Ford Concerned About Battery Fires in European Cars
» Posted October 3, 2019 • Resources | Share This Post
American automaker Ford Motor Co. is taking a look at certain cars across the pond that could be at risk of catching fire.
Ford recently announced that it is recalling more than 320,000 vehicles in Europe in response to concerns about battery acid leaks, according to Automotive News. Those leaks could cause car batteries to overheat and ignite.
The recall covers Galaxy, Mondo and S-Max models manufactured over a five year period starting in February 2014, Automotive News reports. Those vehicles are built at the company’s factory in Valencia, Spain.
This is not the only vehicle defect that has forced Ford to inspect and repair cars long after they leave the dealership lots. The company over the summer said it was taking another look at some 58,000 Focus models over a fuel tank problem that Ford said could cause the cars to stall unexpectedly. Those cars were previously part of a wider recall of some 1.5 million vehicles, also over stalling concerns.
Earlier this year, Ford also announced it was recalling 3,000 Ranger pickup trucks. The company said a transmission issue could cause the cars to shift into neutral without warning.
Legal Protections for California Car Owners
Ford’s recent recalls are not unique to this particular company. The unfortunate truth is that a wide range of automobile manufacturers are often forced to recall vehicles after uncovering significant defects that can put everyone on the road at risk.
The California lemon law is designed to provide some basic protections to car owners in the Golden State. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires a manufacturer to make certain repairs to cars while they are under warranty. If the manufacturer refuses or is unable to repair the car, it is obligated to buy the car back and to compensate the owner for related costs. That includes rental car and financing fees, along with the purchase price. The manufacturer can also offer to replace the vehicle.
The manufacturer is also on the hook for any legal fees that an owner incurs enforcing his or her rights under the lemon law. There is no magic number of repair attempts that a manufacturer has to make for the lemon law to kick in.
Speak With a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you’re a California car owner who’s stuck with a lemon, it’s important that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights and options. The California Lemon Law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state.
We understand the stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers over a defective vehicle. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent. We do not charge upfront fees in most cases.
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.
