A class action lawsuit has been filed due to an alleged auto defect in keyless ignition systems. A popular amenity available on many new cars in the U.S., keyless ignitions systems are a way for car owners to start their cars with the press of a button as long as they have an electronic key fob on them or inside the vehicle. The lawsuit claims a defect in which once the car has been started, the system allows it to continue running even though the key fob is no longer in the car, causing safety hazards such as toxic build ups of carbon monoxide which can seep into homes if left in an enclosed garage. At least thirteen wrongful deaths have been claimed, and countless injuries. Cars with quiet engines such as the Toyota Prius, are especially at risk. In hybrid vehicles, the engine has been known to come on later, after being turned off. The lawsuit is affecting several automakers including, but not limited to, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota, and Honda. A full list includes luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, and Bentley. General Motors has issued a recall for older models of its Chevrolet Volt plug in hybrid to install software that would fix the issue.
In response to the problem, most automakers have added a feature to their newer cars where the driver is alerted if the car is still running. A statement made by Ford Motor Company, says that,” Ford takes the safety of our customers very seriously; the keyless ignition system has proven to be a safe and reliable innovative feature that has been well-received by customers. Ford vehicles equipped with keyless ignition alert drivers when the driver’s door is open, and the vehicle’s engine is running.” Around 5 million vehicles are said to be affected, with the lawsuit claiming that the 10 automakers identified in the suit have known about the risks since 2003.
Even though your vehicle brand may not appear on the list, the defect still applies to any and all keyless ignition systems. If you or a loved one have fallen victim to a faulty keyless ignition system, the law firm of Hodes Milman can provide you with the assistance you need. Contact us today online at verdictvictory.com or call (949) 640-8222 for a complimentary case evaluation.
