Illinois residents who own a Land Rover Range Rover may need to be made aware of a recall recently announced by the company. The recall affects 2013 and 2014 model year Range Rovers, and it was issued due to a malfunction that can occur and make the side airbags of the vehicle inoperative. There are 3,912 vehicles that may need the repair around the country.
The Supplemental Restraint System connector in the affected vehicles is the cause of the problem. The connector, which is located in both the front driver’s and passenger’s seats, can disconnect because there isn’t enough clearance in the housing that holds it. When the connector does detach, the side airbags on both sides of the vehicle may no longer function. In car accidents where the side airbags would normally engage, this issue can create an increased risk of injury.
As part of the recall, Land Rover is currently in the process of notifying owners of the vehicles involved about the issue. Dealers will then fix the issue by changing the housing to prevent the connector from becoming detached. The repair will be free of charge.
While this issue doesn’t increase the risk of the vehicle being involved in an accident, owners of affected vehicles could be more seriously injured in an accident as a result. Because of this, Land Rover may be liable for some of the damages in an accident if those damages were caused by the malfunction. However, determining liability in a case like that may difficult. An attorney may be able to help those who believe a malfunctioning car part was responsible for all or some of the damages they suffered in an accident pursue litigation against the car company. An attorney could negotiate for a fair settlement on their behalf.
Source: Motor Authority, “2013-2014 Land Rover Range Rover Recalled Due To Airbag Issue“, Viknesh Vijayenthiran, January 03, 2014