The “ghost riders” phenomenon on 3,300 Indian brand motorcycles may not be a mere myth. According to a USA Today news report, the Minnesota-based company has issued a recall for these motorcycles because the engines can start by themselves due to a faulty switch. The recall encompasses 11 models from the 2018 model year.
Indian Motorcycle Recall Details
Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state that corrosion in the switch can cause an electrical short. Such an event could start the engine if the key fob is nearby. The agency says if the engine starts unintentionally and the motorcycle is in an enclosed space, people could be exposed to carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas.
Documents show two reports of motorcycles starting on their own. Polaris Industries Inc., which owns Indian, says it hasn’t received any carbon monoxide exposure or injury reports. When the recall begins, dealers will replace the defective switches at no cost to consumers. The affected models include Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, and Chieftain Elite.
Why Carbon Monoxide is Dangerous
Fuel burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces produces fumes that contain carbon monoxide, or CO. CO could build up indoors and poison people and animals that breathe it. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Some of these symptoms may feel flu-like. If you breathe in a lot of CO, you could pass out or even die.
This is why carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in all rooms and levels of residences. Our law firm is also fighting for the rights of police officers and civilians who have been injured due to defective Ford Explorer SUVs that are leaking carbon monoxide into the passenger compartments, poisoning drivers and passengers.
Suppose a dangerous or defective product has injured you. In that case, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses by filing a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. Injured victims may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced product defect lawyer who will fight for their rights and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2018/04/19/ghost-machine-indian-motorcycles-may-self-start-due-faulty-switch-recall-started/533082002/
