Air Bag Malfunction Prompts Ford Fiesta Recall

Ford recalls 150,000+ Fiesta models due to added danger caused by air bag deployment error

Ford is recalling more than 150,000 of its popular Fiesta subcompacts because the passenger side air bag does not work properly.

Air bags are one of the most important safety features in cars.

Ford says it is unaware of any crashes that have resulted from this defect, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The Pennsylvania injury lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright represent victims in personal injury litigation, including those injured in accidents caused by auto defects. We are here to answer your questions and concerns. Call us toll-free at 877-763-2343 or use our online contact form.

According to the recall notice posted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

“The passenger side curtain air bag will not deploy in the event of a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty. Although the side curtain air bag system was designed to suppress the side curtain air bag under this scenario, that information is not explained in the owner’s guide for these vehicles ….”

As a result of this defect, an occupant in the right rear seat would not have coverage from the side curtain air bag in a side impact collision when the front passenger seat is empty. This increases the risk of injury to the right rear occupant.

The recall affects 154,000 Fiestas from the 2011-2013 model years. They were built in Mexico from November 2009 to September 2012.

Ford will notify owners to bring their cars in to a Ford dealer. There, the car’s software will be reprogrammed free of charge so that it no longer suppresses the passenger side curtain air bag when the front passenger seat is empty. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Contact a Pennsylvania Auto Accident Attorney

For more than 40 years, the experienced Scranton car crash lawyers at Munley, Munley & Cartwright have fought for families and individuals whose lives have been disrupted by the negligent or reckless conduct of someone else. Call 877-763-2343 for a free consultation about your legal rights and options following a vehicle accident.

Sources:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/latestRecalls.cfm
• Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20121018/BUSINESS01/310180241/Ford-recalls-Fiestas-air-bags