Ford is issuing a vehicle defect recall for nearly 200,000 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans due to dangerous faults including defective brake lights and park mode issues.
The automaker is recalling cars from the 2014 and 2015 model years, as well as Mustang coupes and convertibles from the 2015 model year. According to Consumer Reports, a faulty part may cause the brake lights to stay on even when the driver is not braking, which could confuse other drivers.
In addition, it may be possible to shift the car into “park” mode without pressing the brake pedal, and the vehicle could roll away as a result. Needless to say, both these defects could result in a car accident and injuries.
Defective Brake Lights and Park Mode
The issue is apparently due to a part called a brake pedal bumper, which contacts a switch that illuminates the brake lights and lets the transmission know the driver is pressing down the brake pedal. If the vehicle has been exposed to high temperatures, high humidity, and or salty air, the brake pedal bumper could fall off.
Ford is recalling cars only sold or registered in 10 states, but the automaker has a customer satisfaction program for vehicles that are not sold or registered in those states. So, if your vehicle is having this problem, you should contact a Ford dealership regardless of where you reside.
Ford has said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this issue. However, the automaker reports that it has seen at last 615 warranty claims in documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When the recall begins in March, dealerships will replace the brake pedal bumpers, and if the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, clutch pedal bumpers, at no cost to consumers.
Auto Product Liability Issues
Rollaway defects can be dangerous not just for vehicle occupants, but also for others on the roadway such as bicyclists and pedestrians who could be struck and seriously injured by a vehicle that rolls away.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of these or other defects, contact an experienced auto defect lawyer who can help you seek and obtain compensation for losses including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/ford-lincoln-recall-cars-faulty-brake-lights-rollaway-risk-a1837059969/
