Honda has issued a vehicle defect recall of about 646,000 of its 2007 and 2008 Fit, Jazz, and City models due to a defective power window switch that could cause the car to catch fire. According to a CNN news report, the recall was issued after one person in South Africa died in a car fire caused by the defective switch. Honda officials say extreme amounts of liquid, such as water from heavy rain, can flood the master power window switch on the driver’s side, causing it to overheat, and, potentially ignite.
The recall affects about 141,000 Honda Fit models in the United States where seven incidents of overheating, and two car fires were reported. However, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities so far in the United States. If you own one of these affected models, you should receive a recall notice in the mail with instructions on how to have your vehicle inspected, repaired and/or fitted with a new switch at an authorized Honda dealership. Honda is proposing retrofits of some vehicles with a watertight skirt, and, replacing the switches in others.
Victims harmed by vehicle defects have the legal right to hold an auto maker liable for their injuries under New Jersey’s Product Liability Act. Honda’s is a serious auto product defect, which has the potential to cause catastrophic injury, or, even death.
If you have been seriously hurt in an accident caused by a defective vehicle, or auto part, contact Blume Forte to discuss your potential case and your legal rights with a skilled New Jersey auto product defect lawyer. Our New Jersey Personal Injury Law Firm has a successful track record of having obtained numerous significant auto product liability case settlements and verdicts. Call us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.