Ford Motor Company is recalling 2.9 million vehicles with the warning that some of its cars and trucks could roll away and cause injuries after a driver puts them in park. According to a report in The Washington Post, this has caused the company to expand an ongoing recall effort dramatically. The recent recall includes 2.9 million Escape, Fusion, C-Max, Edge and Transit Connect vehicles from various years due to a defect in a part that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission.
Four Injuries Due to Auto Defect
If this particular part, known as a bushing, is damaged or missing, the car might not shift into the intended gear with no indication to the driver that anything is wrong. This could increase the risk of a crash and injuries while parked or driving. In a letter to Ford, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cited the risk of an unintentional rollaway and noted that the problem could also cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction.
So far, Ford knows of four people who have suffered injuries as a result of this vehicle defect. Ford also said in a filing to NHTSA that with these vehicles, the driver does not receive a warning message or audible chime. Leaving the vehicle without it being in park and without the parking brake on could cause it to keep moving, increasing the risk of an injury or crash. Ford said it had previously recalled the defective component more specifically last year. When this recall begins, Ford will replace the part and add a protective cap at no charge to consumers.
Auto Product Liability Issues
Rollaway defects can be dangerous not just for vehicle occupants, but also for others on the roadway such as bicyclists and pedestrians who could be struck and seriously injured by a vehicle that rolls away. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of these or other defects, contact an experienced auto defect lawyer who can help you seek and obtain compensation for losses including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/06/15/ford-vehicle-recalls/
