When an automotive company decides to initiate a recall, it usually means that the potential costs of allowing the models in question to remain on the road could be higher than the financial exposure the company would face by simply paying some of the claims brought against it when defective models lead to problems for their owners.  What this means for consumers is that if a manufacturer recalls as many as 4.5 million vehicles, it’s a serious warning that needs to be heeded.  Ford has just issued such a recall.

According to the New York Times:

“Addressing concerns over fires, Ford is conducting a recall of 4.5 million vehicles in the United States equipped with speed control deactivation switches from Texas Instruments. The switches have already been the subject of six recalls.

Recalls began in 1999 and covered some 10 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles from 1992 to 2004.

This means that more than 14 million Ford vehicles have been recalled for this problem, a record number for a single problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These 4.5 million vehicles with the same switch were not part of those recalls because the switch wasn’t powered at all times. At the time, Ford and the agency said there was no evidence of a problem in those vehicles. The Center for Auto Safety was critical of both the automaker and the agency for not including them anyway.

The vehicles now being recalled are 1992-2003 Ford Econoline vans, 2000-3 Ford Excursion diesel vehicles, 1995-2002 Ford Explorers, 1997 and 2002 Mercury Mountaineers, 1993-97 and 1999–2002 F-Series Super Duty diesel vehicles, 1995-97 and 2001-3 Ford Rangers, 1995-2003 Ford Windstars and 1994 F53 Motorhomes.”

If you drive any of these vehicles, take immediate steps to eliminate the risks you’re encountering.  If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective car or truck, contact the defective products lawyers at Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation.