Ford Recalls 1.5 Million Vehicles for Defective Steering Wheel
Only months after recalling 1.5 million cars due to a failure in designing and manufacturing safe door latches, a new potential defect has led Ford Motors to recall 1.38 million vehicles. The affected vehicles carry a risk that the steering wheels may loosen or detach entirely while operating.
Initial reports surrounding the defective steering wheel were brought to the attention of the NHTSA several months ago. This led Ford to issue a safety recall for both Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans manufactured from 2014 through 2018.
What is the issue with the steering wheel?
Drivers of these model Ford vehicles have claimed that the steering wheels can become inoperative on the highway. Officials that investigated the issue reported their discoveries, saying that cars have “potentially loose steering wheel bolts that could result in a steering wheel detaching from the steering column.” One driver’s statement to the NHTSA in November, read, “While driving approximately 55 (miles per hour), the steering wheel turned 360 degrees independently without warning. In addition, the steering wheel detached from the vehicle.”
Ford Motors has identified at least two accidents and one injury potentially linked to the defect. The automobile manufacturer now plans to replace the steering wheel bolt on the affected vehicles with a longer bolt that will have more robust thread engagement and a larger nylon patch. There is no replacement cost for the new bolt.
How many vehicles are affected by the recall?
Ford Motors is recalling 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S., 62,000 in Canada and approximately 14,000 in Mexico. The voluntary recall covers 2014-2017 Ford Fusions manufactured from August 6,2013 through February 29, 2016 at the Flat Rock, MI; 2014-2017 Ford Fusions manufactured in Hermosillo, Mexico, from July 25, 2013, through March 5, 2018; and 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZs made at the Hermosillo, Mexico, plant from July 25, 2013, through March 5, 2018.
Call the Law Offices of Peter Angelos today!
Consumers who may have been affected or injured due to the faulty steering wheels may have grounds for legal compensation.
Peter Angelos Law represents injured victims and families in a wide range of personal injury cases and related legal matters. Our product liability and personal injury attorneys have a wealth of experience in dealing with global manufacturers such as Ford Motors. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of the faulty Ford steering wheel, contact us today for a no fee consultation.