Adding to the 2.3 million Ford automobiles recalled between May and July 2014, the Michigan automaker has issued yet another recall order for roughly 160,000 vehicles. The affected car models include the 2013–14 Focus ST and the Escape crossover. According to the company, the recall has been prompted by complications involving the wiring of the engine, which could cause the motor to lose power or to stall while the vehicle is moving. The repairs will be carried out at local dealerships and will be free of charge for owners of affected automobiles.
In May 2014, Ford joined other major automakers, including General Motors, Toyota, and Honda in a worldwide recall of vehicles carrying faulty Takata airbags, the defect being caused by a malfunctioning propellant. Across the month of May, the company recalled roughly 2.3 million cars, including some which were called in for malfunctioning door handles. In the latter category are included 2013–14 Ford Escapes, which to date have been recalled 11 times — across different variants of the crossover. In a more recent recall, Ford asked owners to bring in an estimated 83,000 vehicles, including automobiles under their Lincoln brand, for problems related to the halfshaft retention circlip.
This latest recall involves 160,000 automobiles of the Focus ST hatchback and Escape crossover models. Ford suggests that the problem may lie with faulty wiring harnesses in the engine; specifically, flaws in the wiring may disrupt the electric communication of signals to the powertrain control module. The Dearborn, MI based auto manufacturer has also pointed out that some of the recalled cars may have been assembled with steering gears built with an inadequate amount of ball bearings, which could cause the remaining bearings to wear out at an accelerated pace. If the engine malfunctions, not only may it cause the check engine light to flare up, it may also result in a loss of power or in the stalling of the vehicle. Fortunately, no major or fatal injuries have been reported as a result of faulty engine components.
On the margin, the recall also includes 1,300 Transit light cargo vans for potential brake fluid leaks, as well as 600 Transits that may suffer from adverse complications with their windowless sliding doors. In both cases, the recall refers to the 2015 Transit model. Finally, the recall also includes orders for the repairing of up to 1,300 Lincoln MKC, of the 2015 model, for issues associated with the windshield. No injuries related to these malfunctioning auto parts have been reported.
2014 has been a record year for automakers. Between January and July, an estimated total of 40–46 million vehicles have been recalled by almost every major manufacturer — that is very close to the astonishing tally of a fifth of total automobiles in the United States. In fact, 2014 has surpassed the previous record of 33 million recalled cars, a “milestone” set in 2004. In response, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made available an online search program that allows drivers to search for a specific model to see if that make has been recalled and, if so, why. Car makers will deliver about 15 years of data to the NHTSA to complete the search tool’s archive. To check on a vehicle the driver first needs the vehicle identification number (VIN), which a 17-digit number usually found on the lower left corner of the windshield.
Pope McGlamry: Practiced and Experienced Representation
Faulty vehicle components may lead to accidents which can result in serious and fatal injury. Five-time recipients of the first tier “Best Law Firms” award, the legal team at Pope McGlamry holds a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the law and the industry. If you or a loved one has been involved in a vehicular accident that was caused by a malfunctioning auto part, contact Pope McGlamry to schedule your complimentary consultation and case review today.
