Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for about 37,625 Ranger Super Cab pickup trucks because of two problems that could prevent child safety seats from being properly installed.
According to Consumer Reports, the fixed head restraints in these models could interfere with the installation of taller rigid anchor-mounted child seats and prevent them from being secured, putting young passengers at risk in the event of a car accident. The recalled vehicles are newer models from the 2020 and 2021 model years.
Details of the Child Seat Recall
The problems with the Ford vehicles mean that the vehicles don’t adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 225. The faults include the installation issue and a problem attaching the seats to the lower rear anchors. To resolve this issue, Ford dealerships will replace the head restraints and adjust the anchors as necessary, at no cost to consumers. Ford dealers will inspect the rear lower LATCH anchors and adapt them as required. The automaker is expected to notify owners by mail beginning on Nov. 15.
Documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that Ford was alerted by a supplier of a variation between a benchmarking evaluation of the child restraint system for the rear seat and Ford’s internal FMVSS 225 certification results. During the 2020 model year, Ford introduced fixed rear head restraints that are not removable and failed to recertify the child restraint system.
After being notified of this discrepancy by the supplier, Ford inspected vehicles from different model years. During these inspections, it also became apparent that the lower anchors on certain 2021 models were not properly aligned, as mandated by the federal safety standard. Ford has said it is unaware of this issue’s injuries or fatalities.
If Your Child Has Been Injured by the Car Seat
Suppose your child has suffered injuries in a crash due to these or other defective vehicle parts or a defective child safety seat. In that case, you must understand your legal rights and options. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation from the automaker by filing a product liability lawsuit. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
It would be best to contact a law firm specializing in car seat defects with significant experience and the resources to conduct the independent investigations necessary to prove your case and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/ford-ranger-pickups-recalled-for-child-seat-problem-a6650136996/
