Mitsubishi, Dodge Pickup Trucks Recalled Following Child’s Death
A faulty ignition switch may cause certain models of manual transmission pickup trucks to move without the clutch being depressed, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Close to 67,000 Mitsubishi and Dodge pickup trucks with manual transmissions are being recalled by Chrysler, following the death of a small child, who was run over in May due to problems with the clutch ignition interlock switch. The global pickup truck recall was announced on December 29, after it was discovered that a small child was able to crank the ignition on a Dodge Ram 3500 manual pickup truck without the clutch depressed. As a result, the truck moved forward, striking and killing another child. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries caused by an allegedly defective auto part, our consumer advocates at the Leading Justice can help. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers harmed by dangerous consumer products, and can put you in touch with a product liability lawyer today.
“Unintended Movement” Linked to Faulty Spring Wire
The fatal incident involving the Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck was reported in May 2014, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating older-model Mitsubishi and Dodge pickup trucks in the months since, in order to determine whether a safety hazard exists. After completing its review, the agency indicated that model-year 2006 and 2007 Dodge and Mitsubishi pickups with manual transmissions pose a safety hazard due to their ability to start without the clutch being depressed, which is believed to be associated with the use of a spring wire that differs from wire used in previous clutch ignition interlock switches. According to the recall announcement, the spring wire may break and, as a result, the vehicles may “exhibit unintended movement when [the] ignition key is turned.”
Pickup Trucks Affected by Chrysler Recall
The pickup truck recall affects an estimated 54,558 vehicles in the United States, 4,356 in Canada, 7,648 in Mexico and 257 outside the NAFTA region, including certain Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Dodge Dakota, and Mitsubishi Raider vehicles, the latter two of which are no longer in production. According to the recall announcement, clutch ignition interlock switches with the alternate wire were not used in any vehicles manufactured before July 2005 or after June 2006. Customers affected by the Chrysler pickup truck recall are expected to be notified beginning in February, and in the meantime, customers are advised to follow recommended procedures for starting their vehicles, including activing the truck’s parking brake, placing the shift level in the neutral position, and pressing the clutch pedal before turning the ignition key.
[box type=”note” align=”aligncenter” ]Source: http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do;jsessionid=170FD594DB51CC7F55E6B39345077236?&id=16269&mid=1[/box]