Ford Recalls 600,000 Cars to Repair Hydraulic Defect That Could Cause Crashes
Ford Recalls 600,000 Cars to Repair Hydraulic Defect That Could Cause Crashes
Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 600,000 cars to repair a hydraulic defect that could lead to car accidents. According to a USA Today news report, the automaker said it is recalling certain versions of the 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ – all manufactured between Feb. 22, 2006 and July 15, 2009. Ford has identified at least 15 car accidents that may have occurred because of this auto defect. These crashes resulted in at least two injuries.
An Issue of Malfunctioning Valves
Ford has said that in some of the affected vehicles, a normally closed valve inside the hydraulic control unit may stick open. This could result in extended brake pedal travel, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. The automaker said when the recall begins, its dealers will inspect the vehicle’s hydraulic control units for signs of malfunctioning valves and will replace the units if that becomes necessary. This is the latest in a series of major safety recalls for Ford. In June, the automaker recalled 1.2 million SUVs that could be at risk of losing steering control.
When is a Safety Recall Necessary?
A safety recall becomes necessary when a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment does not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or when there is a safety-related defect in the vehicle or equipment. A safety-related defect is “a defect in performance, construction, a component, or material or a motor vehicle.” Such defects often pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and typically exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture.
Here are some of the common types of vehicle defects we see that lead to recalls:
- Steering components that suddenly break leading to loss of vehicle control.
- Problems with the engine or fuel system components, that could cause fuel leaks and increase the potential for vehicle fires.
- Accelerators that cause sudden or unintended acceleration.
- Seats or seatbacks that unexpectedly fail during normal use.
- Electrical problems that could result in fires.
- Airbags that fail to deploy or inadvertently deploy.
- Child car seats that contain defective components.
If You Have Been Affected
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a defective auto or faulty vehicle part, you may be able to seek compensation from the automaker for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced auto defect lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.
