A class action lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles against 10 of the world’s largest automakers over allegations they had concealed risks of carbon monoxide poisoning present in keyless ignitions. Keyless ignitions work by using electronic fobs that are inserted into vehicles, at which point consumers only press a button.

Consumers mistakenly believe the keyless ignition will automatically turn off once the electronic fobs are removed from the vehicles. However, some electronic fobs have no automatic shut-off mechanism.  Vehicles left turned on emit deadly carbon monoxide, an odorless and tasteless gas.

People with connected garages who are sleeping will likely not be able to escape the deadly gas. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning affects 5 million vehicles with keyless ignitions. Since 2009, consumers have filed 27 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding keyless ignitions.

So far, 13 people have died and many more have been injured. The lawsuit wants to hold the automakers accountable for knowing about the defect and failing to put safeguards in place that would automatically turn off vehicles.

The defendants in the case include BMW, Mercedes Benz, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen.

How Can Consumers Protect Themselves Against Keyless Ignitions?

Consumers can protect themselves from this defect by visiting the Centers for Disease Control website and becoming familiar with the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pains and confusion.

Always read the instruction manuals for vehicles so it is abundantly clear the automobiles are safely turned off. For future updates on this story, follow Metier Law Firm on Facebook.

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