Recently automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company (Ford) announced its recall of almost 3 million cars and SUVs due to rollaway defects. Ford filed a Safety Recall Report with the Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), stating that the recalls include 2013 through 2019 Escape SUVs, 2013 through 2018 C-Max hybrids, 2013 through 2016 Fusion sedans, 2013 through 2021 Transit Connect vans, and 2015 through 2018 Edge SUVs. The automaker issued the recall because of a risk that the vehicles will roll away while they are still in the parked position. Here is more on the rollaway defect that led to Ford’s massive recall.
The Rollaway Defect
Ford’s most recent issue is due to a component defect. Specifically, the impacted vehicles have faulty bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission. If the bushing fails, the transmission will not function, causing the vehicle not to be parked even when its shifter is placed in the park position. Because of this defect, the vehicle can roll away without warning unless the parking brake is also engaged.
Ford’s Prior Recalls for the Issue
The automaker has issued four prior recalls for the same issue. This recall included the Ford Escape and Fusion in 2018, the Fusion in 2019, the Transit Connect in 2021, and the Escape earlier in 2022. These past recalls impacted almost one million vehicles.
The Impacted Ford Vehicles
According to a recent report, Ford is aware of four injuries, six property damage claims, 233 customer complaints, and 1,630 warranty claims connected to its most recent recall.
The impacted vehicles include:
- Ford Escape SUVs manufactured between October 5, 2011, and August 2, 2019
- Ford C-Max hybrids manufactured between January 19, 2012, and April 26, 2018
- Ford Fusion sedans manufactured between February 3, 2012, and April 4, 2016
- Ford Transit Connect vans manufactured between June 13, 2013, and July 30, 2021
- Ford Edge SUVs manufactured between June 25, 2014, and September 4, 2018
While the automaker has identified faulty transmission bushing as the source of the issue, it has not been able to determine why the bushing fails. However, the automaker has reported to the NHTSA that the problem may be attributable to humidity and heat. Ford intends to replace the shift bushing and add a protective cap for all impacted vehicles, and began sending notifications at the end of June 2022.
Possible Consequences of an Automobile Defect
When a vehicle’s equipment fails, it can cause drivers to be involved in collisions. Automobile defect-related accidents can cause serious injuries for drivers, passengers, motorists, pedestrians, and bystanders. In this circumstance, the victim may have extensive medical bills, lost wages at time and work, and pain and suffering.
When a manufacturer fails to provide a consumer with a safe product, they may be liable for damages. However, it’s important to know that the law limits the time an automobile defect accident victim has to act. Therefore, if you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective automobile part or component, you should contact an experienced car accident and automobile defect attorney as soon as possible to discuss your accident and available remedies.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can have significant consequences for injured people and their loved ones. If you or a loved one have been harmed due to vehicle equipment failure, you should schedule a free consultation with the experienced attorneys at Bonina & Bonina, PC. Call us at 1888-MEDLAW1 or contact us online for a free consultation. We have experience helping clients with car accident personal injury cases, and we can explain your options and help you decide what actions you should take. At Bonina & Bonina, PC, we come to work daily believing that there should be equal justice for all. Se Habla Espaňol. Home and hospital visits are available.