Defective Ignition

An erratic ignition can cause a vehicle's engine to shut down in the midst of driving. This can be a serious threat to the malfunctioning vehicle's occupants, those in other vehicles around it, and pedestrians. A problematic ignition switch can also provoke a fire in the steering column and other parts in the vicinity. Some auto manufacturers have taken it upon themselves to recall the defect parts, but others have left consumers to fend for themselves in the event a fire is sparked by the faulty component. As a result, drivers and passengers traveling in these high-risk vehicles have the potential to sustain extensive property damage and injuries, or even worse, loss of life.

In 1996, Ford Motor Company recalled 8.7 million automobiles following the exposure of evidence that they all contained an ignition switch which could potentially catch fire. The recall was initiated after various reports showed the presence of such danger. One report, in particular, noted that 23 million Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury car and trucks produced between 1984 and 1993 (aside from the Taurus and Sable) were all affected by the ignition hazard.

Before news of the recall hit the US, Ford recalled close to a quarter of a million vehicles for the same reason. Still, the company maintained that no US cars or trucks were inflicted with faulty ignition switches despite ongoing investigations. Since each ignition switch cost approximately $100 to swap, simple math can explain why the company was hesitant to admit any wrongdoing that could cost them hundreds of millions of dollars to resolve. Over the last ten years or so, Ford has been criticized repeatedly for failing to put consumer safety ahead of profit.

Six years ago, unpredictable ignition switches in Honda and Acura models became a cause for concern in China, and thousands of vehicles were recalled to right this problem. Experts were under the impression that some 1.34 million American Hondas may have had faulty ignition switches as well. Sure enough, a year later, Honda announced a recall in the US of 1997-2000 models of the Accord, Civic, Prelude, CRV, and Odyssey in addition to 1997-1999 Acura CL coupes and 1999 TL sedans.

Besides the brands mentioned, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has received complaints of other automakers' vehicles having flawed ignition components. If you believe you are driving a vehicle equipped with a faulty ignition device that has not been recalled, get in touch with an attorney who specializes in auto accident injury; you may have grounds for a lawsuit.