Ford Drivers May Have a Front Seat Problem

Ford is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles, citing a defect that could impact their front seats.

The recall largely covers Ford Bronco sport utility vehicles from model years 2024 to 2026, as well as some Ranger pickup trucks. Loose bolts are to blame, Ford recently told regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

“On affected vehicles, one or more of the seat frame height adjustment pivot bolts may become loose and eventually dislodge on one or both front seats,” Ford said in a recall notice filed with NHTSA. “If the seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt comes out of the pivot joint, this can increase the risk of injury in a crash.”

Ford said it planned to notify owners of recalled vehicles by May 15. Bronco and Ranger drivers can also check the NHTSA website to see if their vehicles are included in the recall. 

The automaker wants owners to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. 

“Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to remove both front seats and inspect the seat cushion height-adjust link pivot bolts per technical instructions,” the company said. “If any height-adjust link pivot bolt fails inspection, the height-adjust link and pivot bolts will be replaced.”

Ford Defects Pose Serious Safety Risks

These kinds of situations are all too common for Ford and its drivers. 

The company has led the country’s automakers in annual safety recalls for several years straight. The recalls run a wide range, from loose seats and malfunctioning SUV liftgate hinge covers to faulty transmissions and fire risks. They are routinely announced long after cars, SUVs and trucks have left factory floors and been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Ford recently called back some 5,000 Bronco SUVs, for instance, warning that the vehicles could lose power and roll away. The move came shortly after Ford recalled more than 400,000 Explorer SUVs over a defect that could cause drivers to lose control.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Ford Drivers

Californians have important rights and protections regarding malfunctioning or defective cars. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get your car fixed, with the vehicle manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law generally requires Ford and other automakers to perform various repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also requires companies to buy back covered vehicles they are unable or unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.