If your car comes from a major manufacturer and is less than a decade old, you likely assume that as long as you perform adequate maintenance, you are safe in your vehicle. Unfortunately, some vehicles have defective components that can put drivers and their passengers at unnecessary risk on the road.
A recent, massive recall conducted by Ford exemplifies how faulty components can produce very dangerous driving situations on the road. For several models of Ford vehicles produced within the last decade, latches for vehicle doors may be faulty and could result in a spontaneous opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Ford has recalled roughly 2 million vehicles for faulty latches
On June 10th, 2020, the Ford Motor Company announced recalls for select Ford and Lincoln Vehicles due to faulty latches. In most cases, when the latch failed, the result was that the door will not close.
However, people who are able to relatch the door after an initial issue may discover that the door opens without provocation while the vehicle is in motion. The consequences of such an opening could be a distraction for the driver that causes a crash or a number of other situations where someone could get hurt.
The recalled vehicles include certain factory batches of the following Ford models:
- 2011-2014 Fiesta
- 201-2015 Focus
- 2013-2014 Fusion
- 2013-2015 Escape
- 2013-2015 C-MAX
- 2014-2016 Transit Connect Vehicles
- 2015 Mustang
Additionally, the 2013/2014 Lincoln MKZ and 2015 Lincoln MKC may also be part of the recall.
People get hurt by faulty components and defective products
Those who produce consumer goods, especially safety-critical items like motor vehicles, have an obligation to the public to make sure that the product they deliver is safe and has been properly inspected. A single faulty component, like a door latch, could result in severe injuries or even death.
Consumers who get hurt because of defective products or those who lose a loved one may have the right to take legal action against a company that made the product.