Ford in hot water: Regulators launch new probes after massive fine

Is your Ford really safe? Regulators are cracking down on the company with new investigations after imposing a huge fine. Here’s what this could mean for your ride.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the guardian of road safety, has its headlights fixed on about 113,000 Ford Expeditions from the 2019 and 2020 model years.

In February, Ford recalled approximately 78,000 of these SUVs due to a harrowing issue: the driver and front passenger seat belts could unexpectedly tighten, trapping occupants without a crash in sight.

Imagine the shock of being suddenly restrained while cruising down the highway or navigating city streets.


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US authorities have initiated two new investigations into Ford recalls to ascertain their effectiveness and coverage. Image source: Pexels.


But the plot thickens.

The NHTSA has received complaints from three owners whose vehicles were not included in the recall, suggesting that the problem may be more widespread than initially thought.

Investigators are now probing the depths of this issue to determine if more vehicles should be called back for repairs.


The second investigation is revving up concerns over approximately 457,000 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick small pickups.

In April, Ford issued a recall because these vehicles could abruptly lose power—a nightmare scenario for any driver.

Post-recall, five owners have reported their vehicles still losing power, pointing to a potentially ineffective fix.

The culprit? Degraded 12-volt batteries that could leave drivers powerless at the worst possible times.


Ford has stated that it's cooperating with both investigations, a move that's crucial for ensuring the safety of its customers and the integrity of its brand.

This cooperation comes on the heels of a recent NHTSA announcement that Ford was fined for dragging its feet on a recall related to faulty rearview cameras and for failing to provide complete information as required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

The civil penalty Ford faces is the second-largest in NHTSA's 54-year history, surpassed only by the fine levied against Takata for its infamous airbag inflator debacle.

Remember, while we can't control every aspect of the road ahead, we can take the wheel when it comes to vehicle safety.

Let's navigate this journey together, ensuring that every trip is as secure as it is enjoyable. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep enjoying the ride!
Key Takeaways
  • US authorities have initiated two new investigations into Ford recalls to ascertain their effectiveness and coverage.
  • One investigation concerns about 113,000 Ford Expeditions from 2019 through 2020, with a focus on whether the recall should be expanded following seat belt issues.
  • A second probe examines roughly 457,000 Ford Bronco Sport SUVs and Maverick small pickups over concerns of power loss after recall repairs.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined Ford for delays and providing inaccurate information on a previous recall related to faulty rearview cameras.
Have you been affected by a vehicle recall? How was your experience with getting the issue resolved? Do you have tips for fellow readers on how to handle recalls and vehicle safety concerns? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
 

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