This has been a banner year for recalls of vehicles of all types. The most prominent example, of course, is General Motors, which has already set records this year, and it’s only half over. Then there’s the problem with Takata airbags, which have a defect that could result in the airbags improperly inflating in a crash, and shooting metal shrapnel into the cabin. In all, more than 10 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide because of the faulty airbags.
Yesterday, Honda announced that it has expanded its recall of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags by another 1 million, including some 2003-2005 Accords, Civics, CR-Vs, Pilots and Elements, as well as Acura MDX. 2005 Acura RLs and 2003 and 2004 Honda Odysseys are also included in the recall.
At the same time, Subaru became the eighth automaker to recall its vehicles because of the airbags, including more than 8,500 2003 and 2004 Legacy sedans, Baja crossovers and Outback wagons, as well as 2004 Impreza, WRX and WRX STI models.
Recalls of vehicles of the four-wheel variety are common; some may say a little too common for comfort these days. Every once in a while though, defects hit vehicles with fewer than four wheels, like motorcycles. This is that once in a while.
Harley-Davidson has issued a voluntary recall of more than 66,000 of its Touring and CVO Touring series motorcycles, which were manufactured between July 1, 2013, and May 7 of this year. The models subject to the recall are those equipped with ABS brakes. The defect is due to a front brake line that was improperly installed. The faulty installation can cause the line to become pinched between the frame and the tank, which results in increased fluid pressure in the line and that could conceivably cause the front wheel to lock up, which is obviously very dangerous on a motorcycle moving down a highway.
The company is sending recall notices to owners who have purchased the bikes, and asking them to take them to a local dealer for repair. In addition to adding extra cable straps to keep the brake line from slipping between the fuel tank and frame, they will also replace any damaged or worn brake lines, as well.
Whether your vehicle has four wheels or two, please follow the instructions for all vehicle recalls carefully, and have the problem fixed as soon as possible. If you or a loved one are in an accident of any kind, and you believe a defective vehicle may be at fault, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, please contact the Automotive Defect Lawyer at Hill Law Firm as soon as you can for a free consultation, so that we can help you protect your rights under the law.