Grahm, NC — GRAHM, NC:: In the early part of 2017 Ford announced it was recalling more than 570,000 vehicles in North America and Europe to fix problems that can cause engine fires and doors to fly open when driving.
The engine recall covers more than 360,000 vehicles and included different models of the Escape, Fiesta and Fusion. A lack of coolant circulation could cause the engines to overheat which can lead to other problems and could end in an engine fire.
At the time Don and Debbie Henley’s Ford Fusion was not listed on the recall, “Everything was working fine,” said Don Henley.
Then in June of this year the Henley’s were driving to Raleigh when they noticed smoke coming from the bottom, “All of a sudden, my mom was freaking out, I didn’t know what was going on,” said Trey Henley.
Debbie Henley was able to steer the car off the freeway and into a parking lot before the power steering went out. The Henley’s jumped out and watched as their Ford Fusion went up in flames, “As soon as we got out, flames were coming through the hood,” said Trey Haley.
In a matter of minutes their car was destroyed, “You purchase a car but don’t expect this to happen,” said Don Henley.
The Henley’s then did some checking online and learned the Ford Fusion has a history of catching fire. More than 30 cars going up in flames, “Ford has manufactured an engine that there are problems with,” said Henley.
The family reached out to Ford and was sent a letter basically telling them there was nothing it could do but if they wanted to take legal action they could. The insurance company offered the Henley’s $9,500 to settle but would only settle for $7,500 if the Henley’s wanted to keep the car to go after Ford.
The car is un-driveable and can’t be repaired but some of the parts have value which is why the insurance company was only will to pay $7,500 if they couldn't’t keep the car.
More frustrated than that was the fact that the Henley’s just learned their car was part of a 2018 recall that could also lead to the car overheating and catching fire, “I know people that are just now getting the recall notice,” said Henley.
The recall started in January according to a letter obtained by 2 News, but according to the Henley’s they have yet to receive notification.
We reached out to Ford and as of 5 days after we sent the email have not heard back.
We also reached out to a local attorney who tells us these types of cases are hard to prove even when there are several documented incidents of Ford Fusions catching fire, “This is extremely difficult, not only in a products liability case but in virtually any case because that burden of proof is upon the person making the claim,” said Attorney Doug Nauman.
At this point the Henley’s aren't sure what they will do but we can tell after reaching out to 2 Wants to Know the insurance company has agreed to put a hold on the car in case the Henley’s decide to go after Ford but will also reimburse them the full $9,500.
As for what you can to insure something like this doesn’t happen to you. You can always call the local car dealership and ask about any recalls to your car. You may have to provide a vin number but you’ll know if a recall has been issued.
It’s also a good idea to reach out to the car manufacturer and make sure they have your recent address and phone number, this is really important if you are not the first owner.