Ford initiates two recalls affecting 441,000 vehicles
Georgia drivers who own Ford vehicles may be interested in learning that approximately 441,000 vehicles were recalled due to defects. The affected vehicle models included the Escape SUV and the Ford Fusion. The repair recalls are expected to cost the American car manufacturer about $295 million.
Ford stated that about 230,000 of the vehicles were recalled due to an overheating hazard that could cause a pressurized oil leak. The vehicle recall was issued after the automaker received at least 29 reports of fires in the vehicles, though there were no injuries mentioned. This recall affected the 2014 and 2015 Ford Fiesta ST, 2013 and 2015 Ford Transit Connect, 2013 and 2014 Ford Fusion and certain models of the 2014 Ford Escape.
A second recall was initiated to fix the side door of certain Ford vehicles. A tab in the side door latch could potentially malfunction, causing the vehicle door to swing open while a person was driving. Although there were no reports of injuries or accidents related to this defect, Ford is still recalling approximately 210,000 vehicles. The affected vehicles were the 2013 and 2014 Fusion, 2014 Fiesta and 2013 and 2014 Lincoln MKZ.
Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products they sell are safe. When someone sustains an injury that was caused by an auto defect, he or she could potentially hold the manufacturer responsible, especially if it is revealed that a malfunctioning vehicle component led to the accident. An attorney may help people hurt in such incidents hold the automakers responsible for their injuries by filing lawsuits. Besides compensation for medical bills and other damages that were directly caused by the accident, such as loss of income, a lawyer may also seek punitive damages on behalf of his or her clients.