Feds Investigate Five Automakers Over Electric Car Recalls

Federal investigators are turning their attention to a rash of electric car fires, following a series of recalls for cars in California and across the country.

The probe covers some 138,000 vehicles equipped with batteries made by Korean manufacturer LG Energy Solution, according to the Detroit News. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is trying to make sure that recalls are being launched when needed, according to the Detroit News. 

Five major car manufacturers have recalled cars in the last 16 months, citing battery problems that pose fire risks: General Motors, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. NHTSA is looking into recalls covering roughly 140,000 vehicles, the agency said.

LG agreed last year to pay GM roughly $1.9 billion to cover costs and expenses related to a massive Chevy Bolt recall. The company recalled the cars in response to several reports of car fires, most or all of which happened while the vehicles were turned off. 

Hyundai last year recalled some 82,000 electric vehicles, also following several reports of fires.

“The step by NHTSA suggests more electrified vehicles potentially could face a recall just as automakers are seeking to mark a turning point in their historic transformation from polluting gas- and diesel-powered engines that is costing them billions of dollars,” Breana Noble reports for the Detroit News. “Along with concerns over charging speed and availability, electric grid reliability, and costs compared to conventional powertrain vehicles, safety defects and fire risks create another obstacle to consumers embracing EVs.”

California Car Owners: Fight Back

Recalls like those that prompted the NHTSA investigation are far too common across the auto industry. Car manufacturers call back millions of vehicles around the globe each year, citing a wide range of defects that put everyone on the road at risk.

Fortunately, car owners in California do not have to simply wait for a recall to get defective or malfunctioning vehicles repaired. The state’s lemon law provides some powerful rights and options.

Also known as the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law requires manufacturers to do a full range of repairs on cars while they are under warranty. The law also forces the companies to buy back cars that they cannot or will not properly fix. That includes compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price and financing fees, as well as car rental, towing and other related expenses.

A manufacturer can instead offer to replace the car, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept this alternative arrangement. A California lemon law attorney at our firm can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with a San Diego Lemon Law Attorney

If you are stuck with a lemon or locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over repairs, the San Diego lemon law attorneys at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a San Diego lemon law attorney.