Whoops: Ford Forgot to Actually Fix Recalled Vans

The latest safety recall at Ford comes with an ironic twist: the troubled automaker is calling back vehicles that it forgot to fix in a previous recall.

Ford recently announced that it is recalling more than 7,000 E-series vans because of a defect that could cause engine covers to overheat. Many of those vehicles were called back five years ago and mistakenly marked as fixed.

“According to Ford’s records, certain 2021 MY E-Series vehicles did not have the remedy for Safety Recall 20S73 / 20V-795 installed correctly, but were recorded as having the repair successfully completed,” Ford said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Here is why that is a problem.

“The surface temperature of engine cover corners near the driver or front seat passenger’s feet will gradually increase,” Ford told NHTSA. “Direct and continuous contact with certain areas of engine cover surface in the passenger compartment may cause burns to the skin of the driver or front seat passenger.”

Ford said it plans to notify owners whose vans are being recalled via mail by early January. The company said it would perform the same software update that should have been completed in the earlier recall.

Ford’s Ongoing Recall Fiasco

Ford has led the country’s automakers in annual safety recalls for several years straight. The company earlier this year broke the record for total number of recalls - more than 100, and climbing - blowing past the mark set by General Motors more than a decade ago. 

The recalls range in severity, but often involve defects that increase the chances of accidents and injuries. They are typically announced long after defective vehicles have left factory floors and been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

For example, Ford recently called back nearly 165,000 Bronco sport utility vehicles because of a problem with their front seats. The company said the defect increased the risk of injuries in the event of accidents.

Ford also recently recalled certain Rangers for the third time in just four months. The company said in September that side curtain airbags could tear when deploying in more than 100,000 trucks. That was after earlier recalls for failing electronic booster brake systems and malfunctioning rearview cameras.

Legal Rights for Ford Owners in California

There is some good news for Ford owners in California: You do not need to wait for a recall to get defective or malfunctioning cars fixed.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take action.

Talk with a San Diego Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a San Diego 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 San Diego lemon law attorney.