Ford Explorer Recall Sparks NHTSA Investigation

According to initial reports, Ford has recalled almost a quarter million Explorer SUVs following several complaints of sporadic behavior post-repair. Apparently, the repair was needed to keep vehicles from rolling off abruptly even while in parking gear. 

Let’s dig deeper to analyze what went wrong with Ford Motor Explorer SUVs and what the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority is investigating further.

Reasons behind the SUV Recall

As announced by Ford Motors, it is the fracture of rear axle bolts of various Explorer SUVs, forcing them to recall their automobiles immediately. The fractured rear axle bolts could break, causing the rear axle housing to displace from its position. This fractured bolt not only disconnects the driveshaft but can often cause abrupt vibration issues.

Ford officials further explain that a stable driveshaft and its transmission park help prevent the vehicle from rolling away while in parking gear. Otherwise, the loss of the driveshaft transmission could lead to serious injury or accidental crashing.

What Did Ford Motors Do To Fix Bolt Fractures?

Ford Motors have made some advancements previously to rectify the fracture problem of rear axle mounting bolts by updating their software.

This software update enables an electronic parking brake in case of sudden failure or disconnection of the driveshaft. But unfortunately, things didn’t go in their favor, and some SUV owners came up with very obvious malfunctioning despite the repair.

What Do SUV Owners Complain About?

One SUV owner complained of their Ford Explorer slamming against a stop, going 30-40 mph, and eventually rolling down because its drivetrain disconnected.

In another case, the Ford Explorer started wobbling in motion when the driver was trying to disconnect the electronic brake. Luckily, in both incidents, no one gets injured, but the gross damage to their vehicles is beyond comprehension.

A Brief Summary of Ford Recalls

This is not the first time, but Ford Explorer has faced recall twice in two consecutive years. In April 2022, Ford recalled a batch of vehicles (of different models) for the rear axle bolt fracture. Some of the Ford Explorer models that get recalled are:

  • Ford Explorer Police Electric (2020/21)
  • Ford Explorer Police with (3.3L 2020/22)
  • Ford Explorer 2.3L (2020/21)
  • Ford Explorer ST3 3L (2020/22)
  • Ford Explorer Hybrid 3L (2020/22)

Then, again in May 2023, a second Ford recall occurred for the same fracture reason, in which Explorer vehicles manufactured between 2019-2022 were recalled. 

Final Thoughts

Though Ford has updated the software program to prevent Explorer from rolling away following driveshaft failure, it is yet to fix the root cause to propose safety measures for failed rear axle horizontal mounting bolts. And it is the same concern raised by and is part of an investigation of NHTSA. 

If you face similar issues with your Ford, call (833) Lemon firm. Our experienced attorneys may be able to seek compensation from automakers for the defects covered under warranty.

Ford 10R80-Speed Transmission Under Fire in New Class-Action Suit

Ford’s 10R80-speed transmission has been a topic of discussion among vehicle owners, with reports of various defects over the years. Another class-action lawsuit was recently filed against the transmission. The lawsuit alleges that Ford is defective and can cause transmission failure. Ford owners need to stay informed about the latest developments and potential impacts. Let’s take a closer look at the lawsuit and how to deal with it. 

Ford’s 10R80-Speed Transmission: A Closer Look

Ford’s 10R80 transmission, introduced in 2017, was supposed to be a major advancement in automatic transmission technology, promising smoother shifting, better fuel efficiency, and increased performance. However, over the past few years, multiple complaints and lawsuits have been filed against the 10R80, alleging issues such as harsh shifting, jerking, lunging, and hesitation when changing gears. Despite multiple recalls addressing some of these issues, a new class-action lawsuit has been filed, putting vehicle occupants at risk.

Class Action Update

As per the update, the class-action lawsuit has been filed against Ford Motor Company over alleged issues with the 10R80 transmission used in some of its popular models. The lineup comprises the F-150, Ford Ranger, Ford Mustang, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator for model years 2017 to present. The lawsuit filed in Massachusetts claimed that the transmission tends to shift harshly, causing the vehicle to jerk when changing gears. The lawsuit also alleges that Ford has refused to recall or replace the defective transmissions, despite issuing multiple recalls addressing problems with the 10R80. 

