NHTSA Updates Chevy Volt Fire Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a statement on January 5 concerning the potential risk of fires in the electric-powered Chevrolet Volts. A fire broke out in the defective vehicle in June and the NHTSA opened an investigation into the safety of the Volt in November. The initial investigation, which was a collaboration of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, showed that when an intrusion into the battery is combined with a leakage of coolant, fire can be sparked in the 400-pound lithium ion Volt battery pack.
There were no real world crashes that resulted in fires in the Chevy Volt, but fires occurred days after the federal safety tests and could be replicated in laboratory tests. The NHTSA did crash a Chevy Volt retrofitted with a General Motors steel reinforcement, which proved effective against a steel pole intrusion into the battery compartment. The investigation into the Chevy Volt should be concluded soon, according to the automaker.
About 8,000 Volts have been sold in the U.S. and beginning in February, consumers can bring their vehicles into the dealerships to receive the fix while General Motors avoids a massive auto recall.
Defective Vehicle
A vehicle can be defective in its design or in its manufacture. When the defective component of the vehicle has the potential to cause consumer injuries, the injured victim can file a product liability action against the manufacturer, the designer, or anyone involved in distribution. You should not have to go it alone if you are injured by a defective vehicle. Farah & Farah’s Florida auto defect attorneys are ready to answer your questions at (800) 533-3555.
By Eddie Farah
