NHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV

June 12, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Washington, D.C. – June 12, 2022 – Federal auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a  Ford (NYSE:F) dealer that allegedly sold a 2021 Ford Escape car with an open recall. This is illegal under federal law.

Investigation summary

The dealer, Healey Brothers Ford, LLC, of Beacon, New York, allegedly sold at least one 2021 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV.

The recall in question appears to be one conducted in August 2021 for issues with the fuel delivery module. The issue resulted in the cars stalling while out on the road and affected over 13,000 units, as reported.

Can a dealer sell a car with a recall?

Under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, selling a car with a recall is illegal unless the dealership labels them as used vehicles. Under Section 108 of the law, the penalty shall be $1,000 for each recorded violation. So, recalls do need to be fixed before a new car leaves the lot.

To learn more about whether or not a dealership sell a car with a recall and what to watch out for, please visit this page.

Risks

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion,  it will be difficult for the driver to perform standard operations such as steering and braking, increasing the risk of a crash.    

Other Ford investigations 

NHTSA is carrying out a separate investigation on Ford regarding 32 complaints of 2021 model year Ford Bronco vehicles that stalled while driving without prior warning. Initial findings suggest that the problem was caused by an engine valve falling apart, resulting in terminal engine failure. 

The Escape was also the subject of a safety recall issued in May 2022 over a problem with the transmission, which could cause the vehicle to unintentionally roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.   

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

To see if your Ford Escape is part of any other vehicle recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV
Own or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls

Own or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls

June 16, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – June 16,  2021 – When recalls affect brand new cars, car manufacturers are required to have the vehicles repaired before selling them to customers. Efforts must also be made to contact owners after cars leave dealers’ lots.

However, due to legal loopholes and loose regulations, in some states used car dealers can sell cars without fixing recalls first, and used car owners might not be informed when their car has been recalled.

Here are a few things you can do to learn about any safety defects your used car has to protect your health and well-being  and that of your loved ones.

1. When you are buying, search for open recalls using the car’s VIN

Use a tool like Motorsafety.org’s recall lookup and plug in your vehicle identification number (VIN)  to find out if your car has any recalls that need fixing.

To find your VIN, check out this resource.

2. Update your registration

Auto manufacturers use the contact information listed in vehicle registrations at the DMV to track down the current owners of a vehicle under recall. Make sure the address listed on your vehicle’s registration is current so that recall notices will be mailed to your address.

3. Register directly with the manufacturer

Many manufacturers have an “owners” page on their website that allows owners to register their vehicle with them even if they bought it used. (For example, this is Toyota’s page.) They can use your registration information to contact you if your car is ever recalled.

Over 54 million vehicles were recalled in the U.S. last year and more recalls are issued every week. Check your car for unrepaired recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandOwn or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls
Recall Lookup
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