The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating 2013–2014 models of America’s perennial favorite truck, the Ford F-150.
The best-selling vehicle from Farmington, Utah to the East Coast, the F-150 series is currently undergoing an investigation into possible brake failure — which has already been blamed for four different auto accident injuries. No lawsuits have been filed yet, but lawyer professionals are keeping an eye out for potential injury.
The NHTSA has received 33 complaints so far about the issue, with disgruntled consumers reporting a complete loss of braking ability as brake pedals slumped to the floor. Some consumers reported that brake fluid had leaked from the brake booster’s master cylinder, resulting in the loss of brake ability. Thirty-one complaints have been filed in the past year, with 20 filed in the last seven months.
As any truck owner in Farmington or elsewhere knows well, it takes a lot to stop a vehicle that can weigh more than 3 tons fully loaded. When the brake boosters fail, brakes can still function — albeit to a significantly reduced effect. With a much greater amount of force needed to stop the vehicle, the chance of an auto accident is much greater.
One F-150 owner reported backing up his pickup truck when the brakes suddenly failed, resulting in severe damage to his neighbor’s landscape wall. While the auto accident was thankfully a minor one, a lawyer was still required to settle the damages.
This investigation isn’t the first problem Ford has had with its F-150 brake systems. Last year in June, the NHTSA was again involved looking into failure of the vehicle’s power brake assist on 2011–2012 model years. Last year’s investigation found seven crashes, one injury and more than 400 complaints.
While the American automaker is cooperating seriously with the investigation, F-150 owners from the Midwest to Farmington should remain vigilant for any possible brake problems. If you get into an auto accident as a result of brake failure, contact your local personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.