The Car Complaint Index is a list of consumer complaints used to determine which 20 models of vehicle caused motorists the most irritation and injury in 2012. The Toyota Prius, the world’s best selling hybrid automobile, had more complaints registered with the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration than any other vehicle model. Prius owners have complained of having difficulty with the vehicle’s abrupt acceleration and braking issues. The second largest number of consumer complaints with the administration came from Hyundai Sonata owners. The complaints commonly pertained to the Sonata’s steering issues with the vehicles drifting either left or right. The third largest amount of complaints came from owners of the BMW 5 Series. A fuel pressure pump pressure issue in the 5 Series has in some cases prohibited motorists from accelerating to a safe speed on fast moving highways. Rounding out the top four was the Kia Sorrento, citing consumer complaints for a variety of issues. Owners complained that the vehicles showed transmission defects, acceleration issues, and check engine light failure.
As a car accident attorney in Bakersfield, I know the accidents and injuries that can result from malfunctioning automobile components, and I hope that these consumer complaints are isolated incidents and not indicative of widespread safety issues effecting vehicles currently on U.S. roadways. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective vehicle, please consider contacting a Bakersfield personal injury lawyer.