Ford Recalls 1.3 Million Cars Whose Brakes Could Fail
» Posted June 7, 2023 • Resources | Share This Post
Ford Motor Co.’s latest major car recall yet again stems from a serious defect that puts the safety of everyone on the road at risk.
The automaker is recalling model years 2013 to 2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for brake hoses that could fail, spilling brake fluid. Ford told federal regulators that the defect could reduce the braking ability of the 1.3 million cars being recalled, potentially causing traffic accidents.
“On your vehicle, brake fluid may leak from one or both front brake flexible hoses,” Ford said in a draft owner notification letter provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“If the brake fluid leaks, your vehicle may experience an increase in brake pedal travel together with a reduction in the rate of deceleration over time, increasing the risk of a crash,” the company added.
Ford has pledged to enhance the safety of its vehicles after a disastrous year in which the company issued more recalls than any other auto manufacturer. Ford announced a total of 67 separate recalls in 2022, NHTSA data show, far surpassing the 45 recalls by the next closest manufacturer, Volkswagen.
Still, the recalls have continued in 2023.
The company called back a small group of Bronco 4x4s over malfunctioning airbags in January. The next month, it recalled cars and trucks that the manufacturer said could roll away unexpectedly.
How the California Lemon Law Works
Ford is an industry leader when it comes to car recalls, but it is hardly alone in struggling to ensure that its vehicles are safe to drive.
Major car manufacturers call back tens of millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of defects that pose safety risks. The moves often come long after the defective cars have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.
There is some good news for car owners and lessors in California: You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.
Also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law forces carmakers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.
A manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.
An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options. The law forces manufacturers to pick up the tab for certain legal fees incurred by car owners while enforcing their rights.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
