In 2018, Ford recalled over 1.4 million Ford and Lincoln cars in North America due to a steering safety issue. The recall came after several dozen Ford Fusion owners complained that steering wheels became loose or detached while operating the vehicle. Others reported that the steering wheel became wobbly while driving the vehicle. There were 45 independent complaints reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). One injury and at least two accidents were attributed to the 2018 Ford steering wheel defects.
Driving a car with a loose steering wheel can cause the steering wheel to detach from the steering column, making it difficult or impossible to navigate the car. This can lead to a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injuries or even death. If you or someone you know has sustained injuries while driving a recalled Ford vehicle, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. Call a Ford recall lawsuit attorney today at William Mattar to schedule a free consultation.
Which Ford Vehicles Have Been Recalled?
According to CNN Money, the affected models in the 2018 recall include the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ (2014-2018). The recall applies to every version of the Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, including:
- Fusion S
- Fusion SE
- Hybrid S
- Hybrid SE
- Hybrid Titanium
- Energi SE
- Energi Titanium
- Fusion Sport
- Fusion Platinum
- Fusion Hybrid Platinum
- Fusion Energi Platinum
- Lincoln MKZ Premier
- Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Premier
- Lincoln MKZ Black Label
In 2019, Ford recalled another 1.2 million vehicles for steering-related issues. This recall affects the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer models. If you own one of these vehicles and have suffered physical injuries due to a steering wheel failure, contact us today at (844) 444 - 4444.
How to Check to See if Your Vehicle is Being Recalled by Ford for Defective Steering Wheels
To check if your vehicle has been recalled, go to the NHTSA website and enter the vehicle identification number, or “VIN.” A VIN is a 17-digit number that provides the history of a vehicle.
For example, a VIN check can provide information about whether the vehicle has been involved in an accident, was stolen in the past, as well as the number of previous owners. VINs are typically located to the lower left of the windshield. They can also be found on a vehicle’s registration card. In some cases, VINs are included on insurance cards.
Defects in Ford Steering Wheels Involved in the Recall
According to the 2018 recall notice, in affected vehicles, “the steering wheel bolt may not maintain torque, allowing the bolt to loosen over time, and if not serviced, a steering wheel could potentially detach and lead to a loss of steering control and increased risk of a crash.” Upon receiving a notice of recall in the mail, owners of recalled cars can take their cars into a Ford dealer to have bolts replaced with longer bolts that have improved threads and a special patch to prevent them from loosening.
Unfortunately, some owners of recalled Ford vehicles may not get this notice in the mail before they suffer an accident due to a defective steering wheel. If you were injured due to a defective steering wheel, our car accident attorneys are available to help.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were driving one of the vehicles listed above, and lost control of your car due to a defective steering wheel and suffered physical car accident injuries, call William Mattar today. You can contact us at (844) 444 - 4444, or fill out our online form, to schedule a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss your case, and can come to your home or hospital room if you are recovering from injuries and cannot visit our office.