Florida Vehicle Recalls – Recent Troubles Highlight Risks to Motorists

If you own a Ford or a Chrysler vehicle, you might want to listen up.

Between the two manufacturers, there are more than 3 million vehicles being recalled due to serious safety risks. According to CNN, the gas tank design used in 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2002 to 2007 Jeep Libertys are unsafe.
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However, Chrysler contends there is no problem.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that Chrysler is arguing that the gas tank design (located behind the rear axle) is complete acceptable and is used in many makes and models. They argue that the fatalities from these accidents were the result of the speed at which the collision occurred and not from the design of the vehicle. The company contends the design would make no difference in these kids of accidents. Still, officials with the NHTSA are looking to recall more than 2.5 million of these SUVs.

In one example, a Jeep was struck by a tractor-trailer that was traveling at 65 mph.

“We are committed to continue working with the agency to resolve this disagreement,” said Chrysler in a statement.

Think you’re safer with a Ford? You might want to think again.

Officials are now recalling the 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Interceptor Utility and Interceptor Sedan, as well as the Lincoln MKS, MKZ and MKT.

Officials are saying that a gas tank leak is posing serious threat for fire accidents, although the company says it’s not aware of any injuries caused by the defect. The company does admit to getting roughly 600 complaints from customers since April about this problem.

Back in July 2012, there were close to 12,000 of the 2013 Escape vehicles that were recalled as well because of a defect in the fuel line (similar to the recall of today). This problem served up some serious risks for a fire. Officials with Ford asked vehicle owners not to use the vehicles until the problem was repaired. They have yet to make the same request as part of the new recall.

Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched in 1966, there have been more than 15,000 vehicle recalls, which involved more than 500 million vehicles.

Check the recall list often and keep an eye out for the vehicles in your family. Visit SaferCar.gov, for all the latest recall information. This database provides an in-depth record of safety issues for vehicles, child restraints, tires and equipment. Safety issues include all safety recalls for your product as well as safety complaints other users have filed.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, contact Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or toll-free at 877-277-3780 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case.

More Blog Entries:

Broward Traffic Safety Watch: Night Driving and Seat Belts, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, May 29, 2013

Bicycle Accidents on the Rise in Florida, New Statistics, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, April 28, 2013

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