Ford Recalls 3 million Vehicles Due to Defective Airbags
After losing its fight with the NHTSA, Ford recalls 3 million vehicles equipped with defective airbags. Yes, the same Takata that manufactured defective airbags from earlier recalls. While the airbag inflators causing the problem in this recall are different, the recall is happening for a similar reason: they have a risk of exploding.
Ford recalls 3 million vehicles due to defective airbags
As reported by USAtoday.com, Ford’s hand was forced on the recall of 2.7 million vehicles in the U.S. at a cost of $610 million because federal regulators rejected the company’s request to avoid a recall. Ford took the position that they had not found evidence that the material in the inflators was breaking down to the point that it would cause a serious problem. After considering the request, NHTSA concluded that the ammonium nitrate propellant used to inflate the driver’s airbags was showing signs of decay and posed a safety risk.
Which vehicles are being recalled due to defective airbags?
The vehicles affected are the 2007-11 Ford Ranger, the 2006-12 Ford Fusion, the 2007-10 Ford Edge, the 2006-12 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr, the 2007-10 Lincoln MKX and the 2006-11 Mercury Milan.
The recall will also affect Mazda, which used to be owned by Ford. They are expected to recall 2007-09 B-Series small pickups because of the NHTSA’s ruling.
The companies will replace the unsafe airbag inflators as part of the recall effort.
Takata recalls
Takata airbags have been the source of huge earlier recalls in the past few years; the largest in U.S. history. To date, they have cost at least 27 people their lives, including 18 in the U.S. Another 400 or so have been injured.
According to the NHTSA, tens of millions of vehicles with Takata airbags are under recall around the world. The problem with the airbags is that over time, exposure to high heat and humidity can cause these airbags to explode when deployed.
NHTSA urges vehicle owners to check to see if their vehicle is on the latest recall list and contact their nearest dealer for next steps to protect themselves, their passengers and others from the very serious threat that these airbags cause to safety.
Product liability law
Defective and dangerous products cause thousands of injuries every year. If you were involved in a car crash caused by a defective part, contact a product liability lawyer today; he or she may be able to help you recover damages for your injury.
In successful product liability cases, a product manufacturer, distributor or seller is held liable for the injuries caused by the defective or dangerous product. Product liability laws vary by state but generally require that a product meet ordinary consumer expectations that a product be free of defects or dangers. When a product fails to meet this threshold, it could end up as part of a product liability lawsuit.
A car accident attorney can help!
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the justice and compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
