Ford Recalls Turbocharged Vehicles For Engine Stalling Issues

Ford Motor Company is issuing an auto defect recall for about 160,000 Focus ST hatchbacks and Escape crossovers from the 2013-14 model years.

According to a news report in The New York Times, the turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engines in these vehicles may lose power or stall.

The connections for the wiring harness may have been insufficiently compressed. This defect could lead to problems with drivability including the engine stalling without warning.

So far, Ford officials say they are not aware of any injuries or accidents relating to this problem.

Recent Vehicle Recalls

This action by Ford follows a number of steering-related recalls. However, many have been related to faulty ignition systems.

In February, General Motors began recalling millions of vehicles for ignition defects that could cause unexpected stalling, disabling airbags and eventually linked the flaw to 13 fatalities and dozens of accidents.

Earlier this summer, federal safety regulators said they were investigating several Chrysler models over concerns that “jostling the ignition keys” could cut power in moving cars, a potential defect similar to the one that has caused the GM crisis.

Last month, Chrysler announced that it would recall some older Jeep SUV models to correct an ignition-related stalling problem.

Auto Product Liability Issues

All of these issues have the potential to cause significant injuries and fatalities, as we’ve seen with the GM auto defects. Our law firm represented the family members of the first known victim in the ignition defect cases.

In GM’s case, according to information that is coming out, the automaker covered up the defects for nearly a decade in order to avoid a recall. The company has agreed to pay $35 million in fines for dragging its feet on the recall.

All product manufacturers, including automakers, have a responsibility to consumers to ensure that their products are safe. If you have been injured by a defective auto, you can file an auto product defect claim against the vehicle manufacturer or the maker of the defective part.

Injured victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

It is important that the vehicle, which is the main piece of evidence in such cases, be preserved so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for defects, malfunctions and design flaws.

An experienced auto product defect lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.