Ford Recalling 2.9 Million Vehicles For Transmissions Problems

Ford recently issued a large recall of 2.9 million vehicles in connection with a defect affecting the automatic transmission. While the problem can increase the risk of rollaway crashes occurring, Ford has noted that it is aware of six instances of property damage caused by the issue. The manufacturer also indicated in its recall documents that four injuries were reported as a result of the problem. Due to the danger the issue can cause, owners of the affected vehicles should get the available remedy as soon as possible.

What is the Issue That Led to the Ford Recall?

According to documents posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, a bushing attaching the shifter cable to the transmission can detach or degrade, stopping the vehicle from shifting into the gear intended. In other words, a vehicle that was meant to be shifted into park might inadvertently be shifted into another gear — and the vehicle could potentially roll away.

Almost three million vehicles are affected by the recall including the following models:

• 2013-2019 Escape
• 2013-2018 C-Max
• 2013-2016 Fusion
• 2013-2021 Transit Connect
• 2015-2018 Edge

Ford has acknowledged there have been 1,630 warranty reports and 233 complaints about the problem. This is the fifth recall concerning the same mechanical malfunction since 2018.

What Options Do You Have if Your Ford was Recalled?

Learning that your vehicle has been recalled can be alarming and stressful. It can also be an inconvenience. However, it’s important to know that in the event your vehicle has been recalled, the manufacturer is required by law to provide a remedy at no charge, within a reasonable amount of time.

If your Ford was among the vehicles affected by the recent recall, you should have received a notice in the mail advising you of the issue and the remedy. Ford has announced that the fix involves replacing the shift bushing in the vehicles and adding a protective cap over the shift cable bushing. The remedy will be implemented by dealerships at no cost to owners.

If you did not receive a letter regarding the recall, you can check the NHTSA website by entering your VIN to see if your vehicle is affected by the Ford transmission recall. The search feature reveals any vehicles impacted by an open recall — as well as vehicles that have been affected by recalls within the last 15 years which have not been repaired. Ford’s recall number for the transmission defect is 22S43.

Does the Recall Make Your Ford a Lemon?

Even if your Ford is part of the recent transmission recall, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a lemon. Where recalls are concerned, the manufacturer usually identifies the problem, and the issue is resolved with only one trip to the dealership. But in order for a vehicle to be determined a lemon in California, strict criteria must be met.

Specifically, the vehicle must be under the original manufacturer’s warranty at the time the nonconformity arose. The defect must also be one that cannot be repaired after several trips to the dealership. Usually, four repair attempts are sufficient for a vehicle to qualify as a lemon — but only two might be necessary if the defect was one that could pose a risk of harm to the vehicle’s occupants and others on the road. The California lemon law criteria may also be satisfied if a vehicle remained in the shop for 30 days or more and the issue was not repaired.

California law presumes that a vehicle is a lemon if the defect arose within 18 months of the vehicle’s delivery, or the first 18,000 miles were driven. This legal presumption can make it even easier for an owner to pursue a lemon law claim since they do not need to prove their case. Rather, the burden of proof is on the manufacturer to show that the vehicle is not a lemon.

Contact an Experienced Southern California Lemon Law Attorney

If you purchased a Ford or another vehicle that did not conform to the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be eligible to pursue a claim under California’s Lemon Law. It’s best to consult with an experienced lemon law attorney who can discuss your legal rights and remedies. The attorneys at the Ledbetter Law Firm are committed to providing consumers with high-quality representation for their lemon law claims — and obtaining the compensation they deserve.

The Ledbetter Law Firm works with clients throughout Southern California who have purchased lemon vehicles and assists them with securing the replacement or refund to which they are entitled from the manufacturer. With offices conveniently located in Torrance and San Diego, California, telephone and video conferencing options are also available. Call (310) 878-0067 to schedule a consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney today.