Following two recalls issued by Ford Motor Company, many are wondering if product liability settlements are in the company’s future. A few months ago a recall was announced regarding an overheating problem with 73,320 redesigned Escape SUVs and 15,833 Fusion midsize sedans. Reportedly Ford admitted that the 2013 SE and SEL 1.6-liter turbocharged engines could overheat and suffer fluid leakage that could cause a fire.
More recently, Ford announced a recall involving 230,000 minivans. The issue with the vehicles is that a corrosion problem prevents the third-row fold-down seats from locking into place. The issue pertains to Mercury Monterey and Ford Freestar minivans produced from 2004 through 2007.
The recall will affect Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Main, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Though no reports of accidents or injuries related to the corrosion problem have been received by Ford up until now, it is still possible that personal injury has resulted, but owners were unaware that it was the result of a product defect. Anyone who suspects this was the case should contact an attorney immediately.
Ford dealers will install a new mounting bracket for the third-row seat, move latches away from possibly corroded areas, and prevent future issues by installing wheel well overlay panels.
Automotive recalls have received a lot of attention following a recall of 3.8 million vehicles by Toyota Motors, following a terrible crash that resulted in the death of four family members. Since then, other wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits have been filed in federal courts and Toyota was issued a $17.35 million fine. For more information, see the previous blog post, “Toyota Manufacturing Defects Cause Injury and Death, Safety Recalls Too Late for Some Victims.”
Individuals who suffer personal injury or are involved in an auto accident caused by a manufacturer defect may have a valid claim for financial compensation.
