Are Recalled Cars Putting Uber and Lyft Passengers at Risk?

Consumer advocacy group the Center for Auto Safety has sent letters to rideshare companies Uber, Lyft, Via, and Juno imploring them to keep vehicles with unaddressed recalls off the roads, Wired reported recently. The move was in response to an August Consumer Reports story that showed one in every six Uber or Lyft vehicles had an open safety recall issue.

When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or an automaker learns of a defective design, system, or part in a motor vehicle, the manufacturer will notify all registered owners of the issue and how it will be fixed for free.

While the process of recalling defective vehicles to either repair the issue or replace the defective parts seems fairly straight-forward, it is also incredibly flawed. For one, there is no way to force people – including rideshare drivers – to bring their vehicles in for repairs. Also, it can be difficult for the manufacturer to notify the owners when the vehicle has been bought and sold more than once.

Is Rideshare Safe with So Many Recalled Cars?

Lyft told Consumer Reports that it implemented a policy forbidding drivers from using cars with “do not drive” orders on them. Wired noted that Uber and Lyft do not allow vehicles that are more than 10 to 15 years old. Uber’s basic service requires vehicles to be model year 2002 or newer, and Lyft requires vehicles to be model year 2006 or newer.

Consumer Reports states that Takata airbags were a major area of concern because the recalled airbags remained in 1,274 of the vehicles (approximately 1.4%) cited in its review. With both Uber and Lyft, it is ultimately the driver who has the responsibility of addressing a recall.

Most Popular Cars for Lyft and Uber Drivers in Sacramento

U.S. News & World Report offered a list of the best cars for Uber and Lyft drivers that included such sedans as:

It also included such SUVs as:

Consumer Reports also offered its own list, which was topped by the 2014 or newer model Toyota Prius. The 2015 or newer Toyota Camry was named the best sedan, the 2016 or newer Kia Soul was the most affordable car, and the 2015 or newer Honda CR-V was named the best for bad weather. The 2014 or newer Honda Odyssey was named the best for Uber XL and Lyft Plus, while the 2013 or newer Lexus ES was named best for Uber Select and Lyft Premier.

What to Do If I’m in an Uber/Lyft Accident in Sacramento

Any ridesharing accident can be incredibly confusing for all people involved, whether they were passengers in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, occupants in another vehicle involved in the crash, or as pedestrians or bicyclists.

If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, seek medical attention as soon as possible and then contact Demas Law Group for help.

Our firm has a record of success that includes recovering $10.2 million for one client whose insurance company originally offered only $150,000. You can know that we will fight for every last dollar of compensation you are entitled to. We can review your case as soon as you call us or contact us online to set up a free consultation.