Feds Probe Ford Over Defective Pickup Truck Tailgates
» Posted February 26, 2021 • Resources | Share This Post
Some 300,000 Ford pickup trucks that were recalled over faulty tailgates may not have actually been fixed, according to federal regulators.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced that it is looking into complaints that the tailgates continue to malfunction, the Detroit Free Press reports. NHTSA has received at least 11 complaints of tailgates opening unexpectedly and without warning, a problem that could increase the risk of a crash.
The company recalled certain F-250, F-350, and F-450 pickups in 2019 after becoming aware of the defect. Ford said it was not aware of any accidents resulting from the defect at the time, but asked owners of recalled vehicles to bring them into local dealers for an inspection and fix.
“An unintended tailgate opening may result in damage to the tailgate and/or allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash,” the company said at the time.
The recalled vehicles range from model years 2017 to 2019.
California’s lemon law offers some important rights and protections to car owners and lessors in the Golden State.
The law requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back - or, in some cases, replace - cars that the company is unable or not willing to fix.
Defective Cars - Know Your Legal Rights
The NHTSA probe highlights a couple of unfortunate truths: 1) Major car manufacturers recall millions of vehicles per year because of serious defects that pose safety hazards, and 2) those companies sometimes do not even fix the problem after a recall.
The good news for car owners and lessors in California is that the state’s lemon law offers some important rights and protections. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the manufacturer to buy back - or, possibly, replace - covered cars that the company is unwilling or unable to fix.
There is no specific number of repair attempts or requests that must be made before the buyback requirement kicks in. That is why it is imperative to seek the advice of an experienced attorney.
How Our Sacramento Lemon Law Firm Can Help You
If you have been stuck with a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, it is important to consult a seasoned attorney who can help you understand your rights and explore your options.
California lemon law attorney Brian Bickel and his Sacramento lemon law firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent, guiding them through the legal process every step of the way.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco and we are happy to speak with clients throughout the state by phone. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney at our Sacramento lemon law firm.
