Automotive giant Stellantis has issued a recall for over 354,000 Jeeps worldwide because their rear coil springs can detach while operating. According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the springs may have been installed incorrectly during production. If they detach during a vehicle’s operation, the risk of crashing increases. The recall affects Grand Cherokee vehicles from the 2022 and 2023 model years and Grand Cherokee L SUVs from the 2021 to 2023 model years.
The risk of driving with a broken coil spring
If a rear coil spring breaks, the damage will be immediately noticeable in an automobile. The vehicle will sit at an angle toward the side with the broken coil. A car might be able to move even with a broken coil spring, but it’s not advisable to drive it. The uneven tilt will make steering difficult and could lead to an accident during high-speed turns.
Coil springs also help hold the weight of an automobile. If one breaks, the uneven weight distribution could put much pressure on the wheel where the damaged coil is. This excessive pressure could quickly wear the wheel down and cause a flat, which could lead to an accident if the tire blows while driving.
What you can do if your rear coil spring breaks and causes an accident
You could sue the automobile manufacturer for the defect if you get into an accident or collision because of a rear coil spring breaking down. Stellantis’ report suggested that its workers incorrectly installed the coils, which makes the parts vulnerable to breaking. This manufacturing negligence would be grounds for a product liability lawsuit, especially if the accident led to severe injuries.
Product liability lawsuits can be highly convoluted. While Stellantis’ workers may be responsible for incorrectly installing the coil spring, the coil spring manufacturer could also be liable if evidence suggests that the coil’s poor quality led to breaking. If you’re planning to file a lawsuit, consider seeking legal help. With an attorney’s guidance, you can properly determine who’s at fault for the defect and seek adequate compensation for your injuries.
