Ten Automakers Sued Because Drivers Are Too Absentminded To Shutoff Vehicles

Ten of the world’s largest automakers are facing a consumer class action lawsuit filed early Wednesday morning in California on behalf of millions of Americans who own or lease vehicles equipped with keyless ignitions. The suit alleges the automakers have known for years about increased dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning when people mistakenly leave their keyless ignition vehicles running after they’ve left the car, taking their key fobs with them.

Keyless ignitions have become widely available in recent years. The keyless ignition technology allows drivers to start their engines with an electronic key fob and the push of a button instead of using a traditional physical key. At issue, the driver can take the fob far away from the vehicle, such as to the bedroom, while inadvertently leaving the car running and emitting carbon monoxide for an indefinite period of time without the key fob present. This can become especially dangerous – even deadly – when the car remains running in garages attached to a home.

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dumpsty - 8/26/2015 1:38:18 PM

+1 Boost

Now drivers need "auto-off" ignition controls?

Did they forget to close their car doors as well? Should automakers include auto door closers? ...those are keyless access too.

TheSteve - 8/26/2015 1:46:19 PM

+1 Boost

Oy vey! Only in America, the country where a non-accountability mindset is prolific, and it's home to more lawyers per capita than any other nation in the world. Not a good combination :-(

For the record, I have an Audi with keyless ignition. I once absent-mindedly put the car in park and opened the driver door with the engine running. They key-chime went on, even though I had started the car keylessly. Is this an Audi exclusive, or is using my ears a good reminder that I did something stupid?

Agent009 - 8/26/2015 2:38:39 PM

+1 Boost

Just wait, they will settle and install shutoff devices in the affected vehicles.

Then parents that lock the kids in the hot cars will sue because if the car was still running the child would be alive when they finally remember him 4 hours later.

There is always a scenario where the drivers will feel they are not at fault for their own actions.

cidflekken - 8/26/2015 3:09:42 PM

+1 Boost

Wow. First time probably ever, that I agree with 009.

This is beyond ridiculous to be truthful. What about all of those people that left the keys in the car and went to sleep. Because that is the same type of stupidity needed to leave your car running with a keyless starting car.

vdiv - 8/27/2015 5:48:16 PM

+1 Boost

@Agent009 GM already did in the 2011 and 2012 Volts as part of an NHTSA recall, the car shuts off if left on unattended. The precedent is set, others will have to follow.

MDarringer - 8/28/2015 8:53:31 AM

+2 Boost

I'm so disgusted by the "it's not my fault or responsibility" mentality of idiot Americans.

Socalcarnut - 8/26/2015 7:24:45 PM

+2 Boost

Let me guess...#1 it filed by Toyota owners, #2 is filed by Lexus drivers. If they can't figure out the gas vs. brake setup, or blinkers, they will never get their heads around keyless ignition systems...so, sure...why not just sue.

absent - 8/27/2015 8:10:34 AM

+4 Boost

Class action suits are created and filed by shyster, ambulance chasing lawyers, all they need is just one idiot car owner to put his name on it.
These SOBs "represent" all owners without their consent (too much hassle and effort to take yourself out of these scams)and "win" a compensation of $5-$10 or even less for each while collecting millions in fees.

MDarringer - 8/27/2015 8:26:39 AM

-1 Boost

How in bloody hell can ANYONE be that stupid?

Hawk - 8/29/2015 7:06:49 AM

+1 Boost

Or it could just be the process of Natural Selection -those who don't adapt to new environments, don't reproduce..