Motor vehicles are involved in countless injuries and fatalities across the country each year. Most are due to driver error, adverse weather or poor road conditions. However, some accidents are caused by a fault in a vehicle, whether it was a defect in manufacturing affecting a small number of cars or a major defect that could potentially injure dozens or hundreds of people. It is important for drivers in New Jersey to stay updated on recalls involving their vehicles.
How do consumers become aware of recalls? In many cases, a vehicle manufacturer will notify car owners of dangerous defects through the mail or by email. Defects that involve multiple vehicles will often be broadcast through news outlets, especially if a flaw has already injured or is likely to injure consumers. People may also look up potential problems by visiting the Consumer Reports website or by doing an internet search on their vehicle.
One recent defect has affected about 350,000 Ford vehicles throughout North America, including 2018 F-150, F-650, F-750 and Expedition SUVs. Consumers reported their vehicles shifting out of park and moving, even when the keys were not in the car. A faulty transmission is said to be responsible for the defect, which has resulted in one accident and an injury that authorities are aware of. The Ford company has issued a recall of these vehicles and plans to inspect and repair those that are affected free of charge.
Auto defects can be frightening and are, unfortunately, not as uncommon as people would like to think. If a manufacturer defect leads to an injury, the company may be held liable.
Source: CNBC, “Ford recalls about 350,000 F-150s and Expeditions for faulty transmission gears,” Robert Ferris, April 6, 2018