Ford Recalls Expedition, Navigator SUVs Over Fire Risk

The end of summer brought yet another recall from Ford Motor Co. over yet another defect that poses a car fire risk.

The major auto manufacturer is calling back nearly 200,000 sport utility vehicles over defective blower motors. The problem has already resulted in at least 25 engine fires, Ford told federal regulators. It also increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries for drivers, passengers and anyone else on the road.

“Some customers whose vehicles caught fire told the automaker that they first noticed a fan that didn’t work, a burning smell, and/or smoke coming from the vents while the vehicle was turned on,” Keith Barry writes for Consumer Reports.

The recall covers certain Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs from model years 2015 to 2017.

At least 12 of the fires reported to Ford resulted in extensive vehicle damage, the company said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All of the 25 reported fires were said to have occurred while the vehicles’ engines were on.

Ford said it would begin notifying owners of recalled SUVs by mid-September. It is asking owners to bring their cars to a local dealer to have blower motors inspected and replaced.

Sadly, this is not Ford’s only vehicle fire problem.

The company in April recalled some 345,000 vehicles over a different fire risk, this one stemming from oil leaks. Ford announced the previous month that it was calling back 18,000 sport utility vehicles that could also go up in flames if the cars are involved in crashes.

How the California Lemon Law Works

Ford is not alone. 

The truth is that major carmakers around the globe call back millions of vehicles every year. They often cite serious defects that pose significant safety threats. They also routinely announce the recalls long after the malfunctioning vehicles have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

That is where the California lemon law comes in. Car owners and lessors in the Golden State do not need to wait around for a recall in order to get defective vehicles repaired.

The lemon law requires car manufacturers to do a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also obligates the companies to buy back cars that they cannot or decline to fix. That includes returning the owner’s down payment on the vehicle, as well as compensating the owner for financing charges, towing, rental cars and various other related expenses.

There is no particular number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

How Our Lawyers Can Help

If you are stuck with a lemon or locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over repairs, the California lemon law attorneys at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a lemon law attorney at our firm.