Ford Motor Co. recalled nearly 850,000 vehicles, including two of its most popular models, last week over concerns that an electrical glitch could cause the vehicle’s air bags to malfunction during an accident.
According to reports by the Wall Street Journal, the Michigan automaker recalled 2013 and 2014 model year Ford sedans, Escape crossovers, C-Max hybrids and the Lincoln MKZ luxury cards sold in North America, Canada and Mexico. The reasoning behind the recall was that the vehicle’s restraint control module has the potential to disable both front and side curtain airbags during a crash, which ultimately would increase the risk for injury for passengers. The shortage would illuminate the vehicle’s air bag warning light. The company stated that at the present time, it is unaware of any accidents that have been caused by the suspected malfunction.
This was the second recall issued by a United States automaker last week. On Thursday, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled more that 350,000 vehicles worldwide to repair a faulty ignition switch that in some cases could cut power to the vehicle’s air bags, steering and engine. For Ford, this is the 12th recall it has issued for its Ford Escape crossover in two years for a slew of issues including carpet padding that could depress the accelerator pedal, to coolant system leaks that cause the engine to overheat. In response to these recalls, Ford has said, “Vehicle launches are complex and each one has its own issues…we work through them and while we know this is an inconvenience for our customers, we are trying to insure their safety.”
This has been a particularly difficult year for automakers as there have been numerous recalls on millions of vehicles issued throughout the United States. While these issues have ultimately led to harsher scrutiny by government watchdogs like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, faulty vehicles still plague our roads and are cause for concern.
Like all product manufacturers, automakers bear the responsibility of ensuring that their cars are mechanically safe and do not pose a threat to drivers. And when car companies fail at making sure their cars are safe, they are liable if and when an individual is injured because of their negligence.
At Altman & Altman LLP, our seasoned Products Liability Attorneys have 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 was injured as the result of a faulty product, 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.
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