Impact on Ford Owners

The impact of the latest class action lawsuit against Ford regarding the alleged defects in its 10R80 transmission could be significant for owners of affected vehicles. If it is successful, you can claim replacement of the defective transmissions. This could be expensive and time-consuming for Ford. However, for affected vehicle owners, it could mean relief from the issues caused by the faulty transmission. Additionally, it could help prevent potential accidents and even save lives.

Response from Ford

Ford has not yet commented on the recent class-action lawsuit regarding their 10R80 transmission. However, in the past, the company has issued recalls for vehicles experiencing problems with this transmission. In 2019, Ford issued a recall for certain F-150 pickups with a potentially faulty transmission torque converter. In 2020, they recalled Ranger and F-150 pickups due to a transmission defect. It is still unclear how Ford will respond to the current lawsuit. Nevertheless, the company has a record of addressing related issues in the past through recalls and repairs. 

Way Forward For Customers

Ford owners affected by the 10R80 transmission issues can take a few actions moving forward. They can join the class-action lawsuit that could result in compensation if the lawsuit is successful. Doing so could prompt a safety investigation and potential recall. Moreover, one can try to connect directly with their dealership to fix issues, although this may not be simple. Owners need to stay informed about any developments regarding the lawsuit. 

Key Takeaways

The Ford 10R80 transmission lawsuit highlights the potential safety hazards that can arise from a defective transmission. So, it’s important for affected owners to understand their legal options. At Lemon Firm, our experienced attorneys have helped many clients recover compensation for manufacturing defects. If you have a similar vehicle issue, contact us for a free consultation and discuss the legal options.

Call (833) Lemon-firm to speak with a Lemon Law expert today!

Ford Lawsuit: Ford Fiesta and Focus Owners Face Issues with Powershift Transmission

The owners of the Ford Fiesta (2017-2019) and Ford Focus (2017-2018) models sued the company for failing to provide their promised PowerShift Transmission. This was supposed to be a more effective way of transmission, unlike other cars that contain a manual or automatic transmission. However, this DPS6 dual-clutch transmission caused drivers to have delayed braking, acceleration problems, and overall vehicle jerking while driving. Overall, there are more than 380,000 cars with this type of transmission. 

Old Lawsuit 

This is not the first time that people have had this same issue. Back in 2012, owners sued Ford for Powershift transmission defects in their:

  • Ford Fiesta (2011-2016)
  • Ford Focus (2012-2016)

This lawsuit was settled in 2020. As a result, Ford offered discount certificates for purchasing a new car. If the owners wished to have their old cars, the dealers also offered a clutch repair procedure. People thought that was when the issue would stop occurring, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. 

Effects of This Defect

The DPS6 Transmission has faults in its manufacturing that causes knee-jerk movements while driving, which can cause many accidents. Along with that, the sudden acceleration and slowing down of the car are harmful not only to the passengers but also to the vehicles around them! The lawsuit also mentioned how these dry clutches could overheat and damage surrounding car parts. Some of these car owners mentioned how the car would shake non-stop and stall during traffic.

Ford Motor Company’s Response to the Lawsuit 

After seeing how alarming the damages of the defect were, Ford took serious action against this lawsuit. As mentioned before, they offered repair services and discount certificates. But, an investigation was conducted known as “Out of Gear,” in which it was discovered that Ford already knew about the failed transmission before the vehicles were sold. This caused a lot of outrage among the people as they spent hundreds of dollars trying to fix this transmission defect. 

Solutions for Such Vehicle Owners

Ford dealers informed the press about how there is no solution or fix for the DPS6 Transmission problem. This means that even if you spend your money trying to repair the clutches, it will cause the same issues over and over again. The root cause of the defect is the manufacturing, which is only controlled by Ford. So sadly, there is no repair for this. However, you can still contact your nearest Ford Motor dealership and ask them about the discount certificates to purchase a new car.

When you buy your next car, make sure to inspect it thoroughly and see if it has the same DPS6 Powershift transmission. It is best to avoid this type of transmission and instead go for your standard transmissions like manual or automatic. 

Bottom Line 

It is safe to say that Ford has made a huge blunder again by launching vehicles that they were previously sued for. As of now, the status conference is scheduled to be on 5th May 2023. Following that, the Final Pretrial Conference will be on 11th August 2023. Just a few days later, on 29th August, the Jury Trial will take place. 

