Ford Recall Escape SUVs
The New York Times reported today that Ford is recalling more than 500,000 Escape sport-utility vehicles after 50 reports of engine fires caused by corroded brakes. Ford notified dealers of the recall this week for Escapes, covering the 2001 to 2004 model years. Ford will also contact the truck owners directly in the near future. The decision follows a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation last year. The recall impacts only conventional gasoline-powered Escapes.
Ford surely does not enjoy fire being associated with its vehicles. Although time has erased most of the taint, Ford has an unpleasant history with its vehicles and fires. In the early 70s, it became clear that the Ford Pinto's design made the care susceptible to leakage and fire in moderate and even low speed rear end collisions (rear end auto accidents the most common type of vehicle accident). In April, 1974, the Center for Auto Safety petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall Ford Pintos due to this defect. It took over four years and a ridiculous number of wrongful death and catastrophic injury lawsuits - including a $125 million punitive damage award that was later reduced - before Ford agreed to recall the 1.5 million Ford Pinto that were still on the market.
Ford also had a more recent brush with engine fires when 3.8 million Ford vehicles were recalled for engine fires just a few years ago.
The impression I have is that the risk associated with these fires pale in comparison to the risk associated with the Ford Pinto. Accordingly, I do not think that products liability lawyers in Maryland should expect to see a lot of cases. Still, when you are talking about fire and cars, there is always risk. If you have an Escape implicated in the recall, you should contact your Ford dealer immediately. If the engine of your Escape has caught fire and you have been injured, you should call a plaintiffs' products liability lawyer to investigate your case.
