GM Issues Saab Convertible Recall For Defective Seatbelts
General Motors has announced yet another recall due to auto safety defects, this time affecting Saab convertibles from the 2004-2011 model years. According to the car maker, the Saab convertible recall was mandated because of faulty seat belt retractors, which can break unexpectedly. GM indicates in the event of a broken retractor, the seat belt will automatically loosen, affording occupants little protection during an accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed the GM recall on Saab convertibles on June 11, after some 33 complaints were lodged by consumers who reported tension problems with the driver’s side seat belt, after the retractor broke.
Saab convertible recall affects thousands
As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the potential number of vehicles impacted by the Saab defective seatbelt recall is estimated at 28,789. General Motors says they intend to notify all owners, who can have the seat belts replaced free of charge at their local dealer.
The NHTSA warns that in the event of a car accident in one of the affected Saab convertibles, there is an increased risk of injury if the seat belt does not restrain passengers as it is supposed to. The news comes on the heels of several other GM recalls involving faulty ignition switches, which have been tied to at least 13 deaths in the United States. That recall was recently expanded to include specific models of Pontiacs, Chevrolets and Saturns, pushing the number up to 12 million vehicles, putting GM at the forefront of our nation’s automobile recalls in 2014.
Some owners of affected GM cars have begun to pursue litigation for economic losses associated with personal injury and decreased resale value. Product liability attorneys at The Sanders Firm are currently offering legal consultations to anyone whose vehicle has been impacted by the GM recalls of 2014.
Design and/or manufacturing defects in automobiles can culminate in serious injuries or death, as is evidenced by accident reports arising from defective ignition switches. If your car, SUV or truck is one of the 24 million vehicles recalled over safety defects, you may have a viable claim for damages.
Compensation obtained through litigation will take into account the following type of losses:
- Related medical expenses in the event of a collision
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Diminished resale value of car
- Funeral or burial expenses
Common auto safety defects
A number of personal injury lawsuits against GM have already been filed over faulty ignition switches, but those who have been harmed by other vehicle safety defects including faulty seat belt retractors may also be entitled to damages.
Auto recalls are often mandated due to the following defects:
- Tire defects
- Faulty brakes or brake pads
- Accelerator pedal defects
- Defective airbags
- Faulty circuit boards
- Defective fuel tanks
- Missing or defective rollbars
- Hand shaft defects
The Sanders Firm vehicle recall lawyers
If you or someone you love has sustained injuries from a defective seat belt or other defect in GM vehicles, we invite you to contact The Sanders Firm to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. Our attorneys will outline your legal options and determine if you have grounds for recouping compensation in a product liability lawsuit. Call toll-free at 1-800-FAIR-PLAY . Resources
- NHTSA, Front Driver’s Side Seat Belt Retractor may Fail https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM458107/RCAK-14V318-8867.pdf
- Star Tribune, GM to recall 28,789 Saab cars for seat belt defect https://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/266505411.html
