Ford Engine Valve Defect Accident Injury Lawsuit Lawyers

Engine Failure Risks Lead to Massive Recall Across Multiple Models

Ford Motor Company has announced a recall affecting 90,736 vehicles due to a significant engine valve issue that poses a serious risk of engine failure. This recall impacts several popular models, including the 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator, all of which are equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The recall, confirmed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), stems from a defect in the engine intake valves, which may break during driving, leading to catastrophic engine failure and loss of drive power.

Understanding the Engine Valve Defect

The issue came to light following a thorough investigation initiated by Ford in January 2022. The company reported 22 cases where engine intake valves fractured, subsequently causing the valves to fall into the combustion chamber of the engine. This defect not only resulted in severe engine damage but also posed a significant safety risk to drivers by potentially causing a sudden loss of power while the vehicle was in motion.

Ford’s investigation identified that the root cause of the problem was related to the hardness of the intake valves. It was found that the valves exceeded the designed specifications for hardness, making them more brittle and prone to fracture. This defect was traced back to issues in the supplier’s grinding processes, which were not within the control specifications required for the valve material. Vehicles produced after October 31, 2021, were fitted with intake valves made from a different material to avoid this problem.

The Scope of the Recall and the Repair Process

The recall necessitates a significant repair process, requiring the replacement of the entire engine in affected vehicles. Ford has outlined a comprehensive inspection procedure where dealers will assess the cumulative number of engine cycles for each vehicle. If a vehicle does not meet the engine cycle threshold, dealers will accumulate high revolutions per minute (rpm) engine cycles as per a specific service procedure. Vehicles that fail this engine cycle accumulation test will have their engines replaced entirely.

Given the severity of the issue and the extensive nature of the required repairs, Ford owners impacted by this recall are urged to act quickly to ensure their vehicles are inspected and repaired. The replacement of the entire engine is a complex and time-consuming process, but it is necessary to eliminate the risk of engine failure and ensure the safety of the vehicle.

How Victims Are Harmed by Product Defects

When an essential vehicle component such as an engine valve fails, it can lead to significant harm to the driver and passengers. The most immediate risk is the loss of power while driving, which can result in accidents, particularly if the failure occurs at high speeds or in heavy traffic. Additionally, the sudden and unexpected nature of such failures can leave drivers stranded in unsafe locations, increasing their risk of harm.

The financial burden on the vehicle owner is also considerable. Engine replacement is an expensive repair, and while Ford is covering the cost under the recall, the inconvenience and potential loss of use of the vehicle for an extended period can significantly disrupt the owner’s daily life. In some cases, these disruptions can lead to lost wages, additional transportation costs, and other economic damages.

Legal Recourse and the Importance of Legal Representation

For consumers affected by this recall, there may be grounds for a product liability lawsuit if the defect resulted in an accident, injury, or significant financial loss. Victims of such product defects have the right to seek compensation for damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost of the vehicle repair or replacement.

The process of filing a lawsuit for product liability can be complex, involving the gathering of evidence, expert testimony, and navigating legal procedures. This is where the expertise of an experienced attorney becomes crucial. An attorney can help victims understand their legal rights, build a strong case, and negotiate with the responsible parties or their insurers to secure fair compensation.

The lawsuit process typically begins with a thorough investigation of the defect and its impact on the vehicle owner. The attorney will gather all relevant documentation, including repair records, communication with the manufacturer, and any evidence of injury or financial loss. The case may proceed to settlement negotiations, but if a fair agreement cannot be reached, it may go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.