If you are facing similar issues with your vehicles, you can contact us at the Lemon firm at 833-536-6634. Our lawyers have won many cases against automakers and brought justice to our clients. So, call us to speak with a Lemon Firm expert today!

Recall Alert | Faulty Fuel Injector in Ford Bronco Sport and Escape

In a recent class action lawsuit filed against Ford Motor Company, it is alleged that certain Ford Escape and Bronco Sport models have dangerously cracked fuel injectors that can cause the vehicles to suddenly catch fire. Let’s take a look at what the lawsuit alleges and how you can protect yourself if you own one of these models. 

Risks of Faulty Fuel Injector

For those who own a 2020-2023 Ford Escape or 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport, the lawsuit claims that the vehicles have fuel injectors prone to cracking and leaking. When these faulty fuel injectors crack and leak, they can allow a large amount of fuel to escape into the cylinder head. From there, the fuel can travel into the exhaust and turbo systems, causing an underhood fire. As of now, no less than 521,000 Escape and Bronco Sport models are currently being recalled due to this issue. Here are some potential risks of having a faulty fuel injector:

  • Engine damage
  • Reduced engine performance 
  • Poor gas mileage 
  • Reduction in vehicle power 
  • Fire hazard 

Affected Vehicles

The following Ford Escape and Bronco Sport models can have faulty fuel injectors:

  • Ford Escape (model years 2020-2023)
  • Ford Bronco Sport (model years 2021-2023) 

If you own any of the models mentioned above, it is recommended to contact your local Ford dealership and schedule an appointment for an inspection. They will be able to determine if your vehicle has a faulty fuel injector and provide you with further instructions on how to proceed. 

Responses from Ford

Ford has responded to the class action suit by expanding its initial recall on March 2021. However, this recall does not address the underlying manufacturing issue that caused the faulty fuel injectors to crack in the first place. To help protect yourself from potential fires due to these faulty fuel injectors, take your car to an authorized dealer for inspection or repair, if needed.

How to Inspect Your Vehicle?

In case you are unsure if your vehicle is affected by this recall, it is crucial to inspect it for any signs of a fuel leak or fire. You can do so by looking for any smoke or smell coming from the engine compartment and checking underneath the hood for damp spots that could indicate a fuel leak. Additionally, you should check all around your vehicle’s body for any paint bubbling, which could indicate fire damage. If you have noticed anything suspicious, be sure to contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible. 

Bottom Line

Faulty fuel injectors are a serious issue that can put you and your passengers at fire risk. If you own any of these models, it is important to inspect for any signs of potential damage or leakage and contact an authorized Ford dealership for further assistance. 

If you have already experienced losses due to this defect, Call (833) Lemon Law Firm today to speak with a Lemon Law expert today.

Our experienced attorneys have successfully obtained compensation for individuals who bought vehicles with manufacturing flaws without going to trial.

Ford Motor’s Water Pump Failure

Due to their reliability, endurance, and fast consumer service, Ford has a large number of customer chains worldwide that blindly use and trust their automobiles. But during the following last year, cars, whether they belonged to Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, or any other company, frequently seemed to have manufacturing defaults that were even unrepairable due to their hefty price tag, leading to protested recalls the manufacturer and dealers from customers again.

Similarly, Ford, who was sued first in 2019 for deploying defective and catastrophic water pumps in certain Duratec V6 engines. The court later dismissed the lawsuit, but in January 2022, a similar class action was filed again in the Supreme Court of Canada and the US district court. Ford is a well-known automaker, so such a practice is likely unexpected for every customer. To top it off, Ford has consistently denied any complaints regarding faulty water pumps in its vehicles. Let’s have a look at what the scenario was!

Filing The First Lawsuit: What Had Happened? 

Water pumps and their safety are critical since they may cause severe damage to the vehicle’s engines, which can lead to major accidents. As a result, after seeing no signs of recalls, a Ford owner filed the first lawsuit against the company. Mark Militello said that the company was aware of the manufacturing defect in the water pump but did not bother to execute any recalls for its customers to recompense for the mechanical problems.

