Understanding Automotive Defects

• Airbag Failures
  Airbags that fail to deploy in crashes, deploy unexpectedly, or explode with excessive force.
• Brake Defects
  Malfunctioning brake systems leading to longer stopping distances or complete brake failure.
• Engine and Transmission Defects
  Stalling, sudden acceleration, or transmission failures causing unsafe driving conditions.
• Electrical System Failures
  Faulty wiring or electrical systems creating fire risks or disabling safety features.
• Fuel System and Fire Hazards
  Gas tank or fuel line defects leading to leaks and increased fire risks.
• Seatbelt Defects
  Seatbelts that unlatch during accidents or fail to restrain occupants properly.

• A nationwide recall of vehicles with defective airbags causing serious injuries.
• Transmission defects leading to sudden stalling on highways.
• Brake system failures linked to accidents and injuries.
• Class actions over vehicles that burn excessive oil or consume fuel inefficiently due to design flaws.

• Compensation for Repairs – Reimbursement for repair costs or diminished vehicle value.
• Replacement or Buybacks – Vehicle replacement or repurchase under lemon law or settlement terms.
• Medical Expenses – Coverage for injuries caused by accidents linked to defects.
• Punitive Damages – Additional damages available in some states for cases of willful misconduct, fraud, or concealment.
• Injunctive Relief – Court orders requiring recalls, design changes, or public disclosures.

To succeed in an automotive defect case, plaintiffs generally must show:

• The vehicle contained a design or manufacturing defect.
• The defect created safety risks or caused financial loss.
• The manufacturer failed to disclose or correct the defect.
• The defect caused injury, damages, or economic harm.
• Evidence may include recall notices, technical service bulletins, accident reports, expert evaluations, and consumer testimony.

Miller Shah LLP represents consumers nationwide in class action lawsuits against automotive manufacturers and suppliers. The firm has experience litigating cases involving defective parts, recalls, and safety violations, pursuing compensation for vehicle owners and accountability for corporations that put profits ahead of safety.

Some of Miller Shah’s Auto Defect work includes:

Co-Lead Counsel: In re: Caterpillar, Inc., C13 and C15 Engine Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2540 (D.N.J.) (Hon. Chief Judge Jerome B. Simandle) ($60 million common fund settlement of claims involving defective diesel emissions control technology);

Co-Lead Counsel: Q+Food v. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (D.N.J.), 3:14-cv-06046 (Hon. Douglas E. Arpert) ($17.5 million common fund settlement of claims involving defective diesel emissions control technology);

Co-Lead Counsel: In re: Ford Motor Co. Spark Plug and 3-Valve Engine Products Liability Litigation (N.D. Oh.), 1:12-md–02316 (Hon. Benita Y. Pearson) (nationwide settlement of engine defect claims);

Co-Lead Counsel: In re: Land Rover LR3 Tire Wear Products Liability Litig., MDL No. 2008 (C.D. Cal.) (Hon. Andrew J. Guilford) (nationwide settlement of alignment defect claims);

Co-Lead Counsel: In re: Michelin North America, Inc. PAX System Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation, MDL No. 1911 (D. Md.) (Hon. Robert W. Titus) (nationwide settlement of vehicle defect claims);

Co-Lead Counsel: Chandran v. BMW of North America, LLC, et al., Case No. 2:08-CV-02619 (D.N.J.) (Hon. Katharine S. Hayden) (nationwide settlement of tire defect claims);

Co-Lead Counsel: Henderson, et al. v. Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC, 2:09-cv-04146(D.N.J.) (Hon. Claire C. Cecchi) (nationwide settlement of defective transmission claims);