The Silent Killer: Keyless Ignitions & Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Did you inadvertently leave your car running in the garage because it didn’t turn off automatically?

Keyless ignition (push-button start) is sold as a convenience. But for dozens of families, it has turned into a deadly trap. At Nigh Goldenberg, we are litigating cases where drivers park their cars in the garage, take the key fob inside, and assume the engine has turned off—only to wake up to a house full of odorless, deadly carbon monoxide.

This is not “user error.” It is a predictable design defect that manufacturers have known about for years but refused to fix.

The Defect: No Automatic Shut-Off

In a traditional car, you cannot take your keys inside without turning off the engine. The physical act of removing the key ensures the car is off.

The Danger: With keyless fobs, you can exit the vehicle with the fob in your pocket while the engine is still running.

• Quiet Engines: Modern engines, especially hybrids, are incredibly quiet. It is easy to walk away without realizing the car is still on.
• The Missing Feature: For years, automakers like Toyota, Ford, and GM failed to install a simple, inexpensive “Auto-Shut Off” feature. This software code would automatically turn off the engine if the car idled for a set period (e.g., 30 minutes) without the key fob present.
• The Cost to Fix: Adding this safety feature costs manufacturers practically nothing—it is often just a software update. Yet, many models prior to recent years completely lack it.

“It Won’t Happen to Me”

This tragedy happens to experienced, careful drivers. It often occurs when the driver is distracted—carrying groceries, managing children, or rushing to get inside.

1. The driver pulls into the attached garage.
2. They press “Park” but forget to press “Stop” (or think they did).
3. They walk into the house with the key fob.
4. The car continues to run, filling the garage and eventually the home with carbon monoxide.

The Outcome: Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless. Victims often fall asleep and never wake up. Survivors may suffer permanent brain damage.

We Hold Manufacturers Accountable

Automakers have blamed drivers for years, calling it “forgetfulness.” We disagree. When a design change as simple as an automatic timer could save lives, failing to include it is negligence.

Models We Investigate

We are looking at keyless ignition cases involving many major brands, but specifically:

• Toyota / Lexus: (Specific defects noted in models like the Highlander).
• Ford / Lincoln
• GM / Chevrolet

What We Need for Your Case

If you or a loved one suffered CO2 poisoning from a keyless vehicle, we need to secure specific evidence immediately:

• The Vehicle: We need to verify the specific model year and the absence of an auto-shut-off feature.
• Medical Records: Blood tests confirming Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels are critical to proving the poisoning.
• The Key Fob: We need to preserve the fob to test its range and functionality.

Get a Free Case Review

If you lost a family member or suffered brain injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a car left running, contact Nigh Goldenberg. The manufacturer failed to install a basic safety feature, and we can help you hold them responsible.