St. Petersburg EV Vehicle Owners: Beware Of This Issue
Michael Babboni
Recalls
Electric vehicles are all the rage right now, and many consumers have snatched them up in recent years. Of course, there are still naysayers who prefer gas engines, and that is their prerogative. However, there are plenty of others who have gone this route. Some are doing their part to save natural resources and prevent global warming. Meanwhile, others chose to buy the rides because of state or federal incentives.It doesn't really matter why people are buying EVs. The point is that they are. It isn't even uncommon to see the vehicles on streets throughout St. Petersburg. So, if you're out and about on Central Ave., 1st St. S., or another road, don't be surprised if you spot such cars. Don't merely take our word for it, though. Just look at this stat for the particular model of vehicle we're focusing on today.
According to research, Volkswagen's ID.4 set a new sales record in quarter four of 2022. As such, that means there are 20,511 across the United States right now. If this momentum continues, it is estimated that ID.4 vehicle sales can reach as much as 30,000 to 40,000 in 2023. However, before running right out and purchasing one of these EVs, be sure to do some research. The following is an issue we recently learned about.
1,042 Potentially Affected Units
It has come to our attention that there may be 1,042-year model 2023 ID.4 rear-wheel drive vehicles in circulation with an issue. These Volkswagen EVs have 12-Volt battery charging cables that may touch the steering columns. If this connection occurs, the insulation on the wire can wear away, potentially causing a short circuit.
On one hand, this issue can result in a loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash. Meanwhile, on the other hand, the short circuit problem also increases the risk of a vehicle fire. So, if you're the proud owner of such a ride, it may be time to park it for a bit. Just be sure to do that outside and away from structures. The last thing you need is flames igniting while the car is parked inside your garage or near the house, as that could cause quite a bit of damage.
Contact your dealership, whether that's Berk Smith Volkswagen in St. Pete or a business elsewhere, and ask if there's a remedy. The representative you talk to should be able to tell you all about the matter and what steps you should take next. But what if you get injured by a defective product or it damages your home?
Should You Seek Compensation?
Has a defective product injured you? If you can prove some form of negligence took place on a manufacturer or seller's part, you could be entitled to fair compensation for your damages. We say 'could' because that manufacturer will most certainly have a legal team that will stop at nothing to discredit the claim and send you home with nothing.
Some accident victims are apprehensive about seeking compensation because they don't want others to view them as greedy. However, those thoughts should be pushed to the back burner if they ever cross your mind. Those with minor to severe injuries can run into financial hardships in the blink of an eye when having to pay for medical exams, procedures, and treatments in the United States today.
But, there's a very good chance you can keep that fate at bay. All you need is high-quality legal representation in your corner. Then, the attorney will fight tooth and nail to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free case review with The St. Pete Lawyer to see where your claim stands.