Ford Explorers from model years 1991 to 2001 posed a significant risk to consumers because the popular vehicle was prone to flipping in the event of an accident. The vehicles were marketed as safe despite the increased risk to consumers of the dangers of the top-heavy vehicle rolling over. Hundreds of people were killed and many more injured in accidents when these vehicles rolled over, leading to personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Because the problems with Ford Explorers reduced their value on the used car market, consumers also experienced financial loss, which resulted in a class action settlement in which affected consumers were given vouchers to be used to purchase either new Explorers or to purchase other products from Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury.
While federal investigators ultimately determined that it was tires causing the problem and not specifically the Ford explorers, internal Ford documents put forth conflicting information suggesting that the vehicles themselves had issues and that it was not just the tires that were leading to the vehicles having a greater tendency to roll over. Internal documents also revealed that there were problems with roof strength that made it more likely victims would suffer serious or even fatal injuries in the event of a rollover accident.
While Ford has since made changes since the incidents involving so many vehicles rolling over, there are still concerns some of the company’s SUVs could put consumers at risk.
Further, the handling of the rollover incidents can make consumers wary that Ford would not be forthcoming about further problems that could necessitate recall because of the dangers to consumers.