Drivers expect collisions to come from reckless behavior, but in Alabama, the bigger threat might come from inside the vehicle. Defective car parts have been linked to thousands of crashes, and a 2024 study found equipment failures were the leading cause in more than half of all accidents.

Even well-maintained cars can hide defects. When brakes give out, tires burst, or electrical systems misfire, a routine drive can end in a serious crash, and often, it’s the manufacturer who’s at fault.

Discover which car parts pose the biggest risk to Alabama drivers and how a skilled Huntsville car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation under the state’s product liability laws.

The 8 Most Dangerous Defective Car Parts

When critical vehicle parts fail, they put everyone on the road at risk. These are the components most often linked to crashes and recalls:

1. Braking Systems

Brake defects are the leading cause of defect-related accidents, contributing to 42% of such crashes. Problems include total brake loss, uneven stopping, or pulling to one side. You may hear grinding or squealing before a failure. GM’s recalls due to a brake booster issue, where a faulty vacuum assist pump increased stopping distances, show how small flaws can turn deadly.

2. Tires

Tire blowouts account for 22% of defect-related crashes, with worn tread and under-inflation adding to the danger. Warning signs include bulges, cracks, or vibrations at high speeds. Past recalls, like Firestone’s SUV tires, revealed how quickly a blowout can lead to rollovers.

3. Airbags

Airbags are designed to save lives, but defective units can fail to deploy or open with too much force. The Takata recall, one of the largest in history, was triggered by inflators that exploded and caused fatal injuries. There are often no warning signs that an airbag will malfunction, making this defect especially dangerous in a collision.

4. Steering Components

Steering defects often happen without warning. Issues like broken linkages or faulty power steering can cause the vehicle to become uncontrollable. In 2024, Ford recalled thousands of vehicles after discovering a torque sensor problem that could cause the wheel to turn on its own, increasing the risk of a crash.

5. Seat Belts and Restraint Systems

Seat belts are the last line of protection in a crash. Defective latches or pretensioners can jam or break, leaving passengers unprotected. In 2022, Hyundai recalled vehicles for seat belt parts that risked exploding on impact. When restraints fail, passengers face a much higher risk of ejection and serious injury.

6. Ignition Switches

Faulty ignition switches can cause vehicles to shut off while driving, disabling airbags, power steering, and brakes all at once. GM’s ignition switch defect in the mid-2010s was tied to at least 31 crashes and 13 deaths. Stalling or difficulty starting the vehicle can occur before a complete failure.

7. Accelerator and Throttle Systems

Accelerator defects can cause unintended acceleration or make it impossible to slow down. Toyota faced massive recalls for malfunctioning throttle systems, leading to fatal crashes. Warning signs include pedals that feel sticky or fail to return to their normal position.

8. Electronic Stability Control Systems

Electronic stability control (ESC) is designed to prevent skids and rollovers. When the system malfunctions, cars may spin out or lose traction in dangerous conditions. Recalls of Kia vehicles in 2024 linked to electrical shorts demonstrate how these electronic systems can fail with little warning, sometimes resulting in fires.

Alabama’s Product Liability Laws

When parts fail because of a design flaw, Alabama product liability law allows injured parties to hold the manufacturer accountable. These claims usually fall into one of three categories:

  • Design Defect: The part was unsafe from the start, even before it was built.
  • Manufacturing Defect: The design was sound, but errors during production created a faulty batch.
  • Failure to Warn: The manufacturer knew of risks but didn’t provide adequate instructions or warnings.

To win a claim, the injured party must prove that the defect caused the crash or made the outcome more severe. Since manufacturers usually challenge these cases, success often depends on expert analysis and technical evidence.

Preserving Evidence in Defective Car Part Cases

One of the costliest mistakes after a crash is rushing to repair or get rid of the vehicle. The defective part may be the most important piece of evidence in your case.

If you believe a defect played a part in your accident:

  • Keep the Vehicle Intact: Don’t authorize repairs or disposal until it’s been inspected.
  • Document Everything: Take photographs of the damage, warning lights, and any signs of failure.
  • Contact an Attorney: An experienced car accident lawyer can arrange for experts to examine the vehicle and document the defective part.

The sooner evidence is secured, the stronger your claim will be.

Protect Your Claim Before It’s Too Late

You can do everything right behind the wheel and still end up in the hospital if a car part fails without warning. When brakes, airbags, or electrical systems malfunction, families face medical bills, missed work, and long-term recovery.

That burden shouldn’t fall on you. At Tyler Mann Injury Law, we investigate these failures, preserve the evidence, and hold manufacturers accountable for putting unsafe products on Alabama roads.

Reach out today for a free consultation and let us start building a case for fair compensation.