Ford Recalls Explorers for Crash Concerns

Some 1.2 million Ford sport utility vehicles pose an increased crash risk, the company recently announced.

Ford is recalling Explorer SUVs over a rear suspension defect that could cause drivers to lose some control over the cars.  The company says that heavy use—especially on rough terrain—is causing some suspensions to crack, which in turn could create steering control problems.

“Vehicles subjected to very high rates of full rear suspension articulation (jounce and rebound) could potentially experience a toe link failure,” Ford said in a defect notice filed with the National highway Traffic Safety Administration.  “One customer reported hitting a curb when the toe link broke.  Ford is not aware of any reports of injury related to this condition in markets included in this action.”

The recall covers Explorer SUVs built at a Chicago assembly plant from 2010 to 2017, according to Consumer Reports.  Owners and lessors can have their cars inspected and rear suspensions replaced at local dealerships, Ford said.

The Explorer recall isn’t the only example of recent concerns about defects in Ford vehicles.  The company announced earlier this year that is was recalling some 3,000 Rangers as a result of transmission shift problems.  That announcement came on the heels of Ford’s decision to recall some 1.5 million Focus sedans over a defect that could cause engines to stall.

How the California Lemon Law Works

The latest Ford recall is an unfortunately common example of vehicle manufacturers finding problems with their cars long after they have left the factory floor.

The California lemon law is designed to provide some protections for car owners and lessors. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires a car manufacturer to repair malfunctioning vehicles while they are under warranty.  If those repair attempts do not fix the problem, the manufacturer is obligated to take the car back and reimburse the owner or lessor for certain costs.  That includes the purchase price, financing charges, rental car costs and other expenses. The law also forces the manufacturer to foot the bill for any legal fees that an owner or lessor incurs in enforcing their rights under the lemon law.

There is no set number of repair attempts that a manufacturer has to make before the lemon law kicks in.  It depends entirely on the specific circumstances.

How an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You

If you’re a California car owner who’s stuck with a lemon, it is important that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights and options.  The California lemon law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state.  Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.