remember. What people fail to recognize is that some vehicles are still capable of this often fatal malfunction. If the gas tank is situated in a vulnerable location underneath the car, one little crash could ignite a fire. Once this fire reaches the gas line, anyone inside is basically doomed because an explosion is inevitable when fire mixes with gasoline.

Throughout the years, carmakers have completed enough studies to confirm what factors contribute to automotive fires. In the interest of saving money, it is not uncommon for car manufacturers to continue production of vehicles with unacceptable gas tanks. It can be a hassle for automakers to alter a vehicle's design in the midst of production because the old parts become useless, and the machinery on the assembly line must be reconfigured to handle the new design. This interruption means less output by the factory, which ultimately has a negative impact on profit.

Causes of fire in automobiles

Some common causes of fire include:

  • Poorly placed gas tanks.
  • "Side-saddled" tanks located outside the frame of the automobile.
  • Tanks installed between the bumper and axle.
  • Faulty fuel line parts.
  • Flawed emergency shut-off valves.
  • A glitch in the cruise control.
  • Inferior gas tank design.

In order to hold an automaker liable for a defective fuel system, it must be proven that the manufacturer had the option of using an alternative safer design and chose to utilize an ineffective one instead. If this can be established and you or a passenger suffered a serious injury as a result of an onboard fire, you and your auto accident lawyer will have a legitimate case.

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