Design Failure Lessons

Ford Pinto

The Ford Pinto is a well known design flaw - except to Ford themselves which never acknowledged that a flaw existed. The gas tank has a tendency to catch fire/explode in rear impact collisions.

Ford loses $127.8 million verdict in Pinto case 2/78
$ 125 million verdict reduced 3/78
Recall of Pinto considered - 5/78
New lawsuit brought against Ford 8/78
Ford indicted for reckless homicide 9/78
Recal l Notice
Not all Pinto owners respond to recall 6/79
Memo revealed indicating Ford had prior knowledge of gas tank problems 10/79
Jury selection in reckless homicide indictment 1/80
Ford claims Pinto recalled due to rep, not flaw
Ford found not guilty of reckless homicide 3/80
Settlement reached in Pinto case involving 3 teenage girls 8/80