Ford Acceleration Defect Lawsuits. Parker Waichman LLP is investigating class action claims on behalf of consumers who purchased or lease a Ford motor vehicle equipped with an electronic throttle control system. These cars, which were manufactured between 2002 and 2010, allegedly have a defect that causes the car to suddenly accelerate without warning, placing consumers at risk for serious injury and death. While other motor vehicle manufacturers have implemented safety features to account for this problem, ‘Ford’ has allegedly failed to do so until 2010. If you or someone you know has purchased or lease a 2002 – 2010 Ford motor vehicle that is equipped with an electronic throttle control system, our attorneys would like to speak with you. Call Parker Waichman LLP today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.
Ford Vehicles have Alleged Unintended Acceleration Defects
Ford owners have alleged that their cars are subject to unacceptable rates of sudden unintended acceleration, placing them at risk for injuries and death. One class action filed in West Virginia federal court alleges that this defect stems from the vehicle’s electronic throttle control system; this is a mechanism that connects the accelerator pedal to the throttle electronically rather than mechanically. This feature impedes on the driver’s direct ability to control the throttle solely by stepping on the gas pedal. Other motor vehicle manufacturers who utilized the electronic throttle control have added safety features to counteract the risk of unintended acceleration, according to the class action. Allegedly, ‘Ford’ always had the technology to correct the problem but chose not to take action until 2010. The suit cites a report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General in 2011 evaluating five car companies that accounted for 73 percent of sudden acceleration reports to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) between 2002 and 2009. According to the report, there were 3,018 reports of unintended acceleration with ‘Ford’ models. This accounted for 22 percent of all reports, which was the most for any automobile manufacturer. Not only did ‘Ford’ fail to remedy the unintended acceleration issue in a timely manner, but the company also allegedly failed to warn ‘Ford’ owners about the issue in previous models that do not have the fail-safe built–in. By misrepresenting its vehicles as safe, Ford’s alleged negligent and wrongful actions have placed consumers at risk for injury and caused them to suffer economic damages.
Need Legal Help Regarding Ford?
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
