As Many as 121,000 Dodge Darts Recalled for Potential Brake Problem
At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we fight for justice on behalf of auto accident victims in Seaford, Wilmington and Newark, and throughout Delaware, every single day. That is why we keep you informed about various auto and defective product recalls that could affect us all.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a statement in early December about a voluntary recall of their 2013-2014 Dodge Darts, the majority of which (105,458) were sold in the U.S. According to the statement:
“Certain model-year 2013-14 vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines, may have brake-booster vacuum-tube routing that inadvertently allows oil to reach the brake booster diaphragm, if ever the vacuum-pump check valve fails. Oil may degrade the diaphragm and lead to a loss of brake-assist – a feature that helps reduce stopping distances.”
FCA warns drivers that if they hear a “pop,” or something that sounds like a vacuum leak, then their cars may be affected. Anyone whose car has been recalled will have their vacuum pumps, bake boosters and master cylinders replaced free of charge by the dealer. Additional questions or concerns can be directed to the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.
A potentially deadly problem
Even though FCA claims that the cars’ ability to break is not affected, this issue could lead to serious auto accidents. Drivers may not be able to stop their car from moving forward in the event of an emergency, which increases their odds of being in a rear-end or even multi-car collision. It may also lead to an increase in the number of pedestrians hit on major roadways, which is already a serious problem here in Delaware. Drivers may also notice [a] hard pedal-feel on brake application,” which could lead them to panic when they realize they may not stop in time. Panicked drivers are rarely safe drivers, and a situation could be exacerbated by their anxiety or fear.
At this time, seven accidents and two injuries have been reported that may be linked to the issue with the brakes, which is why FCA has issued this voluntary recall. By doing so, they may have saved many more people from serious injuries or even death.
CNN reports that as of May of 2015, more than 100 million cars have been recalled by major manufacturers across the country and around the globe – a number that was tallied up before the latest recalls were issued by Volkswagen, one of the largest in history. The numbers will increase unless the public continues to hold automobile manufacturers accountable for the safety of all our drivers and passengers.
Our auto accident lawyers know what it takes to build a successful claim for compensation for our clients who were hurt by a defective product. Please contact Silverman, McDonald & Friedman to schedule a no-obligation consultation at one of our offices.
Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.