Image Name : GM, Ford, Daimler Truck, Kia among 653000 vehicles recalled
Image Credit : USA Today
In an Order that appears to affect various quarters in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, there is a recall that has risen to over 653,000 vehicles from some of the well-known vehicle manufacturers; General Motors (GM), Ford, Daimler Truck and Kia. Such a recall which is done for the purpose of correcting a safety concern is bound to be sensational within the industry and create doubts about the safety of the vehicles, and the risks the consumers may be exposed to.
Dissecting the Recall
This recall will cover different vehicles from the four manufacturers, each with a different safety-related issue. It is common to have recalls in the business of automotive manufacture, but it is quite different in this case where several major players have raised the red argument; this speaks of a deeper problem with quality control and maintenance of safety procedures.
General Motors (GM)
GM’s recall covers about 250,000 cars mainly Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models. The problem arises due to defective airbag inflators that might not work properly and inflate when needed during an impact. Such flaws could raise the level of injuries sustained in an accident. The company has therefore advised the individuals concerned to contact their auto dealers so as to have the malfunctioning devices fitted in.
Ford
Ford is in the process of recalling about two hundred thousand units of vehicles which also includes some of the most famous models such as the F-150 pickup trucks and the Expedition SUVs. The issue raised concerns the brake master cylinder which, it is alleged, may start leaking brake fluid thus affecting the braking system. This is a dangerous concern as it may result in a crash. Ford has asked the owners of the concerned vehicle models to come to their offices for assessment and repair of the affected features.
Daimler
Daimler, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial vehicles, is recalling 150,000 trucks. This is due to a possible fuel line defect. It is feared that this defect could cause leaking fuel, thus greatly raising the risk of fire. Several models including some of the Freightliner and Western Star brands are included in this recall. Daimler Truck is also working in partnership with its dealers to make sure that all affected units will be serviced in the shortest possible time so as to minimize any possible threat.
Kia
Kia’s recall concerns about 53,000 vehicles with the problem arising from a technical issue within the software of the airbag control unit. The defect may also interfere with the deployment of airbags at the time of accidents, which may increase the chances of injury and death. Kia is reaching out to all of the affected customers to schedule a time for over-the-air programming and do so at no charge to the owners.
Causes and Consequences of the Recall
Recalls can be brought about by many different reasons including but not limited to manufacturing defects, design faults, and computer software problems. As for this situation, the defects include such things as defective inflators within airbags, as well as faults in braking systems and fuel lines. Such problems do not only endanger the passengers or drivers but also damage the manufacturers’ names.
For GM and Kia, this time of recall concerns the problems with airbags which have been known to be problematic within the industry. It is an airbag collapse that features as one of the unphysical airbags–associated recalls ever in motor vehicle history. Likewise, the brake screws of Ford and even the malfunctioning fuel pipe of the Daimler Truck Company all show the need for high levels of quality assurance, especially for design systems with safety functions.
Image Name : Recalls Issued for GM, Ford Models
Image Credit : Inc. Magazine
The Effect on Customers
For the consumers, it is not only the inconvenience of the management of these vehicle recalls that is the issue; they significantly disrupt normal life. Affected owners may confront problems such as being unable to get to their nearest dealer, finding an alternative method of transport, and the anxiety of possible risks to safety. In most cases, manufacturers, for their part, usually attempt to contain the effects of the recalls. However, the scope of this recall in particular proves too much for the manufacturers.
In any case, for all who own either of these 653,000 cars, the safety of both them and their passengers comes first. It is usual for manufacturers to offer services for the remedial work of those cars that have been recalled free of charge. However, this exercise can be quite tedious from time to time, especially in a situation where there is a high volume of motorcycle units involved.
Reactions and Consequences for and in the Industry in Question
The recall has raised discussions in the automotive sphere on how far gone are the safety checks and the need for diagnosing any possible defects in advance. It is true that certain parts of a vehicle may call for a manufacturer’s orderly avoidance of a recall. The purpose, however, is to improve the quality aspects of the vehicles being produced and test them exhaustively before putting them on the market.
Automakers always want to adhere to engine safety standards that have changed over the years. Nonetheless, this recall emphasizes the fact that it is not all there is, and much more can still be done. Safety and dependability are high on the agenda of many companies that are investing in new technologies and new ways of manufacturing, but the bottom line is how these are utilized in real life.
What Do Vehicle Owners in Question Need To Do?
If your vehicle is one that falls under this recall, then you should act immediately. Check your vehicle identification number, or VIN, on the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to view the list of recalled vehicles to determine if your car is included in the recall. If your vehicle is included in the fixed recall, please get in touch with your dealer to book the repair as soon as possible.
You should disregard the recall notice if you have not had any issues with your vehicle. The reason these recalls are instituted is to avoid incidents from occurring, and that result in loss of lives, and such measures must be put in place effectively and timely for the relevant action to be useful to you.
Conclusion
The recall by GM, Ford, Daimler Truck and Kia is a timely insight into vehicle safety and the need for frequent quality assurance checks. Most of the time, a recall is viewed negatively by the companies involved, but it also indicates that the company is willing to fix the problem and protect its customers.
In the case of affected vehicle owners, it is understandable to first prioritize the recall as well as safety in the operation of the vehicle. For the industry, however, it is one more chance to evaluate and improve safety systems.
Lastly, the issue of road safety is not only the concern of the manufacturers and the controlling authorities but also of the end-users. As such measures can be taken to promote road safety to all road users.
