Federal Regulators Expand Toyota and Chevy Probes

Federal safety regulators expanded an investigation of fires in power window switches in Camrys and other Toyota vehicles, and they also broadened a probe into possible driver-side door fires in Chevrolet Trailblazers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) added about 600,000 vehicles to the investigation of the Toyota window fires, according to the Associated Press. It now includes more than 1.4 million Toyota cars and SUVS. The investigation began in February with Camrys and RAV4s from the 2007 model year and now includes some Camrys from the 2008 and 2009 model years as well as some 2007 to 2009 Yaris subcompacts and all 2008 Highlander Hybrid SUVS.

So far nine injuries and 161 fires have been reported due to this issue. Toyota has yet to recall the vehicles.

A separate NHTSA vehicle probe into driver-side door fires in Chevrolet Trailblazers from model years 2006 and 2007 was also expanded from 309,000 vehicles to 341,786 vehicles. The agency made this change after General Motors sent it 167 reports and 698 warranty claims relating to the issue, according to Reuters. The company says there have been no injuries associated with the vehicles.

The NHTSA said it received 83 complaints, 28 of which led to door fires.

Both NHTSA inquiries have been raised to an “engineering analysis” status, which is often the next step in a possible a recall.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe vehicle, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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