The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ford Motor Company are recalling 128,626 vehicles as the result of defective wheel studs, which may fracture and cause an increased risk of an injury accident. If multiple stud fractures occur while driving any of these vehicles, the driver may feel vibration and/or wheel separation, which increases the likelihood of an injury crash.
This recall follows an Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Preliminary Evaluation which was opened on January 21, 2011. The ODI became aware of 29 complaints related to the wheel stud defect, as well as four incidents of wheel separation as of July 26, 2011. The preliminary investigation was followed by an engineering analysis, which eventually lead to the current recall.
Ford is recalling 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion vehicles which are equipped with 17-inch steel wheels. They were manufactured from April 1, 2009 through April 30, 2009 and from December 1, 2009 through November 13, 2010. This recall is expected to begin in January 2012.
Ford will notify owners of the affected vehicles and dealers will replace the brake discs as needed. The wheel lug nuts will also be replaced. For additional information, owners may call the Ford Customer Relations Center at (866) 436-7332. The NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline is also available at (888) 327-4236.
At Blume Forte, our knowledgeable auto product liability attorneys in New Jersey have the experience required to comprehensively investigate and pursue meritorious injury claims. If you have been injured as the result of auto manufacturer negligence, contact us for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.