On January 23, 2019, the Safety Institute released its Vehicle Safety Watch List covering the final quarter of 2018. The list highlights the top 15 most dangerous potential vehicle defects. The list is compiled based on death and injury claims in the Early Warning Reports System of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Safety Institute is a non-profit organization that focuses on preventing injuries by promoting product safety for consumers. The Vehicle Safety Watch List is sponsored by the Melton family of Cobb County, Georgia, in memory of their daughter Brooke, who tragically died in a car crash due to a faulty ignition switch in her 2005 Chevy Cobalt.
According to the watch list, the following vehicles have potentially dangerous defects:
- 2017 Ford Explorer – Engine & engine cooling issues, prompting an NHTSA investigation and recall.
- 2015 Ford Explorer – Engine & engine cooling issues, prompting an NHTSA investigation.
- 2015 Volkswagen Golf – Structural issues, but no investigations or recalls.
- 2015 Honda Odyssey – Seat issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2017 Audi A4 – Structural issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – Steering issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2016 Ford Explorer – Engine & engine cooling issues, prompting an NHTSA investigation and recall.
- 2013 Ford Explorer – Engine & engine cooling issues, prompting an NHTSA investigation.
- 2016 Honda Odyssey – Seat issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2016 Volkswagen Golf – Structural issues, but no investigations or recalls.
- 2013 Toyota Sienna – Structural issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2013 Honda Odyssey – Seat issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2016 Subaru Outback – Forward collision avoidance system issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2018 Subaru Outback – Forward collision avoidance system issues, prompting a manufacturer’s recall.
- 2013 Toyota Avalon – “Other” issues, but no investigations or recalls.
The newest addition to the Safety Institute’s list involves Subaru’s forward collision avoidance system known as the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. According to reports, malfunctions in Subaru’s forward collision safety system caused unintended brake application while driving.
Several models of the Ford Explorer have been included on the list for carbon monoxide problems. Drivers reported encountering the smell of fumes while accelerating and experiencing dizziness and blurred vision while driving. This marks the car’s inclusion on the lists for seven consecutive quarters.
The Honda Odyssey is listed for its fifth consecutive quarter regarding secondary seating that fails to latch, sometimes folding itself while children were seated securely.
Toyota Sienna minivans were reported to have a defective sliding door mechanic that would cause doors to slide open unexpectedly while driving. Complaints and reports of structural problems surrounding the Audi 4 and Volkswagen Golf involve exploding sunroofs.
Martin Jean & Jackson’s Attorneys Are Here for You
At Martin Jean & Jackson, we have experience litigating various personal injury matters, including cases involving injuries caused by defective products. If you or a loved one sustained a severe injury due to a dangerously defective vehicle or vehicle part, you might be entitled to recover damages from the car manufacturer.
To explore the merits of your claim, call Martin Jean & Jackson at or contact us online today.