The recent government shutdown prevented various agencies from being able to report new product recalls, including those typically issued by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, that hasn’t prevented some vehicle manufacturers from announcing recalls on their own.
According to Automarketing.com, Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Sales USA have both issued recalls for vehicles during the time period since the government “shutdown” began.
Ford has recalled approximately 22,000 Focus electric vehicles, including the 2012 and 2013 model year Ford Focus, the 2013 Ford C-Max hybrid, and the C-Max Energi electric crossover. Reports indicate that the vehicles, which feature a push-button start, do not emit an alert when the driver’s door is open. This is a defect in violation of a federal safety requirement that seeks to preclude drivers from leaving their keys in the vehicle.
Toyota has announced a recall of another nature, of approximately 10,000 vehicles. The recall includes the 2013 and 2014 Camry and Camry Hybrids, 2013 Avalon and Avalon Hybrids, and 2013 Corollas. The automaker has stated that contacts on the windshield wiper switch assemblies may have been incorrectly manufactured. This can lead to a short circuit, causing the wipers to become inoperable.
Both automakers will contact vehicle owners about the recall and provide repairs at no cost to the consumer. Ford dealers will modify the vehicles’ software so that a door chime will sound when the door is open. Toyota dealers will replace the wiper switch.
The defects noted in this blog can lead to serious accidents and injuries. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective vehicle or auto part, get in touch with the auto defect lawyers at Blume Forte by dialing 973-845-4421. A no-cost consultation is available with our experienced legal team.