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The National Highway Safety Administration has announced the closures of two investigations into recalls from Ford and Chrysler, saying that the two automakers have made sufficient repairs to affected models. In a statement published Tuesday, the federal agency said they were satisfied with the efforts Ford has taken in recalling some 200,000 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans in March of this year for rust issues, as well as the efforts taken by Chrysler in recalling more than 110,000 Jeep Patriot SUVs in April for engine troubles. The NHTSA was first made aware of Ford’s rust issues in 2011 after receiving a total of 80 complaints from owners detailing an inability to latch their third row seating in minivans from the 2004 through 2007 model years because of latches that had rusted. In Ford’s own investigation, it was discovered that road salts used in colder climates could corrode their minivans’ latch system much quicker than anticipated, prompting a recall in 20 “salt-belt” states and the District of Columbia. The 200,000 vehicles included in the recall were those found to have the highest failure rate; another 100,000 vehicles had the potential for rust problems, though their failure rate was found to be much lower. At the time of the recall announcement, the NTHSA said that they would closely monitor the 100,000 vehicles with a lesser risk and “take further action if warranted”, though only one complaint was ever received. As a result, the agency declared the issue sufficiently settled, eliminating the need for an expanded recall to include any additional vehicles. The engine issues facing Chrysler’s Jeep brand were brought to light after 64 complaints were received for engine stalls and a delayed ability to restart, or none at all. Chrysler traced the issue to their SUV’s side saddle fuel tanks, which could experience a lowered siphon rate as a result of malformed fuel tubes. A recall covering 115,000 vehicles was then issued for vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years to replace the defective tubing, which covered 49 of the 64 complaints received by owners. According to the NHTSA’s testing, the failure rate of vehicles included in the recall was six times that of other Patriot SUVs excluded. Given the lesser failure rate, and the lack of any complaints received by owners of vehicles outside the recall, the NTHSA declared Chrysler’s recall effort satisfactory, closing its investigation which was first opened in October of last year. Removing the needed for additional recalls is welcome news for Ford and Chrysler, who both saw an increase in vehicles recalled over the last year. The NHTSA’s investigation closures seem to indicate that these recalls are working however, and that outstanding safety issues are being corrected. If you or someone you know has been hurt in an accident caused by a defective vehicle component, there are legal protections in place to help you get what you deserve. With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, compensation can be recovered from liable car makers to help you back onto your feet as quickly as possible.
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