Legal Expert On Fresh Concerns Over 'Vehicle Faults'

A legal expert is urging car manufacturers to learn lessons from two separate issues this week which have put general car safety in the spotlight.

Concerns have been raised following a voluntary recall launched by Toyota in relation to more than seven million of its cars, including some of its Yaris, Corolla and Camry models, in relation to faults with window switches.

Approximately 1.39 million cars in Europe are thought to have been linked to the recall, while Toyota has stressed that there have been no reports of injuries or accidents caused by the issue.

News of the recall has also come as separate reports in the US revealed that the country’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an alert that counterfeit airbags may have been fitted in vehicles which have seen the bags replaced in the last three years.

Thought to originate in China, it is believe the bags either do not inflate or fail to inflate properly. Motorists have been urged to check with dealers and manufacturers in relation to the issue.

Irwin Mitchell’s expert lawyers have vast experience providing legal support to people who have suffered serious injury as a result of defective product issues of all kinds.

David Urpeth, a Partner who specialises in product liability issues, said: “It is very reassuring to see steps being taken to mitigate any potential risks which could emerge as a result of these issues.

“However, it is equally important to ensure that lessons can be learned in each case as to how these problems developed and why they were not avoided in the first place.

“Consumers place their trust in manufacturers that they will always get products that meet the required safety standards. As such, it is vital that investigations are held to reassure customers and ensure that further problems of this kind do not emerge in the future.”

Our specialist personal injury solicitors will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you have suffered as the result of a defective or faulty product. View our Product Liability Claims page for more information.