Two vehicle recalls have recently been issued that could affect Louisiana residents. The first recall affects BMW owners and actually concerns two issues of safety. The second recall concerns the owners of Chrysler vehicles. Reports do not state whether the auto part defect present in these vehicles has resulted in any injuries or deaths.

BMW has recalled over half a million vehicles including some of its sedans, sports cars, convertibles, couples and wagons, for model years from 2007 through 2011. The auto part defect is related to a battery cable connector. The connector could fail, causing the vehicle to lose its electrical power and resulting in a stalled engine, potentially endangering the lives of the driver and passenger. BMW has also recalled over 30,000 of its SUVs, model years 2007 through 2010, for oil leaks in the brake hose. There is a possibility the leak could cause the power braking system to fail.

The Chrysler recall concerns almost 300,000 SUVs and pickup trucks, model years 2009 through 2012. There is a possibility that a nut could loosen in the vehicle's rear axle, forcing it to lock. The issue could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, with potentially tragic consequences for those inside of the vehicle.

Louisiana residents have the right to know they are safe while traveling in a vehicle they have purchased. When an auto part defect recall is issued, it diminishes that sense of safety for consumers. Anyone who has been involved in a car accident or otherwise injured because of an issue with their vehicle may have the right to seek compensation. Successful litigation could result in consumers receiving monetary compensation, something that could help them offset the costs of any injuries they sustained as a result of a defect in their automobile.

Source: The Augusta Chronicle, "Auto recalls," Feb. 21, 2013