Automotive manufacturer Ford recently announced a recall of nearly 420,000 vehicles because of a seat belt defect that may cause an injury in the event of a crash.
Vehicle owners who have suffered injuries due to a vehicle defect should turn to the product liability lawyers of Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry, P.C.
Our firm has a proven record of success in product liability cases, including a $976 million award for a defective seatbelt (the largest auto defect award in Pennsylvania history, which is currently on appeal), a $55.3 million verdict for a defective seatbelt that caused a client to become paralyzed in an accident, and a $36 million settlement for an unsafe tire causing a RV to crash and kill a retired wife and mother.
Call us today to learn more about your rights if you were hurt by a defective car part. Having secured the largest defective-seatbelt verdict in Pennsylvania history, our attorneys understand how a seat belt that fails to do its job can change a life in an instant.
Why Were These Ford Vehicles Recalled?
The recall covers certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles with model years 2018 through 2022. According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles have seat belts that may lock inadvertently, preventing them from retracting or extending. A seat belt that does not retract or extend may cause an injury if a crash occurs, and in some cases, a seat belt that retracts rapidly can also injure an occupant.
This recall replaces and expands on two previous NHTSA recalls. Ford has reported that it is aware of two warranty claims and two field reports related to the latest recall, as well as one injury.
Vehicle owners will receive a notification in the mail about the recall. They can take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have both front seat belt retractors inspected, and to have any retractors involved in the recall replaced, free of charge.
Ford Also Issued a “Do Not Drive” Warning for Some Bronco Sport and Maverick Vehicles
Separately, Ford issued a do-not-drive warning for thousands of Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles because of a problem with the vehicles’ suspension systems. The recall involves approximately 4,600 Bronco Sport vehicles with model years 2021 through 2026, and Maverick vehicles with model years 2022 through 2026.
The NHTSA said that the front lower control arm ball joints may have been incorrectly installed or incorrectly repaired at an assembly plant, and that the control arm could disconnect from the front wheel knuckle. If a control arm detaches, it can cause a loss of control and increase the chances of a crash. Dealers will inspect and repair the front lower control arm ball joints as necessary, at no cost to the owner.
Because this is a “do not drive” warning, owners of affected Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles should stop driving these vehicles and contact a Ford dealer immediately, rather than waiting for a notice in the mail.
How Do I Know If My Vehicle Was Recalled?
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail, but you do not have to wait to find out whether your vehicle is included. You can check for an active recall using Ford’s recall lookup tool or the NHTSA recall database by entering your vehicle’s VIN. You can also contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236 for more information about the recalls.
How Our Product Liability Lawyers Can Help
Have you been involved in a serious automobile accident where a defective part or device in the vehicle failed to prevent your catastrophic injury or the death of a loved one? Then let the product liability lawyers at Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry, P.C., fight for the financial recovery and justice you deserve by:
- Preserving the vehicle so that crucial evidence to prove the case is not lost or destroyed
- Investigating your case to obtain evidence proving that you suffered injuries due to a defective product
- Working with experts to build a compelling case that explains the product’s defect and shows how it caused you harm
- Documenting your injuries and losses so we can pursue full financial recovery
- Preparing and pursuing your case on your behalf so you can focus on healing
- Pursuing a maximum financial award for your ongoing and future medical care, lost income, and pain and suffering
If you’ve been catastrophically injured by a defect in your vehicle, get legal help to stand up to manufacturers to demand accountability. For life’s toughest trials, turn to Eisenberg Winkler Jeck Schwartz Schoenhaus & Sherry, P.C.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options with our experienced trial attorneys.