Hundreds of automobiles have been equipped with the flawed Cyclone Engine, which has a broken internal water pump. The primary flaw was in the design, which caused the engine to fail unexpectedly when it should have lasted at least 150,000 miles but did not. Because the pump is located inside the engine block, this problem might result in a costly replacement or an accident for the customer.

Mark further claimed that the defective water pump might have been found in vehicles manufactured between 2007 and 2020. But, Ford rejected all claims that the water pumps do not need to be checked or fixed. However, when routine maintenance is carried out on the Class Vehicles, the water pump is hidden from visibility and inspection due to its internal placement within the engine.

What Was The Lawsuit About?

Since the water pump is connected to the crankshaft and is positioned in the engine’s center section, coolant leaks straight into the oil bucket. The coolant leak causes the engine to overheat and seize, prompting a new purchase. An overheated engine results in a blown head gasket, which causes the engine to underperform, worsening the heating condition.

Aside from that, whining or irritating noises can be heard from the engine owing to a poor fit of the water pump’s pulley, which grows worse when the car is accelerated, causing direct engine damage. The complaint further said that mixing coolant and oils is a contributing factor to engine failure. This implies that the engine will no longer be able to lubricate its internal parts properly and will also fail to keep the engine at a fixed temperature.

The class action was filed in a federal court in New York on October 5th, claiming violations of state consumer laws. In addition, according to the lawsuit, car owners who own defective vehicles are not informed that replacing the defective component is expensive, even if the whole engine is not destroyed. It’s just because the engine’s pump is relatively difficult to install. 

The Final Class-Action Settlement 

Mark Militello further discussed while filing the accusation that Ford has no proper warranties or any correct durational limits that can compensate for this defect. They already knew that the pump failure would occur right after the warranty period ended, clearly representing their negligence. But they kept on equipping the Duratec V6 engine to its vehicles which is the biggest factor behind the malfunctioning. 

He prosecuted the automakers on account of everyone in New York who bought one of the damaged vehicles from a Ford dealer. This endeavor was solely for the purpose of obtaining certification, trial, or compensatory price from the company. Militello filed a lawsuit against the corporation under New York consumer protection legislation as well as New York General Business Law breaches. The idea behind the lawsuit was to ensure that the engine and water pump within the vehicles should last a long time or have an appropriate warranty period, so the customers won’t have to go through the hassle of maintenance and consistent repairs. 

Later, in February, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice authorized the water pump lawsuit against Ford because the water pump problem was rising. However, most of the claims have not been approved by the court since they appear unneeded to them. The Supreme Court judge did permit a class action for design error, but only if the water pump failed, the car was damaged, or the customer was harmed. The water pump failure was found in several Ford vehicle models, including the Ford Edge, Flex, Fusion, Explorer, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln Continental, and many others. All these vehicles were built from 2007 to 2020. 

What Should You Do If You Found Any Manufacturing Defaults In Your Car? 

If the same manufacturing faults have been discovered in a large number of cars, recalls have been issued by the automobile company. But if the company doesn’t initiate any recall, people are eligible to file a lawsuit against them. Aside from that, if you want to know whether the car company is issuing the recall, check out the NHTSA website. You will find detailed information that is needed to follow up on recalls. 

Experienced attorneys at the Lemon firm have successfully recovered compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects. We can help you too. Call (833) Lemon-firm to speak with a Lemon Law expert today.

Transmission Problems: Investigating The Latest Ford Lawsuit

Ford has been notorious for its scandals, which date back over half a century. At the start of the ‘80s, the Ford Motor Company had to pay approximately 20 million dollars to settle lawsuits. These resulted from the faulty transmissions in the vehicles they manufactured between 1966 and 1979. Over 23 million Ford vehicles had those transmissions. They would cause the car to go in reverse even after the driver put it in park mode. In 1980, the Center for Auto Safety in Washington released a report stating that 1,500 injuries and almost 100 deaths had occurred as a result of defective transmissions.

Unfortunately, history does repeat itself. Ford is undergoing several class action lawsuits due to their Ford F-150 10-speed automatic transmissions, first released in their 2017 trucks. They seemed to be reliable at first, but over the past few years, many issues have come to light, causing drivers to worry about whether their investment was worth the risk or not. We have compiled all the information regarding the latest ongoing Ford class action lawsuit, so if you’d like to learn all about it, keep reading!

