Drivers and Passengers May Be Injured by Defective Vehicle Headrests

 Posted on January 25, 2021 in Defective Products

When you drive or ride in a car, you expect the vehicle’s systems to protect your safety, whether you are involved in a collision with other vehicles or are simply traveling on the road. Unfortunately, car or truck safety systems can sometimes be defective, and when they malfunction, they can cause serious injuries to a vehicle’s occupants. Since manufacturers regularly conduct recalls of vehicles or parts that are found to be defective, this means that many vehicles have parts that may present a danger to consumers. Those who are injured by these defective parts may be able to pursue compensation from a manufacturer through a product liability lawsuit. Recently, an issue with the headrests in some vehicles has put drivers and passengers at risk of injury.

Injuries Caused by “Exploding” Headrests

Certain Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles manufactured in 2010 or later have used what is known as an “active head restraint system.” These headrests are meant to provide extra protection against whiplash in a rear-end collision. When sensors in the vehicle detect a collision, springs in the headrest deploy, providing an extra cushion for a person’s head. However, the materials used in some of these headrests have been found to break down over time, and in some cases, the springs have deployed unexpectedly.

The random deployment of active head restraint systems in situations other than a collision has been compared to an explosion. The force of these headrests moving forward suddenly while a vehicle is in motion or at rest has caused serious injuries to people, including concussions, neck injuries, and injuries to the face. The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received nearly 100 complaints from consumers who have experienced sudden or random deployment of active head restraints.

These defective headrests may be found in both driver-side and passenger-side seats, and several vehicle models with these systems have been identified, including:

• Jeep Liberty models from 2010 to 2012
• Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2010 to 2018
• Jeep Patriot and Compass models from 2010 to 2017
• Dodge Caravan models from 2010 to 2018
• Dodge Durango models from 2011 to 2018
• Dodge Journey models from 2010 to 2018
• Dodge Caliber models from 2010 to 2012
• Dodge Nitro models from 2010 to 2011
• Chrysler Sebring and Avenger models from 2010 to 2014
• Chrysler Town & Country models from 2010 to 2018
• Chrysler 200 models from 2010 to 2014

Contact Our Rolling Meadows Defective Product Attorneys

If you have been injured by a defective headrest in a car or truck, Newland & Newland, LLP can help you hold an auto manufacturer responsible for the harm you have suffered. We will investigate the causes of your injury, gather evidence to show that the manufacturer acted negligently, and make sure you are fully compensated for the damages you have suffered. Contact our Arlington Heights product liability lawyers today at 847-797-8000 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/these-dodge-and-jeep-headrests-are-exploding-class-action-lawsuit/

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2020/chrysler-active-head-restraint-system-lawsuit.shtml