Selling Used Cars with Unrepaired Safety Recalls

AutoNation is one of the largest car retail chains in the United States. In 2015, the company said they would stop selling used cars that had open safety recalls. However, according to a recent report, AutoNation has continued to sell vehicles that have significant safety recall issues, some of which were linked to serious and even fatal injuries. Unfortunately, other car dealerships across the country sell cars with safety recalls, including vehicles with unrepaired Takata airbags and General Motors ignition switches, which were linked to both serious injuries and fatalities, according to CBS News.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) and the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety Foundation looked at 2,400 used vehicles that were sold at 28 AutoNation dealerships in the United States. After discovering that AutoNation failed to deliver on its promise to stop selling cars with open recalls, they found that one in nine vehicles had safety recall issues, some of which were linked to serious, life-threatening injuries and fatalities. According to a co-author of the report, selling vehicles with unrepaired recalls can be extremely hazardous, particularly when the recall involves explosive Takata airbags, steering malfunctions, or seat belt problems. In addition to jeopardizing the safety of the driver, it can put the lives of passengers and other motorists at risk.

AutoNation CEO Breaks Promise to Stop Selling Vehicles with Recalls

In 2015, AutoNation’s CEO promised that the company would stop selling vehicles with open recalls, and that they were putting the customer’s safety first. Yet, approximately a year later, he failed to deliver on that promise, and was quoted saying that there was no way that that issue was going to be addressed from a regulatory point of view. Unfortunately, if a car is sold with a defective Takata airbag, that does not provide customers with worry-free vehicles that AutoNation promised in their advertising.

AutoNation said that the U.S. PIRG report was inaccurate, and that it repairs vehicles if they have the parts available or holds them if the manufacturer instructs them to do so. If they do sell a vehicle with an open recall, they disclose the information to the customer. They went on to say that they are in full compliance with the laws regarding safety recalls. According to a Democratic Senator, disclosure is not enough. Legislation should be passed to prohibit sales of used cars that have unrepaired safety recalls, and that pose a serious safety risk to consumers, passengers, and other motorists.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Car Accidents Involving Unrepaired Safety Recalls

If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car accident involving a vehicle that has an unrepaired safety recall, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will determine who is responsible for fixing the recall and hold them liable for your injuries. Our skilled and experienced legal team will ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until we have your complete satisfaction. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.