Safety issues seem to plague the auto industry lately. Most stem from defects in equipment and parts. But a recent report shows that most midsize SUVs might not pass front-crash tests.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested several models. Those with the worst results were the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9. They experienced significant structural collapse. Other models also received poor or marginal ratings.
One model earned an acceptable rating, the Toyota Highlander. And just two received the highest rating of good, the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox.
IIHS developed this test to address concerns with small-impact crashes, for instance, the front of a vehicle clipping the front of another vehicle or an object such as a light pole or tree. Research shows that 25 percent of serious and fatal injuries occurred in small-impact frontal crashes.
In May 2013, IIHS tested small SUVs. Of the 13 models tested, only one received a good rating — the 2014 Subaru Forester. But these types of accidents are a concern for other vehicles as well. Subcompact cars, such as the Honda Fit and Fiat 500, have the worst performance. In 2013, IIHS conducted a test in which half of small passenger cars had poor results.
The auto industry hasn’t been faring well as of late. General Motors, Chevrolet and Ford Motor Co. recently issued recalls for safety-related defects. The biggest one involved 2.6 million cars recalled by GM, stemming from faulty ignition switches. Along with other crashes, the defect resulted in 13 deaths.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an accident resulting from faulty equipment or parts, talk to an attorney. There could be compensation available through a product liability claim filed with Gacovino, Lake & Associates. Damages could address medical bills, lost wages, wrongful death and more.
To stay abreast of recalls, sign up for our newsletter, Torts and More.
