Hyundai Recalls Certain 2022 Tucson Vehicles

announced on December 2, 2021 that it is recalling certain 2022 Tucson vehicles because the software installed in the Integrated Central Control Unit may be incompatible with the vehicle, which could result in faulty headlights and/or taillights. This could potentially increase the chance of a car accident.

What is a Vehicle Recall?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall is necessary when a motor vehicle or motor-vehicle equipment does not comply with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or there is a safety-related defect in the vehicle or equipment. According to the United States Code for Motor Vehicle Safety a defect includes “any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.” NHTSA says that a safety defect exists when motor vehicle equipment, or the motor vehicle itself, poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, and “may exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture, or items of equipment of the same type and manufacture.” According to the NHTSA, vehicle recalls are initiated voluntarily by the manufacturer. However, the NHTSA, a government agency devoted to keeping people safe on roadways, can also make the decision to conduct a recall when necessary. Numerous possible defects can serve as a basis for such recalls. Those related to a vehicle’s engine, transmission, tires, steering column, airbags, seat belts, and safety restraints are just a few. Since technological advancements are becoming progressively complex, many safety features are increasingly dependent on them. Defects can potentially result from even the slightest of technical flaws.

Options for Correcting Defects

According to NHTSA, once a safety-defect determination is made, the law gives the manufacturer three options for correcting the defect:

Repair the vehicle at no charge.
Replace the vehicle with an identical or similar vehicle.
Refund the purchase price in full, minus a reasonable allowance for depreciation.

In the case of equipment, the manufacturer may either repair or replace the faulty equipment at no charge or refund the purchase price. Vehicle manufacturers are required to reimburse owners for costs incurred to remedy a defect based on either:

the date NHTSA opens its Engineering Analysis, or
one year prior to the manufacturer’s notification of a defect to NHTSA, whichever is earlier.

Find Out if You Have a Recall

If you are a vehicle owner, you can search to see if your car is affected by a recall by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website. The search tool can help you determine if you have had a vehicle affected by a vehicle safety recall in the past 15 calendar years. It also notes vehicle safety recalls from major light auto automakers, motorcycle manufacturers and some medium/heavy truck manufacturers. To find your VIN, look on the lower left of your car's windshield. It is also located on your car's registration card, and it may be shown on your insurance card.

Hurt in a Recalled Car? Call William Mattar, P.C.

If you were injured in a car crash stemming from a defect in a recalled vehicle, we may be able to help. The experienced accident attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. can review your case and help determine your options moving forward. You can contact us 24/7 by submitting a contact form online, or by calling (844) 444 - 4444.