Ford Recalls 775,000 Explorer SUVs Over Steering Risk

Ford Motor Co. is recalling a slew of Explorer sport utility vehicles over a defect that appears to have already proved hazardous.

Ford announced July 16 that it is recalling 775,000 SUVs over a steering issue that could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and lead to an accident. The move followed reports of at least six people being injured in related crashes.

According to the company, a defective cross-axis ball joint could cause the cars’ rear suspension toe link to fracture. “Affected vehicles may experience a clunk noise, unusual handling, or a misaligned rear wheel,” Ford said in an announcement posted on its website. “Fracture of a rear toe link significantly diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.”

“Ford is aware of six allegations of injury related to this condition in North America,” the company added.

The company said many of the recalled vehicles are in “high-corrosion states,” or regions where cold winter weather, relatively high humidity and frequent use of road salt to treat driving surfaces accentuate the risk.

Ford plans to begin notifying owners of recalled cars on Aug. 23. The company said it will inspect those vehicles and replace defective or damaged parts as needed.

Legal Rights for Defective Car Owners in California

Recalls like the latest at Ford are sadly common for major auto manufacturers around the globe.

Ford recently recalled roughly 300,000 pickup trucks because of a tailgate defect that the company said increases the risk of a crash, for instance. Federal investigators are now looking into whether the company ever actually fixed the problem.

The good news for car owners and lessors in California is that the state’s lemon law offers some valuable rights and protections. 

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces manufacturers to buy back - or, sometimes, replace - cars that the company either cannot or will not fix. Buybacks include compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing costs and related expenses.

There is no set number of repair requests or attempts that must be made to trigger the buyback requirement. That is one reason why you should consult an experienced California lemon law attorney.

How a California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you understand your rights and take legal action. We are pleased to be able to represent people across the state. 

Our lawyers understand the significant stress and aggravation that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. That is why we work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

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.