In Episode 3 of The Supplier Side: Legal Insights for the Automotive Supply Chain, Warner attorneys Michael Brady and Katie Crysler discuss how automotive suppliers should respond when concerns arise about a potentially defective component.
A product concern does not always arrive with the word “defect.” It may begin with a spike in warranty claims, a field service action, an informal customer inquiry or even a public filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Michael and Katie explain why suppliers should involve in-house or outside counsel early, assemble the right cross-functional team and consider bringing in independent experts to provide an objective assessment.
They also explore how suppliers can communicate effectively with customers and regulators, avoid premature conclusions about root cause or responsibility and ensure that facts, rather than assumptions, guide the investigation. With potential exposure ranging from relatively limited warranty claims to recalls involving hundreds of millions of dollars, a disciplined first response can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.
Learn more about Warner’s Automotive Industry Group.
