Much to the dismay of auto-manufacturers, every year expensive safety recalls are conducted often as a response to motor vehicle accidents and often wrongful deaths that occur as the result of faulty parts or poor vehicle assembly.

What many consumers may not know is that many automakers use “secret warranties” to avoid costly full recalls and to try to decrease awareness of legal liability. As a consumer, a good practice is to be aware of which vehicles are currently subject to recalls and to waste no time when consulting an experienced attorney if you or a loved one has suffered injury or death prior to learning about one of these vehicular issues.

This article is intended to shed some light on recent automotive recalls and to inform the public in the event that a manufacturer has failed to contact an owner or provide adequate attention to resolving any issues with their vehicle.

BMW is recalling 97 model year 2017-2018 M760Li xDrive vehicles due to engine oil cooler lines that may leak oil into their engine compartments. This leak may result in exposure of oil in brake discs which decreases the vehicle’s ability to stop which, in turn, increases the risk of a crash. The recall is expected to begin June 1, 2017 and consists of full replacement of engine oil cooling lines by BMW at no cost to the owner.

Ford is recalling 84 model year 2017 Edge vehicles equipped with the optional Panoramic Vista Roof due to improperly welded windshield headers. This compromise to lateral structural integrity increases the risk of harm to occupants in the event of a side-impact crash. Ford is expected to notify owners and repair the windshield header at no cost to the owner, starting May 15, 2017.

Ford is recalling 509 model 2017 Ford F-450 and F-550 Superduty vehicles due to vibration that occurs at highway speeds which may fracture driveline components or transmission. In the event that these components are compromised, the vehicle may lose motive power increasing the risk of crash. Owners should have been notified starting April 6, 2017 and are currently awaiting additional notification once replacement parts (driveshaft and center bearing brackets) become available.

American Honda Motor Company is recalling 136 model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD and AWD vehicles due to fuel tanks that may leak and increase the risk of fire. Honda should have begun a recall as of April 24, 2017 and is expected to replace the fuel tank at no cost the owner.

Chrysler is recalling 30 model year 2016-2017 Ram 1500 trucks due to a potentially loose differential pin retaining screw that may result in the differential breaking or locking up causing a loss of motive power or loss of vehicle control. Chrysler is expected to issue a recall as of May 7, 2017 to inspect and replace differential retaining pins at no cost to the customer.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident while driving or with one of the vehicles listed above in the Denver Metro Area, do not hesitate to call Cristiano Law and consult with a highly experienced malpractice attorney.

Frank Cristiano is an attorney and legal blogger for CristianoLaw.com