The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is conducting a comprehensive investigation into Ford Escape SUVs after receiving numerous complaints about faulty door latch supports.
The NHTSA has received reports from 118 consumers claiming to have experienced unintended door openings while driving. Unfortunately, in 25 cases, occupants of the vehicle suffered injuries related to this issue. While the regulatory agency has not made a definitive decision yet, Ford may be required to conduct repairs on the 346,000 Escape SUVs manufactured between 2020 and 2021 if a recall is deemed necessary after the SUV Ford Escape investigation.
The NHTSA suspects that the door problem is due to loose supports and has stated the following: “Continued use of the door may cause the latch to unlatch, which in turn may result in a failure to close when closed, a failure to open, and/or unintended opening while driving.” It is still unclear whether normal wear and tear over a period of two or three years could be the cause of the reported issues by drivers.
Automotive safety regulators have remained very active since the beginning of this year. Due to the sudden increase in vehicle innovation, as a result of the automotive industry’s new interest in electrification, the workload for these regulators is expected to continue to rise.
In June, the NHTSA initiated an investigation into another Ford SUV, the Explorer, due to reports that the vehicle could roll unexpectedly while parked. This issue is expected to become more prominent as this technology becomes more common.
A defective product can pose a significant risk to people’s lives, especially when it comes to a vehicle. In the United States, vehicle-related accidents due to defects are still on the rise, and it is the responsibility of manufacturers to take action and protect their consumers from the serious risk caused by their negligence.
If you or a loved one is dealing with injuries caused by an accident due to defective products, you have the right to seek justice and hold the responsible party accountable.
At Farahi Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of accidents caused by defective products and recovering the maximum compensation they deserve. Call us today for a free consultation of your case.
