Multiple 2021 Ford Motor Company Recalls: F-150 Super Cab, Explorers, Lincoln Aviator
It can be frustrating to learn that your vehicle has been subject to a recall, especially if it’s brand new. If you recently purchased a particular Ford make and model, you may have received a notice in the mail advising you that your vehicle was recalled. The Ford F-150 recall also included other 2021 Ford vehicles, such as the Explorer or Lincoln Aviator. In this case, you may be wondering what steps you should take — and whether your vehicle might be a lemon.
What Caused the Ford F-150 Recall?
In late August, Ford recalled 16,430 F-150 Super Cab trucks, model year 2021 in response to an issue found in the front seat belt. Specifically, the front seat belt webbing in vehicles manufactured between January 2 and May 27, 2021 may be misrouted, resulting in a risk that an occupant would not be adequately restrained in a crash. Ford has advised owners to perform a self-inspection of the front seat belts — if this preliminary inspection reveals that the seatbelt is defective, the vehicle should not be driven until the problem is repaired.
An owner can also bring the vehicle to an authorized dealership for an inspection of the seatbelt. If the webbing is incorrectly routed, the dealership will make the necessary repairs free of charge. Owners can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 for more information regarding recall number 21C20.
What Was the Issue That Led to the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Recall?
The Ford F-150 recall wasn’t the only Ford vehicle to be recalled recently. Two other models — the Ford Explorer and Ford Lincoln Aviator, model year 2021, were recalled due to concerns that the side airbag may not deploy correctly. In the 592 recalled vehicles, there is a risk that the side airbag attachment weld studs could detach when the airbag deploys. Improper deployment of a side airbag can increase the likelihood of injury in the event a crash occurs.
Authorized dealerships are replacing the airbags at no cost to owners. For additional information regarding repairs, owners can call Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 and reference recall number 21C19.
What Should You Do if Your Vehicle Was Part of the Recall?
Anyone with a vehicle that has been recalled should stop driving it immediately until the appropriate repairs have been made. If you did not receive a recall notice in the mail and you’re not certain whether your Ford has been recalled, you can:
- Call Ford’s customer service line to confirm the recall status of your vehicle, or
- Check the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration website to determine whether your vehicle was recalled, or
- Call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236
Importantly, the NHTSA website doesn’t only reveal active recalls — it also discloses unrepaired vehicles that have been affected by a safety recall within the last 15 years.
Does a Recall Make My Vehicle a Lemon?
If your Ford vehicle was recalled, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a lemon. There are specific criteria that must be met to obtain a refund or replacement vehicle under California’s lemon law. You must demonstrate that the vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs its value or safety. While many problems that lead to recalls may be safety-related defects, the problems giving rise to a recall are easily repaired in most instances.
To satisfy California’s lemon law, the vehicle must be under the original manufacturer’s warranty and fail to conform to it. The nonconformity must also be one that cannot be repaired after several reasonable attempts. Generally, four repair attempts are sufficient to invoke the lemon law. But if the defect could cause injury or fatality, only two repair attempts are typically necessary. A vehicle might also be a lemon if it remained in the repair shop for a total of 30 days or more and was not repaired within that time.
Additionally, in California, there is a presumption that a vehicle is a lemon if it experienced a defect within 18 months of the vehicle’s delivery or within the first 18,000 miles on the odometer. Regardless of whether the presumption applies, it’s important to understand that there is a four-year statute of limitations in place to commence a lemon law lawsuit, beginning on the date the nonconformity was discovered.
Contact an Experienced Southern California Lemon Law Attorney
If you purchased a vehicle that has defects that cannot be repaired, you might be entitled to file a claim under California’s lemon law. A knowledgeable lemon law attorney can discuss the facts of your specific case and advise you regarding your legal rights and remedies. The Ledbetter Law Firm provides experienced counsel and adept advocacy for consumers who have been burdened and inconvenienced due to buying a vehicle that failed to conform to its warranty.
The Ledbetter Law Firm assists people in Southern California who have experienced lemon law issues with their vehicles in obtaining favorable outcomes in their cases. With offices conveniently located in Torrance and San Diego, California, telephone and video conferencing options are also available. Call (424) 407-3487 to schedule a consultation with a California Lemon Law attorney today.