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San Antonio Auto Defects: Key Facts Manufacturing Defects in Texas Using Other Incidents as Evidence Contact Our San Antonio Office Frequently Asked QuestionsTHE LAW GIANT product liability lawyers:
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A pickup that suddenly loses power at highway speed can be rear-ended or lose control. When the cause is a manufacturing flaw, the maker can be held responsible, but Texas requires more than proof that something broke.
Call The Law Giant at 956-982-1800 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
San Antonio Auto Defects: Key Facts
- Toyota recalled about 44,000 2024 Tundra pickups in May 2026 for engine debris. The trucks were assembled at Toyota’s plant in San Antonio, according to the recall filing.
- It was the third recall for the same engine problem. Earlier recalls covered engines built before that production period.
- The filing warns that losing power at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash. Toyota said debris left from machining could damage the engine.
- The engines were built at Toyota’s Alabama plant. A defect claim follows the part to the company that made it, not only the plant that assembled the vehicle.
Manufacturing Defects in Texas
A manufacturing defect is different from a bad design. The Texas Supreme Court described it in Ford Motor Co. v. Ridgway (2004) as a product that deviates from its specifications or planned output in a way that makes it unreasonably dangerous.
Proof Beyond the Failure
In Ridgway, a pickup caught fire, but the owners could not show what defect caused it, and they lost. The lesson is that a failure alone is rarely enough. Strong cases use:
- The failed part, inspected by an engineer.
- Recall filings that describe the defect and the affected production dates.
- Repair records and warranty claims for your vehicle.
- Proof the recall covered your vehicle, using its VIN and build date.
Using Other Incidents as Evidence
Other owners’ complaints can show a maker knew about a problem. Texas courts limit that evidence. In Nissan Motor Co. v. Armstrong (2004), the Texas Supreme Court held that other incidents must have happened under reasonably similar conditions.
That makes recall filings especially useful. They identify the specific defect, the affected vehicles and when the maker learned of the problem.
No Federal Shield for Factory Flaws
Texas presumes a maker is not liable when a design met an applicable federal safety standard. Under § 82.008(d), that presumption does not apply to manufacturing defects at all.
Contact Our San Antonio Office
Our San Antonio office is at 5826 W Interstate 10, Suite 102. Keep your vehicle and any replaced parts, and save every repair and recall notice. See our San Antonio product liability, car accident and truck accident pages. For statewide rules, see our Texas auto defect page.
Call 956-982-1800. You pay nothing unless we win.
Common Questions
San Antonio Auto Defect FAQs
My truck stalled on the highway and I was rear-ended. Who is responsible?
The driver who hit you may be at fault, and so may the maker if a defect caused the stall. Both claims can be brought together.
My truck was under recall but not yet repaired. Can I still bring a claim?
Yes. A recall notice does not end the maker’s responsibility, though the timing of the notice and parts availability will matter.
Does a recall automatically prove a defect?
No. It is strong evidence, but you must show your vehicle had the recalled defect and that it caused your injuries.
Should I let the dealer keep the failed engine parts?
Ask for the parts back or ask the dealer in writing to preserve them. They may be the most important evidence in your case.
How long do I have after a San Antonio auto defect crash?
Generally two years from the injury, and within 15 years of the product’s sale.
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