Can a Faulty Wiring Harness Cause a Car Fire?

A faulty wiring harness in a vehicle can result in fires and other injuries, but most motorists are unaware of the danger until something actually happens — i.e., a fire starts in the car or someone suffers an injury from electric shock.

Unfortunately, as motor vehicles have become more complex in their construction and technology, the chances that wiring may be defective are higher than they were in older, simpler cars and trucks.

What are the Dangers of a Faulty Wiring Harness?

In a number of recent cases, defective electrical wiring in motor vehicles have caused:

• short circuits resulting in a blown battery terminal
• fuel pump failure
• loss of headlights, taillights, and other exterior lighting
• malfunctioning door locks
• malfunctioning driver controls
• electric shock

Wiring problems have affected millions of vehicles over the past several years, resulting in recalls and repairs.

What are the Signs of a Faulty Wiring Harness?

Unfortunately, most drivers fail to realize their vehicle has electrical problems until the manufacturer issues a recall. In a number of cases, incidents occur that result in injury or death before such problems are even investigated.  Signs of defective or compromised automotive wiring may include:

• flickering lights (dashboard, headlights, interior lighting, etc.)
• sudden power loss
• intermittent failure of accessories such as power windows, air conditioning, displays, etc.
• burning smells

Short circuits are the most common reason for vehicle recalls due to electrical issues.

What Vehicles Have Been Recalled for Defective Electrical Wiring?

Late last year, GM issued a recall for as many as 900,000 2019 Sierra, Chevrolet Silverado pickups and Cadillac CT6-V sedans around the world, 90 percent of which had reportedly been sold in the U.S. These vehicles reportedly have a software issue that can affect the vehicle’s electronic stability controls and anti-lock brakes, resulting in a higher risk of a collision.  Additionally, over 350,000 of the pickups sold in the U.S. had too much glue applied to an electric cable running between the alternator and the battery, potentially interrupting the flow of current and resulting in a fire.

It is not the first time GM vehicles have been recalled over electrical issues. According to Consumer Reports, in 2014, GM recalled more than 2 million vehicles for an issue with a faulty wiring harness for the body module, which was subject to corrosion and could prevent brake lights from illuminating while disabling other important functions. Models affected included the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura.

Most recently, Honda announced a recall of more than 240,000 2018-2020 Odysseys because of improperly installed interior trim that could cause a short circuit and catch fire.  Specifically, the wiring harness for the third-row accessory power outlet could get pinched between the unibody and rear trim panel, potentially damaging wires.

What Can Be Done About a Faulty Wiring Harness?

The best way to find out if your car or truck has been subject to a manufacturer recall is to visit the website of the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NTHSA).  Once there, you can enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out if there have been problems reported and the appropriate action to take.

Join a Free Vehicle Safety Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a vehicle that you believe has a safety defect and you are outside of the warranty period or you believe the defect should be covered by the warranty and it’s not, or you or a family member have been injured by a safety related defect, you may qualify to join this vehicle safety defect class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.