Ford has recalled 392,085 vehicles in two separate actions.
The largest recall affects model year 2001-2004 Ford Escapes in the “Salt Belt States”. These states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. 348,950 vehicles manufactured between October 22, 1999, through January 23, 2004 were recalled due to excessive corrosion at the forward attachment of the lower control arm. If the corrosion is persistent, the lower control arm can detach which will result in the loss of steering control.
Click here to read the defect notice: Ford Escape Recall
Parts are currently not available. Ford expects to send notification in May 2014. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the part installed. If customers bring their vehicles to a dealer before reinforcement cross-braces are available, dealers will inspect the sub-frame and either inform customers that the vehicle is safe to drive until the remedy parts are available or provide a rental vehicle until parts are available if an immediate repair is needed. Owners may contact Ford at 800-392-3673. Ford’s number for this recall is 14S02.
The other recall affects 43,135 vehicles total, which include 4 newer model year Fords. The following vehicles are affected:
- FORD C-MAX 2013-2014, manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013
- FORD ESCAPE 2013-2014, manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013
- FORD FUSION 2013-2014, manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013
- LINCOLN MKZ 2013-2014, manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013
The problem is the driver and passenger seat back assemblies were installed with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seats fail to meet the standards of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, the sufficient strength of a seating system. Because the seats fail to meet the standards of FMVSS 207, the back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving, increasing the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat back, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin around May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 800-392-3673. Ford’s number for this recall is 14C03.
Since its redesign in 2012, the newer Ford Escapes have been plagued with fuel and oil leak defects.
Americans rely on their car manufacturers to provide a safe well-designed vehicle. Sadly, that is not often the case. The Auto Defect Attorneys at the Brandi Law Firm has successfully represented many people injured from defective Toyotas, Fords, Chryslers, Volkswagens, GM products and numerous other manufacturers and suppliers. Often times, people involved in accidents do not examine the issues of defective vehicle design nor whether the car was truly crashworthy – does it contain the appropriate crash protection. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto crash, our attorneys at the Brandi Law Firm are available to consult with you. Please contact our office at 800-481-1615 or email us.
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