mobile-menu-icon
Motrolix

Keyless Ignitions Prompt Some To Sue 10 Global Automakers

A lawsuit filed in a US Federal Court in Los Angeles Wednesday implicates 10 major, global automakers for allegedly ignoring the potentiality of carbon-monoxide poisoning with regard to keyless ignition systems.

According to Reuters, the “faulty” vehicles from BMW, GM, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, and others will not automatically shut off after the driver parks and exits the vehicle with the key fob. That means that carbon-monoxide continues to issue from the tailpipe, and especially where a residence has an attached garage, it can lead to carbon-monoxide poisoning – even death.

In fact, the plaintiffs claim that the alleged defect in these cars’ respective keyless ignition systems has been linked to some 13 deaths already. The suit – so far covering a handful of complainants in the US – is seeking class-action status.

The complaint filed in Federal Court alleges that “the automakers had actual knowledge of the dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning consequences of vehicles with keyless fobs that lack an automatic shut-off.” Reuters reports that thus far, only Ford Motor Company has issued a response, stating that the automaker takes consumer safety “very seriously,” further claiming that its own keyless ignition systems are “safe and reliable.”

Aaron Birch is an automotive enthusiast and writer/filmmaker from Detroit, MI. As a rule, he only buys cars older than himself.

No Comments yet

Leave a comment

Cancel