About the F-150 10-Speed Transmissions

The 10-speed transmission in question has been optional since its birth, but with the 2021 F-150, it became the standard. Of course, it seemed beneficial to go for 10 different speeds as they provide:

  • A more enhanced than the Chevy, offering 6 and 8-speed automatic transmissions.
  • Optimize fuel economy.
  • Claimed to perform better than previous Ford truck transmissions.

Cause of the Transmission Issues

Some 2017 F-150 owners noted that their vehicle’s transmission would slip under acceleration or slam into gear. It was even observed that the transmission would slip out of the gear when accelerated. Other Ford vehicle owners noted that their transmission would intermittently lock into a random gear and be able to change it. They would have to keep it parked for a few hours before they could start driving it as normal. However, these issues are recurring and can be very stressful to undergo.

As per the ClassAction.org attorneys investigating the recent Ford transmission issues, it may be due to a design or manufacturing defect present within all the latest 10-speed auto transmissions.

The Ford Vehicles Currently Under Investigation

The attorneys involved in the class action lawsuit further investigated the claims of people facing issues with the 10R80 transmission installed in their Ford vehicle. These include:

  • The 2018-2022 Lincoln Nav
  • The 2019-2022 Ranger
  • The 2018-2022 Mustang
  • The 2018-2022 Expedition

Earlier in 2022, Ford published an official “technical service bulletin” that stated the specified cars have an issue with their transmission and might cause the light to indicate that you should check your engine to illuminate. This issued statement did outline a solution to the problem, but drivers have reported that it did not work, with those who didn’t have a warranty having to pay for labor themselves. 

The class action lawsuit against Ford, which has been proposed, is due to some Ford vehicle owners facing an issue with the F-150 10-speed transmission and alleging that it does create a considerable risk of death and bodily harm. It has led to the vehicle’s value decreasing. Attorneys suspect this isn’t an entire issue and that those driving other Ford vehicle models with the 10-speed transmission can also make the same claim.

Reports by Ford Vehicle Owners

When the 10-speed transmission was released in Ford vehicles in 2017 onwards, Ford issued a technical service bulletin a year later, advising dealers to reprogram the truck’s ECU if harsh shifting was being experienced. However, even when the vehicle owners went to the dealer to get the work done, it would continue to be problematic. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that most drivers would experience the issue worsening after returning.

In the next 2 or so years, Ford vehicle owners would experience a loud pounding noise when the gear was shifted, after which there would be a harsh jerk. Many also reported the transmission making a loud noise when they’d put the gear into drive mode from the Park. In addition, complainants noted that technicians couldn’t repeat the specific issues when they took their truck to a Ford dealer. Other times, they’d tell the drivers that the truck was completely fine. This goes to show the unpredictability of the transmission issues. One 2021 F-150 owner who only had 200 miles on their vehicle lodged a complaint with the NHTSA, stating that the technician working at the Ford dealership claimed that the transmission and shifter were experiencing a communication error. Moreover, the driver was told that Ford did not have any solution to this problem. 

Ford Attempting to Take Action

In the first quarter of 2021, it was reported that Ford recalled approximately 50,000 of the F-150 2021 trucks, as the transmission would spontaneously shift gears into neutral. The truck would then stop, automatically going into park mode. This report claimed that software issues were to blame for this. Ford explained that the vehicle’s software would falsely indicate low transmission pressure to the ECU, making the gear by default shift to Neutral and then to Park once the car stops. The mechanism automatically does this when it fears the transmission will get damaged. The reference number for this recall is 22V188.

After a year, Ford took the initiative by introducing some steps to help fix problems with the 10-speed transmissions. The first step that Ford took was to replace the chips that held the shifter cable. Some trucks needed some unidentified components to be replaced. In several cases, Ford extended the warranties for drivers while trying to identify the problems.

How Will the Class Action Lawsuit Help?

The proposed class action lawsuit can help affected drivers recover all the money spent on repairs and compensate them for their vehicle’s decreasing value. The lawsuit can also force Ford into recalling and adequately remedying the prevalent transmission issue free of cost.

Bottom Line

If a prominent car manufacturer such as Ford can seem to be selling cars with a faulty transmission and is having trouble figuring out the issue, then indeed, many others would also be doing something similar. Thus, observing the problems you are facing is crucial, especially if your car is relatively new.

