Ford Calls Back Trucks, SUVs Because of Seat Problems

“Built Ford Tough” is taking on a whole new meaning now that the company is recalling vehicles over seating problems that could make drivers and passengers more susceptible to injury in the event of a crash.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling some 550,000 trucks and sport utility vehicles because a seatback recliner issue may leave seats weakened and less able to restrain occupants when a collision occurs.

“A seatback with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury,” the company said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “An improperly assembled recliner mechanism may result in a loose seatback, or a seatback that appears to be leaning rearward on one side.”

The recall covers certain Ford F-150 and F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks, as well as Explorer, Expedition and Lincoln Aviator sport utility vehicles.

Ford said it was not aware of any injuries caused as a result of the defect. The company told owners and lessors that it will inspect and repair vehicles covered by the recall, as needed.

How the California Lemon Law Works

Serious defects that raise significant safety hazards like those in the latest Ford recall are unfortunately common. That is where the California lemon law comes to the rescue of some car owners and lessors in the Golden State.

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act offers some valuable protections. The law forces carmakers to repair their vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires manufacturers to buy back cars that they cannot or refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner or lessor for the purchase price and any financing fees, as well as for rental cars and other related expenses.

A car manufacturer can also offer an owner or lessor a replacement vehicle. It is ultimately up to the owner or lessor to decide, however, whether to accept that as an alternative to a buy back.

There is no magic number of repair attempts or requests required before the buyback requirement kicks in. That is why anyone stuck with a defective vehicle should seek the advice of a seasoned California lemon law attorney.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you are a car owner with a defective vehicle, an experienced California lemon law attorney can help ensure that the manufacturer is made fully responsible.

The California lemon law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

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