Consumer Watch

A California jury awarded a verdict against General Motors Corporation that was in excess of four billion dollars. In that case, the evidence showed that General Motors could have fixed the problem fuel tanks for only $2.40 a car but, instead, determined it would be cheaper to pay money to injured victims. Unfortunately, this is more prevalent in the automotive industry than most people realize. Below are some examples of problems with automobiles that consumers should be aware of.

Although the Federal Government has required passenger cars to be equipped with head restraints since 1969, and internal studies reveal the likelihood of serious injury absent head restraints, General Motors refused to equip its trucks with head restraints until model years before 1992.

Many automatic transmission Chrysler and Ford vehicles are capable of being placed in a false park position. That is, the person thinks they have placed the vehicle in park when they have not fully engaged the vehicle. This can cause the car to slip into reverse and cause serious bodily injury.

Seatbelts manufactured by Takata Corporation (5000 series) and found in many different cars, have the propensity to disengage. In a serious accident, this means that the belt will not hold you and can cause serious injury. Also, always wear your lap belt in a vehicle that does not have an integrated lap belt with the shoulder harness. The shoulder harness, alone, will not protect you in an accident.

For more information on vehicle problems, you can go to www.consumersunion.org.