Ford Bronco Sport SUVs Recalled Due to Rollover Risk
When Ford announced that it would be bringing back the Bronco, many SUV enthusiasts who enjoy their vehicles for offroading were duly thrilled by the news. The first came off the line in November. Now, Ford announced the second recall related to the popular SUV that has many customers worried about the vehicle’s safety.
Ford recently announced that a defective lower control arm could reduce the vehicle’s stability causing rollover accidents. The concern with such a top-heavy vehicle is that the rollover crash could crush the cabin with everyone inside it.
The recall affects an estimated 106 vehicles. Ford announced that they have sold 13,710 Bronco SUVs since the vehicle was made available in November. The recall involves only vehicles that were built on December 9th, 2020. While only 50% of the vehicles have the defect, Ford is recalling all the vehicles built that day. Ford believes that the wrong lower control arm was used for the Sport SUV models.
What Happens Now?
Typically, when an auto manufacturer announces a recall, they alert the media to the issue. That didn’t happen here since fewer than 250 customers. Those whose SUVs might have the defective control arm will be asked to bring their vehicles down to Ford. The dealership will check to ensure the correct control arm was used to build the vehicle. If they find the wrong control arm, they will replace it free of charge. Additionally, the front suspension will be realigned properly. The recall was voluntary, and Ford themselves alerted the NHTSA about the defect. Ford also said that at this point, they are not aware of any injuries or deaths related to the recall.
Is This Defect Dangerous?
Yes. This is a seriously dangerous defect. Since SUVs are generally driven offroad in conditions that most vehicles couldn’t handle, the chances of a rollover accident are higher simply because of how the vehicle is used. Add to that a top-heavy vehicle with a defective stabilizing control system and you have a death trap in the making.
Since the defect was caught early and Ford self-reported the problem to the NHTSA, the chances are good that this issue won’t harm anyone. In fact, this is how the system is supposed to work. The manufacturer catches a problem, alerts the NHTSA, finds the customers with the problem, alerts them, and then the customers bring the vehicle in to have it serviced. This is how deaths and injuries are avoided and it’s why the system exists in the form it exists today.
When every stakeholder responds in accord with the law, the risk to drivers is reduced, catastrophic injuries are avoided, and the auto manufacturer doesn’t have to fend off wrongful death lawsuits.
Talk to a Florida Defective Auto Part Attorney
If a defective auto part is responsible for worsening your injuries or was culpable in an accident in which a loved one was killed or injured, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Call the Coral Gables tire defect attorneys at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
Resource:
freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2021/02/26/2021-ford-bronco-sportsrecall-risk-rollover/6829320002/
https://www.tiredefectattorney.com/honda-announces-recall-of-1-4-million-vehicles/
