Defective Suspension Lawsuits

Automotive suspension failure can be caused by design defects, manufacturing defects, or poor vehicle maintenance. In recent years, a number of car manufacturers have recalled vehicles due to faulty suspension systems, which have led to serious accidents and injuries.

Many issues with auto suspension involve poor workmanship at auto plants, and others are attributed to poor design. Either way, a defective suspension component or system can lead to a failure on the roadway and increase the risk of collision and injury for drivers and passengers.

Anyone injured in a road accident that resulted from a defective automotive component may be able to file claims against a manufacturer, distributor, dealership or negligent mechanic.

• Pulling One Side While Drive
• Uneven Tire Pressure
• Uneven Tire Wear
• Poor Wheel Alignment
• Bad Tire Rods 
• Bad Steering Rack
• Brake Caliper Sticking 
• Control Arm Damage

Causes of Suspension Damage

• Potholes 
• Defective Design 
• Poor Maintenance 
• Overloading of the Vehicle 
• Rust
• Age 
• Chemical Changes in the Metal 

Following a serious car accident, victims should contact an experienced auto defect lawyer to investigate.

Joe Lyon is a highly-rated and experienced product liability attorney, well-versed in the science and economic impact such an injury or death has on the victim’s life and family. 

Defective Suspension Recalls

1. In January, 2017, Land Rover and Range Rover units were recalled over a suspension issue which could lead drivers to lose control of their vehicle. The recall statement said if the vehicle is exposed to a heavy impact such as a deep pothole, the front suspension may fail. If the front suspension fails, the front wheel could separate from its lower joint and lead to a loss of vehicle control.
2. In 2016, Ford Motor recalled about 81,000 sport-utility vehicles to fix a suspension issue. The defect affected 2014-15 Ford Explorer and Ford Police Interceptor SUVs, and was linked to at least one injury. The vehicles’ rear suspension toe links were reportedly poorly welded and may fracture, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
3. In July, 2016, Mitsubishi recalled over 174,000 cars and SUVs over a corrosion issue. The recall included the 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander, and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6. According to Mitsubishi, the front lower control arm might detach from other suspension components after being exposed to salt water, making road salt a danger to car owners.
4. In August, 2016, Toyota Motor recalled 337,000 vehicles—Toyota RAV4 SUV from the 2006-11 model years and the 2010 Lexus HS250h. Toyota first recalled these vehicles in 2012 because of a wobbly rear suspension. The company recalled them in 2013 because the nuts used to adjust the rear wheel alignment weren’t tightened properly. In 2016, Toyota found that rust can form on the suspension arm threads if the nuts for the rear wheel alignment weren’t tightened correctly. In severe cases, the suspension arm may separate from the vehicle and cause the driver to lose control.
5. In June, 2017, Mazda issued two recalls for over 100,000 units of their 2004-2008 RX-8 sports coupe. Mazda said there may be “inappropriate caulking” on the suspension’s front lower control arm’s ball joint, which may cause the socket to crack. If that occurs, and a heavy load is applied to the suspension, the ball joint may separate and make cause a loss of control. The second recall noted a problem with the fuel pump—heat from the engine and exhaust may cause the fuel pump’s pipe to deteriorate and cause a fuel leak.
6. In June, 2016, Kia recalled 14,000 2012 Sedona units, noting road salt could corrode the front control arms, and ultimately lead to control arm failure. A suspension failure could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
7. In June, 2016, Hyundai recalled almost 15,000 2011 Elantra and Sonata units because the front suspension coil springs may be susceptible to corrosion. The company said that over time corrosion could cause the springs to fail, potentially damaging front tires and causing rapid air loss or tire failure.

Tesla Suspension Defects

Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles manufactured between September 2013 and October 2018 are allegedly equipped with front and rear suspension control arm assembly components that may be prone to loosen, wear, crack and/or break and cause motorists to lose control during operation.

Plaintiffs’ complaints have been submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and alleges a Tesla suspension defect poses an unreasonable safety risk. According to the lawsuit, Tesla has “concealed” the suspension defect from customers and regulators.

The Tesla suspension defect can lead to issues without warning and has the potential to cause a sudden loss of steering control while a vehicle is in motion. The rear or front control arms can separate from the steering knuckle, according to the claims. In effect, the defect could lead to the wheels on the vehicles fold inward or detach.

In October 2020, the China State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced that it would recall about 40,000 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles due to a suspension defect. The agency reported that the ball studs of the rear connecting rod of the front suspension showed cracking, increasing the risk of accidents.

The lawsuit mentions that in 2016 Tesla required customers to sign non-disclosure agreements in exchange for repairing failed suspension components. Tesla eventually ended this practice, though has reportedly continued to downplay the seriousness of the suspension issues.

GM Suspension Recall

A GM suspension recall covers 2012 and 2013 Buick Regal, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, and the 2010 through 2013 Buick Lacrosse midsize cars that were sold or registered in a number of “salt-belt” states. The rear toe links can rust and fail on 213,000 GM vehicles.

A coating on the toe links can chip away, exposing the metal and allowing rust to develop, compromising the structure. Rust can cause the links to fracture. The recall covers vehicles sold in several states.