NHTSA Wraps Chevy Volt Investigation: Is the Volt Safe for Drivers in Kennett, Missouri and Elsewhere?

Our Kennett, Missouri car accident attorneys have been following the media storm surrounding the controversial safety issues plaguing the Chevy Volt. Back in November, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating the Volt in response to reports of unexpected fires under the hood. When these vehicles were tested for occupant protection and crash safety, it was discovered that the vehicle's lithium-ion battery could be damaged in a side-collision car accident, causing the coolant line could rupture.

After engineers conducted a test side-impact accident, the car's battery caught fire some days later, all by itself. The NHTSA has worked alongside General Motors, the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to figure out more about the problem, to correct the situation, and to alert vehicle owners.

This week, officials closed that investigation, announcing that GM would install a protective casing around the battery in existing Volts, which would resolve the issue and make a recall unnecessary. While the NHTSA concluded that electric cars are no more likely to catch fire than gas powered cars, they also released new guidelines for firefighters and other emergency responders, outlining the appropriate approach to an electric vehicle fire. (To read these guidelines, click here.) Notably, the guidelines warn that toxic fumes can leak from damaged batteries long after a fire has been put out. Additionally, according to NHTSA's report, "The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist."

Vehicle recalls are inevitable, even when we think we've purchased a safe car. For this reason, it's important to keep an eye on the current vehicle recalls. You can do so by visiting the Recalls.gov website. Recall announcements frequently offer free repairs or replacements, but it's important for consumers to stay well informed about the most recent recalls to prevent a serious accident.