Recall Alert: Ford

Auto Maker Pulls F150’s, Mustangs and More

Altogether, approximately 143,000 different types of Ford model vehicles have been recalled throughout North America due to various types of consumer hazards during the summer months alone. With the reasons behind the recalls ranging from an increased likelihood of vehicular crashes to lethally defective airbags that increase a person’s risk of death, Ford consumers should be particularly wary to ensure that they do not own or lease any of the recalled models.

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), more than 37,000 people die in car accidents every year and another 2.35 million become disabled or injured. Roadways can be dangerous for many reasons: sometimes they are inadequately maintained and at others drivers are distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Car accidents are the third-leading cause of death in the country – and the dangers that consumers face from defective vehicles only further adds to the risks of getting behind the wheel.

More than 141,000 Ford F-150 Crew Cabs, F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Crew Cabs have been recalled by the automobile manufacturer because of an increased risk of consumer injury in the case of an accident. Due to a seatbelt design flaw, the rear left seatbelt is more likely to become disconnected from its mounting bracket, therefore providing inadequate physical protection to individuals during a crash. The recalled F-150, F-250 and F-350’s were all manufactured between 2015 and 2017.

For similar reasons, Ford is complying with a recall of some of its 2017 Focus model. Although a smaller number of vehicles have been affected, the risks to consumers are no less serious. Yet again, a product design flaw is the culprit: the seatbacks in certain vehicles are weakened due to a structural defect. As a result, if consumers are in an accident there is a greater chance of sustaining all kinds of bodily injuries.

Because of an airbag defect, even more 2017 F-150’s have been pulled from the market, and so have Mustangs manufactured in the same calendar year. Our firm wrote about a Takata airbag recall previously – in fact, Takata airbags have been blamed for the deaths of consumers in the past – but new risks continue to pose threats to overall consumer safety. This time around, the airbags in certain Ford F-150’s and Mustangs are prone to rupturing and/or deploying, which can cause a consumer to crash his or her vehicle or inflict injuries on its own.

Although we have already covered three recalls including six different Ford vehicle models, there’s still more. The manufacturer is complying with the recall of 2017 Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility vehicles, Taurus and Explorer models. Consumers who own or lease these vehicles are at a greater risk for a crash, injuries and/or death because of yet another design flaw. Some of the steering gear heat shield fasteners are not adequately protected against corrosion and may detach from the steering wheel columns. As a result, the steering gear system itself is left exposed to potentially hot temperatures, which can cause deterioration and lead to an unexpected loss of control or even the loss of power steering capabilities.

Ford is continuing to recall different vehicle models to this day. Most recently, the manufacturer issued a small-scale recall including some of its 2015 Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks. In addition, a small number of 2018 F-150 Raptor SuperCab’s were just recalled. Some of Ford’s 2018 F-150 Raptor SuperCab’s may have structurally unsound roofs, leading to the increased risk of consumer injury – especially during a vehicle rollover or accident. In the case of the F-650 and F-750’s, the recall is the result of yet another design defect of the steering wheel system.

In order to determine whether or not you own or lease any of these recalled and potentially dangerous models, please visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Through this website, consumers are able to enter their vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and learn whether or not their vehicle has been flagged for a product recall of any type. Although vehicle manufacturers are legally responsible for manufacturing safe products that do not increase the risk of injury or death to consumers, Ford is a prime example of a company that continues to make serious mistakes that leave consumers to face hazards. The manufacturer is offering a variety of remedies to consumers, most of which are available locally at authorized dealers.

Philadelphia Products Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Pursue Recoveries for Individuals Injured Due to Automobile Defects

If you or a loved one has sustained any type of injuries because of a defective or malfunctioning automobile, please contact our Philadelphia products liability lawyers at Galfand Berger. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Reading and Lancaster, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.