Ford Explorers, Aviators Recalled Over Front Seat Torque Issue
» Posted September 16, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
Ford is recalling a limited number of Explorers and Aviators over a seat torque problem that the company says could prevent side airbags from working properly.
Front seats may not stay fastened in some 500 vehicles, Ford recently told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is because fasteners were equipped with the incorrect level of torque, potentially leaving the seatbacks misaligned with side airbags.
“The affected vehicles are equipped with front seatbacks that may have fasteners with incorrect torque on the side airbag and/or seatback module attachments,” Ford said in a defect notice filed with NHTSA. “If the side airbag and seatback module are not fully secured, it could affect the trajectory of the side airbag deployment and could prevent or delay the airbag cushion from positioning correctly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.”
The recall covers certain 2020 Ford Explorers and 2020 Lincoln Aviators built at a Chicago assembly plant. Ford began notifying owners of recalled cars in late August and is asking them to bring their vehicles to a local dealer for an inspection and fix.
Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect.
Legal Rights for Car Owners in California
Sadly, Ford and other major auto manufacturers regularly recall cars long after they have left the factory floor. Ford alone recalled millions of cars just last year. These recalls often stem from significant defects that pose serious safety hazards.
The good news for car owners in the Golden State is that the California lemon law offers some valuable rights and protections. The law requires carmakers to do various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty and to buy back cars that the company is unable or unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing charges and related expenses.
There is no set number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback requirement kicks in. The manufacturer may instead offer to replace the vehicle. It is up to the owner to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.
An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you are a car owner or lessor who is haggling with a car manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law attorney can help. A lawyer can help you ensure that the carmaker is held fully accountable.
At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. We are dedicated to getting the people we represent the compensation they deserve and we have a strong track record of success.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.
