Ford is recalling nearly 1.4 million midsize cars in North America because the steering wheels can detach from the steering column, which could result in drivers losing control.
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This recall comes after pressure from U.S. regulators. The recall covers certain Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars from the 2014 through 2018 model years. Local Indiana auto dealerships like Pearson Ford are making continued efforts to encourage Ford owners to check for recalls. The dealership also strives to notify owners appropriately.
According to Ford, the steering wheel bolts can loosen over time. The company says it knows of two crashes and one injury caused by the problem. At no charge, auto dealers will replace the bolts with longer ones that have more aggressive threads and a nylon patch to prevent them from coming loose. Notifications will be mailed to owners these Ford and Lincoln models during the week of April 30, 2018. Parts are expected to be available during that specified time.
Approximately 1.3 million cars in the U.S. are being recalled, with the remaining in Canada and Mexico. The recall comes almost five months following the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) investigation into steering wheels falling off Ford Fusions from 2014 through 2016 model years.
NHTSA reported that it initiated the examination after receiving three complaints, including one from a Georgia motorist who reported that the steering wheel in a 2015 Fusion fell into their lap when turning.
Two other Ford owners reported that the bolt attaching the wheel to the steering column came loose while driving. At the time, NHTSA had no reports of crashes or injuries.
Ford is not the only manufacturer to issue a recall for this problem. In February 2018, Hyundai recalled more than 43,000 vehicles with the same possible steering wheel glitches. The recall affected the 2018 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport SUVs.
With the recent Daylight Saving, NHTSA published promotions to remind vehicle owners to check their vehicles for open recalls as part of the Safe Cars Save Lives Check for Recalls campaign. Reiterating that recalled vehicles are repaired at no cost to owners, this helps increase awareness and encourages the public to make efforts to check recalls.
Last year, there were over 800 new vehicle safety recalls affecting more than 30 million vehicles in the country. The Safe Cars Save Lives Check for Recalls campaign urges the public to check their vehicles at least twice a year – every March during Daylight Savings when setting clocks forward and each November when setting clocks back.
Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.