If you happen to find yourself with frustrated with repeated trips to the dealership, missing time from work and having to rent or borrow cars you are not alone. Our experienced attorneys can handle all auto lemon cases so that you do not need to suffer anymore. Call (833) the Lemon Firm if you want to consult with a case analyst today.

Ford Bronco Under NHTSA Investigation for Catastrophic Engine Failure

The 2021 Ford Bronco is now the focus of the NHTSA investigation after 32 bronco owners complained of alarming engine failure experiences.

“Under normal driving conditions without warning the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power without restart due to catastrophic engine failure related to a faulty valve within 2.7 L Eco-Boost Engines,” according to the NHTSA report. 

As per the reports, a number of 2021 Ford Bronco owners are having problems with their twin-turbocharged 2.7L V6 EcoBoost powerplants, mainly caused by valve-related issues. 

Although the ultimate cause of the issue has yet to be discovered, the scale of the damage is such that the automaker may have to completely replace the engine after this issue presents itself.

“We are aware of a select number of engines with this concern, and we are investigating,” Ford told The Drive in April. “If any customers are experiencing issues, they will be covered under the vehicle’s 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.”

With owners allegedly losing power while driving, it is a concern beyond the financial one. A sudden, catastrophic engine failure while driving could increase the risk of an accident occurring.

Documents filed by Ford with NHTSA say 25,538 vehicles may have this problem.

Alarming customer experiences

The Bronco is receiving huge reports from drivers who have experienced the said engine failure. As of May 31, 2022, there are 50 reported vehicles – some are as young as 3 miles while others have almost 7,000 miles. Here are some alarming customer experiences.

  • “Was driving my son to school, maybe 30 mph when all of a sudden I heard some clicking noises from the engine,” one complaint reads. “The power dropped, and I was barely able to pull over to the side of the busy road out of harm’s way. Engine dead. Only warning lights I got were a forward sensor failure and then a message telling me to pull over put it in park and restart. I tried but I was not able to restart, the starter fired but didn’t seem to engage with anything. Got towed to the dealer. Dealer confirmed a dropped valve and engine failure. Awaiting a replacement engine.”
  • “After 625 miles the low engine oil pressure alert came on. Had vehicle towed to dealership. After inspection they stated the engine will need to be replaced. It has now been two months and I’m still waiting for my vehicle to be repaired,” another owner said.
  • “At 2,000 miles the engine dropped a valve. Vehicle has already received a new engine. Vehicle shut off running down the interstate.”
  • “broke down with 2058 miles. Flashing engine light, strong fumes smell and vigorously shaking. Ford customer care said there’s nothing they could do. Not even a loaner for a $63k vehicle.”

Not the first Bronco recall

The 2021 Bronco has two recalls already – one was issued in October for potentially 553 vehicles for passenger airbag deployment problems and another was issued in December for a misaligned radar module that could prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from vehicles while using adaptive cruise control.

In addition, the NHTSA said, “The automatic braking system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event.”

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker. 

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

Ford Mustang Class Action Suit over Manual Transmission Woes

Ford Mustang is facing a class action lawsuit over manual transmission. The suit covers cars purchased or leased from 2011-2019 equipped with MT82 or MT82-D4 transmissions. As per the owners of Ford Mustang, cars have defects that cause the transmissions to slip, jerk, engage harshly, clash gears, suffer premature wear, and eventually fail.

The suit also claims that transmission replacement does not solve that problem. “Repairing or replacing the defective parts does not resolve the Transmission problem, as the customer is left with inherently defective parts or receives another defective part in its place.”

The class action lawsuit claims that Ford was aware of the transmission problems as back in 2010 during pre-release testing and alleges that the automaker “has actively concealed the transmission defect” and “failed to disclose this defect to consumers” after knowing the issue. The suit also notes that Ford has issued several special service messages and technical service bulletins to dealerships regarding the shifting issues and other defects.

The lawsuit states that the automaker caused the problem by using less expensive manual transmissions. Both the Getrag MT82 and MT82-D4 transmissions are defective according to the owners and have created endless problems.

The suit references a 2011 NHTSA investigation which found 364 reports about shifting while driving, especially in cold weather. NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation concluded, “There is no indication of loss of motive power or unreasonable safety risk associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles,” and it closed the investigation.

