Ford Motor Co. is currently being investigated in relation to accounts of unintended acceleration in some of their vehicles. A safety concern has been brought to the attention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since they received 14 complaints from drivers of the Ford Taurus. These drivers reported that the throttles of their cars became stuck in the open position, causing it to be difficult to stop their vehicles.
The cruise control cables of 2005 and 2006 Ford Tauruses have reportedly become detached in these situations. The NHTSA also revealed that some of the drivers had to shift into park or neutral in order to stop their vehicles from moving. It was even reported that after shifting into park or neutral, the engines of some of their vehicles reached 4,000 revolutions per minute.
One driver reported that their 2005 Ford Taurus accelerates unexpectedly and vibrates when the driver tries to slow the vehicle down. Another driver noted that their Taurus passed a red light and went into an intersection before stopping after accelerating on its own. There have yet to be any reported injuries or crashes, but it seems as though these cars are an accident waiting to happen, especially considering the fact that 360,000 cars of this type may be experiencing this problem. After the NHTSA investigates the issue, a full recall may take place.
This investigation is spurred by a previous recall of Toyota vehicles in 2009 that was a result of gas pedals getting stuck due to improperly installed floor mats. In that instance, nearly 8 million Toyotas were involved in that recall.
It is not definitive whether or not there will be a recall of Ford Tauruses; however, we hope that a thorough investigation takes place in order to prevent serious motor vehicle accidents from happening. If you have been injured in a car accident that involved a defect in your vehicle, you should consider speaking with a product liability attorney immediately. They will be able to protect your rights and guide you through the personal injury legal process.
