How does Ford decide to recall a part?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 314
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From: Tucson, Arizona
How does Ford decide to recall a part?
I recently started having problems with my passenger side power lock actuator. So, I started searching threads about it. I was shocked to see that so many of you have had problems with bad actuators, especially on the passenger side. Does anyone know under what circumstances Ford would issue a recall? If it takes a consumer to initiate it, I would be willing. I just need to know how to go about it. The vehicle I am refering to is my 1999 F-150 XLT Supercab, 4X4, 5.4 liter. It does have an aftermarket security/keyless entry system professionally installed. I just turned 51,000 miles on it and is not under any warranty.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 79
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From: Atlanta, GA
There's a guy (or gal, or group of people) at FoMoCo whose sole responsibility is to do risk assessment on known problems with vehicles.
Generally, a recall is initiated only if it would be cheaper to fix all of that model vehicle that were ever sold than it would be to settle out of court for all of the wrongful death suits that would be filed. The estimate as to how much the settlements would cost is based on severity of the problem, failure ratios, etc.
The only other ways you're likely to see a recall are if there's a real chance that FoMoCo will be heavily fined for EPA violations if they don't, or if the risk of damage to their company image is severe (i.e. Ford vs Firestone.)
Since a door lock actuator isn't likely to result in many deaths, certainly won't get them in trouble with the EPA, and is likely very low on the public outcry risk chart, I don't think you're likely to see a recall.
Depending on how much the actuator costs to replace, and whether you foresee any other similar problems in the not-too-distant future, it might be worthwhile for you to go to http://www.warrantydirect.com/ and consider buying an extended warranty for your truck.
Generally, a recall is initiated only if it would be cheaper to fix all of that model vehicle that were ever sold than it would be to settle out of court for all of the wrongful death suits that would be filed. The estimate as to how much the settlements would cost is based on severity of the problem, failure ratios, etc.
The only other ways you're likely to see a recall are if there's a real chance that FoMoCo will be heavily fined for EPA violations if they don't, or if the risk of damage to their company image is severe (i.e. Ford vs Firestone.)
Since a door lock actuator isn't likely to result in many deaths, certainly won't get them in trouble with the EPA, and is likely very low on the public outcry risk chart, I don't think you're likely to see a recall.
Depending on how much the actuator costs to replace, and whether you foresee any other similar problems in the not-too-distant future, it might be worthwhile for you to go to http://www.warrantydirect.com/ and consider buying an extended warranty for your truck.
