Defect Problems Continue for Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator

Ford Motor Co. is yet again recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorers and Lincoln Aviators, the latest in a long line of struggles that the American auto manufacturer has had with the two sport utility vehicle models.

Ford is recalling more than 1,400 Explorers and Aviators over a problem with motor mounts that could detach and cause an accident, the company recently told federal regulators.

“The automated tool used to secure the right-hand motor mount fasteners broke, “Ford said in a notice submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “The manual handheld tool used in the backup process may not have properly torqued the motor mount fasteners.”

Sure, 1,400 cars is a relatively small recall given the millions of vehicles that Ford and others flag for significant defects each year. Still, the latest recalls are the 10th for the current Explorer model and the 6th for the Aviator.

Ford’s rollout of the 2020 Explorers and Aviators has been plagued by problems from jump street. The Detroit Free Press reported in Sept. 2019 that Ford was sending vehicles to dealers even as “workers desperately attempt to identify and fix a series of complicated problems in the much-awaited SUVs.”

How the California Lemon Law Protects Ford Owners

Sadly, it has become common for Ford and other carmakers to recall vehicles for serious defects. These recalls often identify problems with vehicles that increase the risk of a crash for everyone on the road, long after a particular car has left the factory or a dealer’s lot.

That is where the California lemon law comes in. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty act requires car manufacturers to make various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the company to buy back - or, in some cases, replace - vehicles that the manufacturer cannot or will not fix. 

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace obligation kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney. The law shifts the responsibility to car manufacturers to pick up the tab for any legal fees that a person incurs while enforcing his or her lemon law rights.

How a California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help

If you are a California car owner driving a lemon, it is important to consult a seasoned lawyer to consider your rights and options. A lawyer can help you ensure that the manufacturer fixes the vehicle and can maximize your buyback value.

California lemon law attorney Brian Bickel and his team at Bickel Sannipoli APC represent people in defective vehicle cases across the state. We understand the significant stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.