Ten automakers are sued over 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 auto, taking their key fobs with them.

In cars with the keyless ignition system, drivers can start and turn off the vehicle with the push of a button while an electronic key fob is nearby. We’ve seen reports in the past of drivers forgetting to power their auto off after parking it in the garage, only to later discover that it is still running and has produced a build-up of potentially lethal carbon monoxide.

The defendants include BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and its Kia affiliate, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen and its Bentley affiliate. The suit claims manufacturers failed to disclose the health risks posed by keyless ignition systems that allow the engine to continue to run after the fob has been removed from the vehicle.

The lawsuit is the latest seeking to hold the automotive industry liable for defects that could make driving unsafe, such as Takata airbags and ignition switches on GM vehicles.

“Reasonable drivers, including plaintiffs, misunderstand the role of the keyless fob in turning off the vehicles”, the complaint says.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a U.S. federal regulator, did not immediately respond to a similar request. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed place, such as a closed garage, the resulting build up of carbon monoxide could seep into one’s home and cause injury or death to those exposed.

Toyota declined to comment. None of the other automakers had an immediate comment.

Wednesday’s lawsuit was filed in the federal court in Los Angeles.

U.S. District Judge James Selna in July 2013 approved a $1.6 billion settlement to resolve claims that Toyotas lost value because of that defect.

The case is Draeger v. Toyota Motor Sales USA, 15-CV-06491, U.S. District Court, Central District of California (Los Angeles).