Wheels falling off of a vehicle could be considered a product defect, and Detroit is recalling about 128,616 Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans because of that very problem. The model years impacted by the recall are the 2010 and 2011 cars with 17-inch wheels. They were built from April 1 through the 30th of 2009 and from December 1, 2009 through Nov 13, 2010. The recall has been launched by both Ford and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), according to Consumer Reports.
So far Ford says there have been no crashes due to defective wheels that the company is aware of. Consumers should note whether their cars from the 2010 and 2011 model years have a vibration in the wheel; this maybe the sound of the bolts holding the wheels onto the car that can fracture. Ignoring the vibration may mean the wheel separates from the car.
Consumers should bring their vehicles into the dealer beginning January 24 to have the lug nuts replaced on all four wheels. The dealer should also check the surface of the rear disc brakes for free to see if they have been damaged by the faulty bolts.
The number for Ford Customer Relations is 1(888) 436-7332.
Product Liability
Many times an automobile defect may not be obvious until you are involved in an auto accident. Imagine an impact where the tires fell off of your car? The manufacturer, designer, or distributor may have knowledge of this defect, but they are not always forthcoming where the public is involved. An experienced Florida auto product liability lawyer can determine if the product defect concerns the manufacture of the vehicle, its design, or a failure to provide reasonable or adequate warnings about the vehicle.
Depending on the injuries involved and the outcome of our investigation, the manufacturer, designer, or distributor may be held liable for their negligence in bringing a defective product to the market. Call Farah & Farah for a complimentary assessment of your defective product case at 1(800) 533-3555.
Source: http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Ford-to-recall-Fusion-Milan-sedans-to-fix-wheels/B4XOA2pxAEe120I-oTuj4A.cspx?rss=1;http://www.safercar.gov/;http://news.consumerreports.org/safety/2011/12/recall-2010-2011-ford-fusion-and-mercury-milan-for-bad-wheel-studs.html
