Yesterday, Ford issued its largest ever vehicle recall for more than 1.3 million SUVs and cars in North America to fix steering, rust, and floor mat problems.
ABOUT THE RECALL
In total, the company is recalling more than 1 million vehicles nationwide. Models impacted include Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Ford Explorer SUVs, as well as Ford Taurus, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyrs, and Lincoln MKZ sedans.
Over 915,000 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners (Ford’s smaller SUVs) are being recalled for a problem with the vehicles’ torque sensor within the steering column. The company is warning customers that the problem could potentially cause loss of power-assisted steering, which would make the SUVs more difficult to control and thus increase the risk of a serious crash. This recall impacts model year 2008 through 2011; vehicles which were built between August 2006 and September 2010. The automaker has recommended one of three fixes for the problems including replacing the sensor, updating vehicle software, or replacing the steering column.
196,000 Ford Explorers in the model years 2011 – 2013 have also been recalled. The company cited an electrical problem in a steering gear as the issue and stated there was a possibility of losing power steering. Dealers have been asked by the company to either update software or replace vehicles’ steering column.
Other recalls issued by the company impact Taurus sedans, which Ford said face the risk of catching on fire because there is a potential for rust to develop (because of road salt used to clear roadways of snow and ice), around the license plate area and cause a short circuit. Vehicles were recalled in 20 U.S. states.
Lastly, an estimated 82,500 Ford Fusions, Mercury Milans, Lincoln Zephyrs and Lincoln MKZs from the model years 2006 through 2011 were recalled for issues with their floor mats. According to the company, floor mats in some of the vehicles have the potential of coming into contact with the gas pedal if not properly installed. The company has requested that dealerships replace the vehicles’ car mats with new ones.
This set of recalls by Ford is just the latest among car manufacturers including General Motors, Nissan, Dodge and Toyota, and comes in the wake of heavy public scrutiny of auto manufacturers. As drivers, many of us never consider the danger our OWN vehicle poses to our safety because of the trust we have for automakers. Yet, the frightening reality is that defects continue to plague the United States consumer market, making us at risk for serious injury, and unfortunately death.
Like every consumer product manufacturer, automakers have a legal responsibility of ensuring that their cars are mechanically safe to drive and do not pose a threat to drivers. As exemplified by Toyota, GM, and recently, Dodge, when car companies fail at making sure their cars are safe, they bear the responsibility for those who’ve become injured.
At Altman & Altman LLP, our team of seasoned Products Liability Attorneys has nearly 50 years of knowledge and experience handling all types of defective products and products liability cases, and we have the skills to fight against large consumer products companies so that our clients achieve the highest financial compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a defect that caused your vehicle to crash, or if you were injured because of a part that was recalled, call our office today to speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options and whether you might qualify for a products liability claim. All initial consultations are completely free of charge and of no obligation to you. Our team of lawyers is available around the clock to answer any and all questions you may have about your case and have offices conveniently located in both Boston and Cambridge.
Original article from CBSnews.com