Ford is recalling nearly 115,000 Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs because a government safety audit uncovered an issue with how their brakes might perform in an emergency. According to Consumer Reports, the government audit discovered that if the vehicles’ power brakes fail, they would not be able to stop within the distance that is required under federal safety regulations.
How the Auto Defect Came to Light
The problem with these Ford vehicles arose because of rear brake linings that were not properly manufactured. Owners of these vehicles would only encounter the issue if their power brakes fail. Ford will let owners know via mail if their vehicles are included in the recall and when they can bring their vehicles to a dealership for a free repair.
Consumer Reports says that it is significant to note how this auto defect was discovered. Automakers typically use internal tests to ensure that their vehicles meet federal safety standards. This is a process that is known as self-certification. But the government’s auto safety regulator – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – occasionally tests vehicles to make sure they comply with federal safety regulations.
In order to meet those regulations, a vehicle such as an Escape or Bronco must be able to stop within 551 feet from a speed of 60 mph if its power brakes have failed. If a vehicle’s power brakes fail, the driver will find it more difficult to bring the vehicle to a stop. Ford’s internal tests of a Bronco Sport in 2018 showed that its SUV met the regulatory requirement, but NHTSA found that it took 583 feet to stop when the power brakes inoperative, which is 32 feet more than what the regulations allow.
Ford’s internal investigation discovered that the issue might also have affected Escape SUVs. Ford has said it is not aware of any crashes of injuries related to this recall, which includes 2021-22 Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport SUVs that don’t have an electronic brake booster.
Auto Product Liability Issues
If you have been injured in a crash, which you suspect was caused by a vehicle defect, please preserve the vehicle in its current condition so that an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and other evidence. You may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
If you have lost a loved one to a defective auto, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation as well. An experienced auto defect lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/ford-recalls-bronco-sport-escape-suvs-to-fix-brake-problems-a3523674714/
