Ford has issued an auto defect recall for more than 500 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles because of faulty welds in the head restraint support brackets for the second-row right hand seats. According to a report in Torque News, the automaker is recalling 569 of the 2012 model vehicles, which were manufactured from November 19, 2011 through December 2, 20122.

The defect is in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202. This standard, which spells out the safety requirements for head restraints in vehicles, states that proper head restraints must “limit rearward displacement of a seated occupant’s head relative to the occupant’s torso” and “reduce the frequency and severity of neck injuries in rear-end and other collisions.”

Serious Safety Problem

How does this manufacturing defect affect occupants? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this flaw could result in the head restraint failing to provide adequate support in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of serious injuries. The most recent recalls involving these brands of vehicles were due to defective brake stop lamp switches. Over the last decade or so, Navigator and Expedition vehicles have been the subject of 80 recall notices. When this recall begins, Ford dealers will replace head restraints at no charge to consumers.

Defective head restraint systems can lead to catastrophic injury including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. It can cause other back and neck injuries such as whiplash, which can be extremely painful. Head restraints are meant to limit the sudden acceleration of the head, which could typically occur during a rear-end collision.

Auto Products Liability Issues

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a defective vehicle or a faulty auto product, it would be in your best interest to preserve the vehicle so it can be thoroughly examined by an expert for defects, malfunctions or design flaws. If the auto defect contributed to the accident and/or injuries, then the automaker can be held liable for the resulting injuries, damages and losses. Injured victims or their families in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled auto products liability cases against large automakers. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.