Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for about 37,625 Ranger Super Cab pickup trucks because of two problems that could prevent child safety seats from being properly installed.
According to Consumer Reports, the fixed head restraints in these models could interfere with the installation of taller rigid anchor-mounted child seats and prevent them from being secured, putting young passengers at risk. The recalled vehicles are newer models from the 2020 and 2021 model years.
Details of the Recall
The problems with the Ford vehicles mean that the vehicles don’t adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 225. The faults include the installation issue and a problem attaching the seats to lower rear anchors. To fix this issue, Ford dealerships will replace the head restraints and adjust the anchors as necessary, at no cost to consumers. Ford dealers will inspect the rear lower LATCH anchors and adjust them as necessary. The automaker is expected to notify owners by mail beginning on Nov. 15.
Documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that Ford was alerted by a supplier of a variation between a benchmarking evaluation of the rear seat child restraint system and Ford’s internal FMVSS 225 certification results. Ford introduced fixed rear head restraints (which cannot be removed) during the 2020 model year and failed to recertify the child restraint system.
After being notified of this discrepancy by the supplier, Ford inspected vehicles from different model years. It also became apparent during these inspections that the lower anchors on certain 2021 models were not properly aligned, as mandated by the federal safety standard. Ford has said it is unaware of this issue’s injuries or fatalities.
If Your Child Has Been Injured
If your child has suffered injuries in a crash as a result of these or other defective vehicle parts or because of a defective child safety seat, it is important that you understand your legal rights and options. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation from the automaker by filing a product liability lawsuit. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
It would be in your best interest to contact an auto defect law firm with significant experience and the resources to conduct independent investigations necessary to prove your case and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/ford-ranger-pickups-recalled-for-child-seat-problem-a6650136996/
