The last few years have been record-setting years for vehicle recalls. Most notably, the Takata airbag recall has affected over 100 million vehicles. If you have ever received a postcard in the mail, notifying you that your vehicle has been recalled, you may have wondered if semi-trucks are ever subject to similar recalls.
The answer is yes. Furthermore, because semi-trucks are required to undergo regular inspections, their owners must follow through on these recall notices. A failure to take the semi-truck in for repair or retrofitting can result in fines and even the issuance of a shutdown order from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
FMCSA Issues Safety Bulletin for Volvo Trucks
The FMCSA can also issue safety bulletins ordering semi-truck owners and carrier companies to place recalled trucks out-of-service until they have been repaired. The agency did just that in March 2016, following a recall of Volvo trucks manufactured between 2015 and 2016. In that recall, a missing roll pin had the potential to allow the lower steering shaft to disconnect from the junction block, causing a total loss of steering.
Other Types of Semi Recalls
Fully loaded, semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It’s easy to understand why the FMCSA takes recalls seriously when it comes to these giant vehicles.
Although a semi-truck recall can be burdensome for truck operators and carriers—who depend on a functional fleet to earn a living—these trucks are massive machines with thousands of moving parts. Even a slight defect can cause a catastrophic accident. Safety is a priority—even if it means taking a truck off the road for a day or two while a defective part is replaced.
In some cases, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues recalls. In other situations, the companies that manufacture parts for semis notify the NHTSA of a problem and issue their own voluntary recall. This type of recall occurred over the summer of 2016, when a truck part company voluntarily recalled 195,000 defective spring brake valves.
For regular vehicle owners, recalls are voluntary. You may not be required to take in your car for repair, but it’s incredibly important to do so. Although recalls can be an inconvenience, taking care of a potentially dangerous defect helps you stay as safe as possible on the road. You can check to see if your car has been recalled by visiting safercar.gov and entering your car’s VIN or make and model information.
Eberstein & Witherite, LLP: Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a semi-truck crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. Call the Atlanta truck accident lawyers of 1800 Truck Wreck at Eberstein & Witherite, LLP today to receive a free case evaluation. You can reach us at 1-800-TRUCK WRECK (1-800-878-2597).
Lucy Tiseo
Eberstein & Witherite, LLP
Phone: 800-878-2597
Email: [email protected]
www.atlanta.1800truckwreck.com
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