Ford Motor Company Announces Critical Recall
Recently, Ford Motor Company announced a recall of 1,378,637 vehicles due to a critical recall defect. Such defects can and do end in the loss of lives. It is essential that manufacturers continually review reports of problems with their vehicles and offer to recall the cars before people get hurt. Wrongful deaths frequently occur when defects are not addressed and corrected.
Ford Recall March 2018
This recall of almost 1.4 million cars and SUVs in the United States and Canada involved a problem that could result in the steering wheel becoming detached from the steering column. It is due to a bolt that maintains torque. The recall affects assorted Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models. All were built from 2013 to 2018. Some were manufactured at the assembly plant in Mexico. Others were made in Flat Rock, Michigan. As of this article, two accidents were due to the loosened bolts, one of which caused injury.
Remedy
Once the vehicles are brought to the dealership, the bolt will be replaced with a more robustly engaged, longer bolt. A patch made of nylon larger than the currently installed will also be installed. This will maintain the retention of torque during operation. Both repairs will be done without cost to the customer. The reference number for this Ford recall is 18S08.
Watch YouTube Video: Ford Recalls Vehicles Because Steering Wheel Can Detach. The video explains why Ford is recalling nearly 1.4 million mid-size cars.
Second Ford Recall
A smaller recall was also announced. This recall involves 6,000 vehicles.
- Ford Focus: These were built from 2013 to 2016. The vehicles have a 1.0 L Fox GTDI engine. They are outfitted with a B6 transmission that is manual.
- Ford Fusions: The vehicles were built in the period 2013 and 2015. They have a 1.6 L GTDI engine. They are also outfitted with a B6 manual transmission.
Reason for Recall
The issue in this set of recalls is the possibility of a fractured pressure plate. This is caused by a wearing of the clutch lining that occurs prematurely. The result of this could be the leakage of transmission fluid that could cause a fire. No fires, serious injuries, or accidents related to this issue have been reported.
The Recall Process
The manufacturer has 60 days to notify owners. This period begins when the manufacturer notifies the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They must offer the owner a free remedy for the recalled vehicle.
The NHTSA monitors all recalls. This ensures the recalls are free and safe and produce the desired result. The law requires that manufacturers notify the NHTSA and take charge of a recall campaign. This occurs when the manufacturer becomes aware of a safety defect or learns that appropriate safety standards were not followed.
Deaths in Recalls
The NHTSA is responsible for preventing deaths due to motor vehicle defects. For example, if a steering component breaks, it affects the driver’s ability to steer, and death may result. In another case, airbags such as those involved with the Takata recall resulted in 11 deaths and 184 injuries. According to reports, Takata knew about the defect in 2004 and told executives to destroy incriminating data. Legislators have asked that the Justice Department prepare criminal charges.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
While recalls are used to avoid fatal accidents, that is not always true. Some, like the Takata airbag recall, are delayed due to manufacturer negligence. The family often has to deal with the financial strain of death through negligence causes, mainly if the person provided support. A wrongful death lawsuit can recover monetary damages to help remove that stress as the family deals with their sorrow.
Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento wrongful death attorney. When a loved one dies due to negligence, including a defective vehicle, you need the help of an experienced attorney. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for my friendly advice that is free of cost. You can also contact me online.
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