What Our California Car Accident Lawyers Want You to Know
Vehicle safety is paramount, so drivers should take notice when a major automaker like Ford announces a major safety recall. Ford recently recalled nearly 500,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles over a potentially dangerous defect that could cause the affected vehicles to suddenly and unexpectedly lose power.
Drivers who routinely take the I-405 and I-5 in Los Angeles or any of California’s notoriously congested freeways know that losing power and stopping amid all that traffic would leave you in a dangerous and potentially deadly predicament.
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash because of a defective automobile, you need a California car accident injury lawyer with experience and a proven record of success to get you the compensation you deserve.
The Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick Defect
The popularity of the Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick has left many drivers wondering about the safety of their vehicles in light of recent recalls. Questions such as “What is the current recall on the Ford Bronco?” and “Are there any recalls on the new Ford Maverick?” are common concerns.
The answer to both questions is yes. The National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the recall encompasses 2021-2024 Bronco Sport SUVs and 2022-2023 Maverick pickup trucks. The recall affects about 456,565 vehicles.
According to the agency, the Ford vehicles may fail to detect a low battery charge, which can cause a sudden loss of power and control. The failure would also disable the vehicle’s electrical power, including hazard lights.
The sudden loss of engine power and the failure of essential safety features present a serious crash risk. Other drivers may not see the disabled vehicle in time to stop, especially at night and in poor weather, putting the lives of vehicle occupants and others using the road in serious danger.
How Will Ford Fix the Defect?
Ford said it will use a software update to recalibrate the body and powertrain control modules. The automaker will offer the repair at no cost to vehicle owners. Once fixed, the vehicles will better detect low battery charge and prevent unexpected engine shutoffs.
Ford began notifying owners of the recalled vehicle by mail on May 13, 2024. If you own one of the affected vehicles and you received a recall notice, don’t put off having the repairs made. Ford’s notice provides more detailed information about the recall and instructions on how to schedule a repair at an authorized dealer for free.
Auto Recalls Reach Near-Record Highs in 2023
The U.S. auto industry issued a staggering 382 vehicle recalls affecting more than 33 million vehicles in 2023, a near-record high second only to the 384 auto recalls recorded in 2014. The Ford Bronco Sport and Maverick recall is just one example of the numerous vehicle recalls that have plagued the U.S. auto industry in recent years.
The sheer scale of these recalls underscores the importance of staying informed and taking prompt action when the vehicles you and your family drive are under a safety recall. If a defective vehicle injured you or a family member before its recall, contact an experienced product liability law firm to learn more about your legal right to compensation.
Why so many auto recalls?
Defective parts from suppliers: The automakers’ increasing reliance on third-party suppliers for vehicle components contributed to the recent recall surge. Suppliers providing defective parts lead to problems across multiple vehicle models and brands. Sometimes, a faulty component can trigger a recall, affecting hundreds of thousands or even millions of vehicles.
New technology with unresolved issues
Automakers continue to add new technologies and features to their vehicles, but the complexity of these systems sometimes leads to unforeseen problems. Advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment units, and even electric vehicle batteries have all triggered recent recalls.
Manufacturers often struggle to identify and resolve issues before vehicles reach consumers, but many times, these problems emerge only when the vehicles are in widespread use.
Misguided cost-cutting measures
Some automakers and their suppliers resort to cost-cutting measures that compromise vehicle quality and safety in an effort to maximize profits and stay competitive in the market. These measures can include using inferior materials, reducing quality control checks, or outsourcing production to facilities with lax standards.
Cutting corners may lead to short-term financial gains, but they can ultimately increase the risk of defects, recalls, and costly lawsuits.
A corporate culture that prioritizes profit over safety
Simply put, many automakers and suppliers value profits more than safety. When workers speak out about safety concerns, supervisors and company leaders may downplay or ignore their concerns. Meeting production targets and avoiding the costs of fixing the vehicles often become the priority.
Backward priorities can lead to a lack of accountability and a willingness to cut corners, ultimately resulting in more frequent and severe vehicle defects.
Win With Wilshire
Wilshire Law Firm’s powerhouse team of exceptional California vehicle accident lawyers has a long and proven record of getting winning results for our clients.
We’ve dedicated our careers to fighting for our clients and their families, whether they’ve been injured in a crash caused by a defective vehicle or are dealing with the devastating consequences of a wrongful death.
We work tirelessly to investigate your accident, identifying every potential source of compensation to maximize your claim, including product liability lawsuits for personal injuries caused by defective automobiles.
We can gather evidence to support your claim, negotiate with the automaker and their insurers on your behalf, and argue your case in court if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
At Wilshire Law Firm, we are:
- Smart, loyal, and relentless in our pursuit of justice for you
- Committed to providing results-driven, client-first service every step of the way
- Compassionate and understanding of the challenges you face
- Aggressive and effective in handling automakers and insurance companies
- Focused on achieving exceptional results for you, and we won’t back down until we do
Get Justice, Get Paid With Wilshire’s California Car Accident Lawyers
We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that a car accident, related injuries, or wrongful death can take on a family. Our California personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of clients throughout California get the compensation they deserve. Nothing makes us happier than securing the resources our clients deserve to move past the trauma of an accident and rebuild their lives.
Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at (213) 335-2402 or request a free, confidential consultation online with one of our California car accident attorneys today.
