When Texans buy new vehicles, they expect them to work as safely as advertised. Among the most popular vehicles in the state are pickup trucks and, unfortunately, some of the most popular versions of those vehicles may not be as safe as advertised. According to the NHTSA, there may be pickup truck brake defects to worry about.
While there is no recall yet, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into a number of 2015 and 2016 model year Ford F-150 pickup trucks, which are equipped with a 3.5-liter, turbocharged V6 engine. According to the agency, they have so far received at least 25 complaints from consumers that talk of sudden brake failure. The reports say the brake pedal can possibly go all the way to the floor without stopping the vehicle. In some cases, warning lamps may illuminate, but that seems to only happen on the 2015 models. Drivers with a 2016 model may get no warning that something is wrong. According to some of the complaints, dealers have blamed the issue on a brake master cylinder failure.
This is actually not a new thing. Earlier this year, Ford recalled F-150s equipped with 3.5-liter V6 engines from model years 2013 and 2014 for a similar issue. When Ford announced that recall, they claimed the problem was due to a brake master cylinder reservoir leaking into the brake booster, which led to a loss of brake pressure. That also caused the “low brake fluid” warning light to illuminate.
In addition to the F-15o investigation, which has resulted in no reported crashes or injuries so far, the NHTSA is conducting two other Ford-related investigations. They are looking into a problem with Ford Edge vehicles from model years 2011-2013 after receiving more than 1,500 reports in which a “door ajar” warning light illuminated when all of the doors were closed. That problem has led to one injury so far. They are also looking into a problem with 2010 Ford Fusion sedans after they received 547 complaints about power steering failure. That problem has led to a reported 12 crashes and four injuries so far.
Of these problems, the most troublesome so far may be the F-150 braking issue. The NHTSA investigation could end up compelling Ford to issue another defective vehicle recall, although the company may initiate a recall before then, especially since they’ve had to go down that road before. These investigations are undertaken after the NHTSA receives a number of complaints, which means it is very important for all vehicle owners to report any problems they see and not just suffer in silence.
If you have a Ford F-150 pickup truck and you have experienced a braking problem, you should know that you’re not alone and you should take it to a dealer as soon as possible to have it looked at. And if you or a loved one have been injured or killed in an accident involving a vehicle you believe may have been defective at the time, Please contact the experienced and knowledgeable Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer at the Hill Law Firm as soon as possible, so that we can conduct a thorough investigation and get you the compensation you deserve from those responsible. Let us help you fight for your rights.