Ford is facing legal scrutiny after a transmission defect that can allow vehicles to roll away prompted a recall affecting more than 2.9 million vehicles, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documentation.
The NHTSA materials describe a bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission which can degrade or detach, preventing the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear. A vehicle that appears to be in park may in fact be in another gear, allowing it to roll away and strike bystanders or property.
Ford has identified the recall covering specific models and years, including 2013 through 2019 Ford Escapes, 2013 through 2018 Ford C Max, 2013 through 2016 Ford Fusion, 2015 through 2018 Ford Edge, and 2013 through 2021 Transit Connect vehicles. The company reported that Ford Escapes make up about 1.7 million of the recalled vehicles.
Ford also acknowledged a body of consumer feedback and reports, citing more than 1,600 warranty reports and 230 complaints. The automaker is aware of at least four injury reports and six property damage claims that it attributes to the defect, as reported in the NHTSA documentation.
Legal Response And Consumer Risks
Lawyers are already representing people who say they were hurt by the defect. Thomas J. Henry Law is handling claims for clients injured in accidents linked to the shifter bushing problem. The firm says rollaway crashes pose a particular danger because they often happen when a vehicle is assumed to be in park and no driver is behind the wheel to intervene.
The firm lists a range of injuries associated with rollaway crashes, including crushing injuries, broken bones, vital organ injuries, back and spine trauma, head and neck injuries, paralysis and death. Thomas J. Henry Law says it has experience with other high profile vehicle defect cases, including defective ignition switches and airbags.
Thomas J. Henry Law offers free case reviews and works on contingency, collecting fees and expenses only from a recovery, and says clients owe nothing if the firm does not win. The firm notes it employs more than 100 attorneys and maintains offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and Austin, while offering nationwide representation. The firm also emphasizes client support, saying, "The client's job is to heal, We will handle the rest."
