When a crash happens, everyone assumes a driver made a mistake. But sometimes the real culprit is the vehicle itself — a tire that blew out, an airbag that didn’t deploy (or deployed when it shouldn’t have), brakes that failed, a defect that caused a rollover. When a car or one of its components fails, New Jersey’s product-liability law can hold the manufacturer responsible, separate from any driver’s fault.
Auto defects are product-liability cases
A defective vehicle or part falls under the New Jersey Product Liability Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:58C-1 et seq.). That means you generally don’t have to prove the manufacturer was careless — only that the product was defective and that the defect caused the harm. Defects come in the familiar three forms:
- Manufacturing defect — a part that came out wrong (a flawed tire, a bad weld).
- Design defect — a dangerous design with a safer feasible alternative (a vehicle prone to rollover, a fuel system that ignites on impact).
- Warning defect — inadequate warnings or instructions about a non-obvious danger.
Common auto-defect scenarios
- Tire blowouts and tread separation — defective tires that fail at speed.
- Airbag failures — non-deployment in a serious crash, or dangerous deployment (the kind behind major recalls).
- Brake failures — defective brake systems or components.
- Rollover propensity — unstable vehicle designs.
- Seatback, seatbelt, and fuel-system failures that worsen injuries in a crash.
- Defects subject to recall — a recall can be powerful evidence the defect existed.
Why these cases need investigation — and resources
Auto-defect cases are engineering cases. They require preserving the vehicle, retaining experts to examine the failed component, and connecting the defect to the injuries — the same spoliation and expert demands that drive any serious product or truck case. They’re hard-fought against well-funded manufacturers, which is why they belong with a firm willing to invest in proving them. When a defect causes a catastrophic injury, the recovery can be substantial — and may support a loss-of-consortium or, in fatal cases, wrongful death claim.
Deadlines and shared fault
Auto-defect claims follow New Jersey’s two-year deadline, and a defect claim can exist alongside a claim against an at-fault driver — comparative negligence sorts out the shares. Even a single-vehicle crash blamed on the driver may actually be a defect case.
Think your crash was caused by a car failure? Save the vehicle and call
If a tire, airbag, brake, or other component failed and caused your crash, the manufacturer may be responsible — but only if the evidence is preserved. Before anyone repairs or scraps the vehicle, it’s worth a free call. The consultation is free.
Part of our complete guide: For every related New Jersey offense, claim, and defense in one place, see our NJ Car Accident Guide.