Ford and Toyota Issue Recalls

Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Sales have both issued recalls for vehicles.  Toyota issued a voluntary safety recall involving 2006 to early 2011 model year RAV4 and 2010 model year Lexus HS 250h vehicles sold in the U.S.  Ford’s recall is for its 2013 Escape SUVs.

Toyota Recall

Toyota reports in its press release of the recall:

“Toyota has determined if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are not tightened following the proper procedure and torque specification during a rear wheel alignment service, excessive play may occur at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation.  If this were to occur, the threaded portion of the rear suspension arm may wear and cause the arm to separate.”

 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that failure of the rear tire rod could cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Toyota is referring customers to its websites for detailed information and answers to questions: www.toyota.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 -800-331-4331), or www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1-800-255-3987). The company will send recall notices to owners of the vehicles.

Ford Recall

According to the NHTSA recall notice:

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from March 8, 2012 through June 7, 2012. Due to mis-positioned carpet padding, the center console trim panel may be pushed outboard of the intended position, reducing clearance relative to the pedal package.

The reduced clearance may result in the driver’s foot contacting the side of the brake pedal while transferring the foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal, increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the carpet padding and left-side console trim panel will be replaced with a new panel, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The recall is expected to begin on July 23, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

8,266 Escapes are affected by the Ford vehicle recall.

Toyota estimates that 760,000 Toyota RAV4 and 18,000 Lexus vehicles are affected.

Our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys encourage all owners of any of these vehicles to take the recall notices seriously and to have your car repaired as directed by the manufacturers.   If you are injured due to a defective product, you may be able to seek compensation. Contact a PA personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights.

Contact Our PA Car Accident Lawyers Today

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our defective products attorneys have successfully represented those who have suffered damages caused by defective products. Research, investigation and skilled litigation can be crucial to success, including the ability to explain to a jury what happened and why through pictures, models, computer animations or expert testimony.

To learn more about how we can put our experience to work for you in your Pennsylvania product liability claim, contact us today for a free consultation by calling 1-800-318-LAW-1 or by using our online form.