Ford has issued an auto defect recall for about 270,000 Fusions and 2,760 Rangers in North America because they could have transmission issues that can cause them to roll away and cause injuries. The fault could cause the cars to start moving without warning when the driver thinks it is in park. According to the Detroit Free Press, consumers have reported incidents of property damage and injuries related to the Fusion defect. On some affected Rangers, the two fasteners that secure the bracket for the transmission shift cable to the transmission housing may not have been torqued to specification.
Dangerous Transmission Defects in Ford Vehicles
Ford says that over time, the cable bracket can come loose, and the transmission will be in a different gear than the one selected by the driver. This condition could lead the driver to remove the ignition key without an instrument panel warning message or chime that lets him or her know that the transmission is not in park. This, in turn, could cause the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not applied, which escalates the risk of an injury or crash.
The Michigan Assembly Plant built the recalled Rangers from March 5-13 this year. Ranger owners are urged to go to dealers, who will adjust the fasteners and ensure everything is safe. Drivers are urged to use the parking brake until the recall is completed.
The Fusion recall involves 2013-2016 midsize sedans with 2.5-liter engines. The problems are similar to the Ranger issue. Fusion drivers may shift their lever to park and remove the ignition key. However, the transmission may not be in park, increasing the rollaway risk. Ford is aware of three reports of property damage and one report of an injury related to this vehicle defect. Ford urges Fusion drivers to use emergency parking brakes until dealers can fix the problem. The recalled vehicles were built in the United States and Mexico.
If Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled
Transmission defects are serious. They could cause rollaway crashes that could result in serious or even fatal injuries, not just for the drivers or vehicle occupants, but also for others on the roadway as well. The most high-profile fatality involving a rollaway defect was that of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, who died at age 27 from injuries after his recalled Jeep Cherokee rolled off his driveway and pinned him to a mailbox outside his Los Angeles home.
You can check if your vehicle is involved in the recall by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website and entering your vehicle identification number, of VIN. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an auto defect, you may be able to seek compensation for the injuries, damages, and losses you have sustained. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an experienced auto defect law firm who will be able to provide you with additional information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2019/05/15/ford-recall-ranger-fusion-transmission/3677845002/
