Ford Recalls Lincoln SUVs for Faulty Ignition

Ford is recalling about 13,500 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles because drivers are shutting them off by mistake. According to a news report on CNN Money, drivers are mistakenly touching the crossover SUV’s push-button ignition button while the car is driving. The MKC has buttons to put the car in different gears as opposed to a traditional gear shift. However, drivers who are reaching for the “S” button to put the vehicle on “sport” mode are sometimes hitting the adjacent start-stop button.

This button is also right next to the touch screen that controls the radio, Bluetooth phone control and the navigation system. According to a letter from one car owner to federal regulators, a passenger reaching for the radio had pushed the on-off button accidentally. This caused the car to come to a sudden stop as if he had slammed on the brakes. When the recall begins, Ford will remove the location of the start-stop button and reprogram the power train controls to repair the problem. Ford officials say they are not aware of any crashes of injuries that have occurred as a result of the problem.

The Danger of Vehicle Stalling

When cars are inadvertently shut off suddenly when they are in motion, there is a serious safety hazard. This problem is at the center of the General Motors ignition switch recall, which has been linked to at least 42 deaths. In GM’s case, the design flaw was in a key ignition rather than a push button. GM has been accused of covering up these serious ignition defects for more than a decade. The issue is the subject of a criminal investigation.

Auto Product Liability Issues

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a dangerous or faulty auto, please remember that you have legal rights. Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Families that have lost loved ones can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Victims or families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced product liability attorney who has successfully handled similar cases against large automakers.