Lawsuit for Defective Aftermarket Auto Parts
Modified Auto Part Defects
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If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by defective modified aftermarket auto parts, filing a lawsuit could be a critical step toward justice and recovery. The rise in aftermarket modifications such as custom exhausts, suspension kits, or performance chips has led to an increase in safety concerns, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting over 1,000 complaints annually related to aftermarket failures.
The increase in accidents caused by defective aftermarket auto parts has fueled a surge in lawsuits across the United States. Defective aftermarket parts can lead to catastrophic accidents, causing injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. Lawsuits offer a pathway to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Top Aftermarket Part Defects and Recalls
- Faulty Airbags: Aftermarket airbags, often cheaper alternatives to OEM versions, have been recalled for failing to deploy or deploying unexpectedly. A notable 2022 recall involved 50,000 units due to improper inflation mechanisms, linked to multiple crashes.
- Defective Brakes: Substandard brake pads or rotors have caused braking malfunctions, with a 2021 recall affecting 30,000 vehicles. These parts, made with inferior materials, increase stopping distances, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Suspension Failures: Aftermarket suspension kits, popular for lowering vehicles, have been recalled for structural weaknesses. A 2023 recall covered 20,000 kits after reports of rollaway accidents due to poor design.
- Faulty Fuel Systems: Modified fuel lines or pumps have sparked recalls, such as a 2020 case involving 15,000 units where leaks caused fires. These defects often stem from untested materials.
- Defective Software: Performance chips altering engine software have been recalled for causing unintended acceleration. A 2024 recall targeted 10,000 chips after software glitches led to crashes.
Consumer safety advocates are warning that modified vehicles are threatening motorists and overall road safety. American roadways are filled with modified vehicles and aftermarket auto products that have not been properly tested for road and collision worthiness.
Modified vehicles are constructed with aftermarket auto products, or modified from their show room status. Aftermarket vehicles may just take the original frame and create a car that hardly resembles the original automaker design.
It’s not only sporty cars, however, with modified exhaust and spoilers. Trucks, RVs and limousines are frequently modified to taste. Road safety issues may result from irresponsible modified vehicle construction. Some questions after an accident may include the following:
- Does this aftermarket vehicle or modified vehicle comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards?
- Has a certified automotive engineer reviewed these vehicle design modifications?
- Have these modified vehicles been equipped with safety features and crash tested?
What are Common Features of Modified Vehicles?
- Non-standard lighting
- Window tinting
- Modified exhaust or muffler removal
- Ground clearance modification (lifts or drops)
- Extremely loud sound systems
- Scissor doors
- Spoilers
- Push Guards
- Blackout kits
- Windshield obstruction
- Spinning rims and wheel hubs
- Cold air intakes
- Turbochargers
- Superchargers
Defective modified vehicles and aftermarket auto components cause a great number of auto accidents and subsequent injuries each year in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) works to issue auto notices after accidents and auto defects are reported, however, modified vehicles are on the road at all times, endangering motorists and passengers.
Consumer Safety Attorneys can assist in trying to hold individuals and body shops responsible for the damage and harm of an auto accident, and recover rightful compensation following a preventable injury.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated Auto Defect Lawyer and Product Liability Attorney reviewing aftermarket auto accident cases and related defective car parts for plaintiffs nationwide.
The Lyon Firm works with automotive engineers and Accident Investigators to determine the root cause of accidents and specific auto defects. Lawsuits can recover rightful compensation for plaintiffs.
Dangerous Modified Vehicles & Aftermarket Product Recalls
Auto recalls are issued regularly after road accidents and injuries have already taken their toll on consumers and motorists. Thousands of recalls are announced each year, though can involve defective cars that have been on the road for many years already.
Why File a Lawsuit?
- Financial Compensation for Injuries: Defective aftermarket parts, like a faulty brake pad or a misaligned steering component, can cause severe accidents, leading to medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage. A lawsuit can recover these costs, plus compensation for pain and suffering. For example, a 2023 case in Ohio awarded $1.5 million to a driver injured by a defective aftermarket turbocharger, highlighting the potential for significant payouts. Search for “defective aftermarket parts lawyer near me” to find experts who can maximize your claim.
- Holding Manufacturers Accountable: Filing a lawsuit targets the manufacturers or sellers of defective parts, such as those producing substandard suspension kits or engine modifications. If negligence—poor design, inadequate testing, or failure to warn—is proven, you can hold them liable. This pressure can force recalls or better quality control, protecting other drivers.
- Preventing Future Accidents: Taking egal action doesn’t just benefit you—it safeguards others. A successful lawsuit can lead to stricter regulations or manufacturer improvements, reducing the risk of future defects.
Handling Complex Auto Defects Cases
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Why are Auto Defects cases important?
Our product liability attorneys work on a contingency basis, making legal help risk-free. Free consultations allow you to assess your case without upfront costs. Filing a lawsuit after an accident involving defective modified aftermarket auto parts offers financial relief, accountability, and safety improvements. With the NHTSA tracking rising complaints, now is the time to act.
We have extensive experience in auto defect cases, such as those handling NHTSA-reported incidents, to ensure robust representation. Act now as statutes of limitations typically span only a couple years from the accident date. Gather evidence like repair records, part receipts, and accident reports.
FAQ about Aftermarket Auto Part Lawsuits
Yes, you can pursue legal action against aftermarket parts manufacturers when their defective products cause injuries or accidents. These companies bear the same product liability responsibilities as original equipment manufacturers. Your claim would target the aftermarket parts producer, the retailer who sold the component, and potentially the mechanic or shop that installed it. Common defective aftermarket parts include brake pads, suspension components, steering systems, and airbags. The key is proving the part was defectively designed, manufactured with substandard materials, or lacked proper safety warnings.
Modifications do not automatically eliminate your right to pursue compensation, but they can complicate liability claims. Courts examine whether your alterations contributed to the accident or injuries sustained. If you installed a lift kit and the vehicle rolled over, defendants may argue the modification caused instability. However, if you added custom wheels and a defective airbag failed to deploy, the modification likely had no causal connection to your injuries.
Multiple parties may share liability in these situations. The parts manufacturer bears primary responsibility for producing a defective product. The auto shop or mechanic may be liable if they negligently selected an inappropriate part, installed it incorrectly, or failed to inspect it properly before installation. Retailers and distributors in the supply chain can also face claims for selling dangerous products. Some cases involve shared liability where, for example, a part had inherent design flaws and the mechanic compounded the problem through improper installation.
Performance aftermarket parts must still meet basic safety requirements, though they may not undergo the same rigorous testing as original equipment. Manufacturers cannot escape liability by labeling products as “for racing use only” or “off-road use” when they know consumers will use them on public roads. If a high-performance brake kit fails catastrophically or a turbocharger modification causes engine fires, the manufacturer can be held accountable.
Aftermarket parts can shift or share liability depending on the accident circumstances. If a defective aftermarket component directly caused your accident, the original vehicle manufacturer typically is not responsible for that specific failure. However, if the original vehicle had a design flaw that made it incompatible with commonly used aftermarket parts, or if the vehicle’s defect would have caused the accident regardless of modifications, you may still have claims against the automaker.
Auto Defect Lawsuits
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Taking the first step doesn’t have to be complicated. In just a few minutes, you can share the basics of your case, and our team will guide you from there:
- It begins with a few simple questions about your situation.
- From there, a member of our legal team reviews your case.
- Together, we’ll chart the path forward, helping you take the next step toward resolution.
