Ford settled a class-action lawsuit involving 37 million car owners.
The lawsuit claimed that millions of car owners had to wait long periods of time for replacement parts to
be available, putting their vehicles at risk of airbag explosions.
Takata air bag recalls impacted millions of cars nationwide. Inflators could rupture causing pieces of metal to fly into the cabin, striking an occupant. Unfortunately, many companies had difficulties finding replacement air bags. Ford is one of them.
One of the Plaintiffs who purchased a Ford Edge vehicle to serve as a family car told reporters that instead of the dependable car she purchased, she had to live in fear. After all, using the vehicle put her and her children at risk of an explosion.
Ford settled the lawsuit for $299 million. Ford must provide Plaintiffs with loaner vehicles or pay out-of-pocket expenses until the company gets enough replacement parts to fix all vehicles.
Models associated with this recall and lawsuit include the 2007 through 2010 Ford Edge, 2006 through 2012 Fusion, 2005 and 2006 GT, 2005 through 2014 Mustang, 2004 through 2011 Ranger, 2007 through 2010 Lincoln MKX, 2006 through 2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, and the 2006 through 2011 Mercury Milan.
Ford Must Contact All Impacted Parties
As part of the settlement, the company must reach out to all vehicle owners so they are aware of the lawsuit. This is an important piece of information considering the high number of consumers affected. If you own one of the cars listed above, stay alert.
The Takata air bag problem impacted millions of cars manufactured by several automakers and sold all across the country. Ford is not the only company having issues making sure all cars get the replacement air bag systems.
This lawsuit illustrates how important it is for automakers to develop fixes for recalled vehicles promptly, especially when the equipment failure that prompts the recall is associated with injury risks.