The class action lawsuit is demanding $5 million in damages. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California but has been moved to the Eastern District of Michigan.

Ford Says Transmission Lawsuit Should Be Dismissed

Ford told judges that the entire lawsuit should be dismissed because plaintiffs must specifically allege what is defective about their transmissions rather than relying on “conclusory allegations. Further, Ford argues it is not enough to allege only the symptoms of a defect.

“This disagreement about what is required to plead a defect has not been settled by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Nor does it seem to be a settled issue in any other circuit.” — Judge Michelson

However, the judge found the plaintiffs in the lawsuit alleged more than just symptoms.

“The Court must read Plaintiffs’ allegations as a whole and in the light most favorable to Plaintiffs.” — Judge Michelson

The judge didn’t dismiss the entire Ford class action lawsuit and moved on to discuss claims made by Mustang owners.

Ford has succeeded regarding claims the automaker allegedly violated the Michigan Consumer Protection Act but didn’t have much luck regarding providing notice under the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act.

Is Ford Aware About Possible Mustang Transmission Problems?

The judge has approved the class action lawsuit against Ford Mustang. The judge wrote in his order. “But these Plaintiffs allege, to Lee Iacocca’s chagrin, that their cars are more like Pintos than Mustangs.”

The allegations in the lawsuit go back to 2010 and incorporate a 2011 investigation conducted by the NHTSA, though it failed to conclude the MT82 posed any “unreasonable” safety risks.

There were 364 complaints reported by owners, but over 300 of those complaints were provided by Ford.

The MT82-D4 Ford Mustang Transmission

For the 2018 Mustang, Ford released a new version of the transmission, the MT82-D4.

But in March 2018, Ford issued several service bulletins regarding the  “inability or difficulty to shift into second gear” for 2018 Mustangs built on or before November 15, 2017, and then “inability to shift into 3rd or 4th gear” for all 2018 Mustangs. And just two months after that, Ford issued a bulletin for 2018-2019 Mustangs regarding “inability to drive in first and second gear.”

According to the judge, the plaintiffs who purchased 2018 and 2019 Mustangs have adequately pleaded “Ford committed fraud by failing to disclose a material fact about their vehicles’ transmission.”

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now 

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker.  

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.

Ford Latest Recalls 737,000 Vehicles Over Oil Leaks & Faulty Trailer Brakes

Ford has issued two recalls involving more than 737,000 vehicles in the United States due to oil leak and trailer brake issues.  

The oil leak recall includes the 2020-22 Ford Escape SUV and the 2021-22 Bronco Sport SUV with 1.5-litre engines. A housing can crack, and oil can leak onto engine parts, which can cause a fire hazard. 

“An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire,” the company says. 

The software error can stop trailers from braking, increasing the risk of a crash. 

Software And Fire Risk Issues 

Ford confirmed it had reports on at least 8 fires incidents and 67 other reports that may be related to the issues but no reports of injuries or crashes.  

The company is also recalling  391,836 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Ford Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln avigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles because a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric over hydraulic brake system might not brake. 

Ford Investigation And Fix 

Ford confirms cracks at the edge of the oil separator housing were causing a loss of seal support, leading to oil leaks between the oil separator and engine camshaft cover. 

“If sufficient engine oil leaks, accumulates, and migrates to an ignition source, an underhood fire can occur, increasing the risk of injury,” the recall notice says. 

Owners are warned that they may smell or see oil smoke coming out from the underhood area. 

The company will start sending notifications by mail to take your vehicle to the dealership to have the oil separator inspected for damage or oil leaks, and, if either is present, to replace the oil separator and seals. It will be free of charge. 

Notification to dealers has begun. Mailing of owner notification letters is expected to begin Apr. 18. 

Trailer Brakes Not Working Issue 

Ford is also recalling  391,836 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Ford Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln avigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles due to trailer brakes not working issue. 

“Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash,” according to the recall notice on the NHTSA website. 

This issue is caused by a software error, ford said. The error means a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric over hydraulic brake system may not brake. 

Owners will be notified by mail to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the integrated trailer brake control module software updated free of cost. 

Ford is currently not facing any legal action for the recalls, but people are monitoring it. Last year, Ford was hit with a class action lawsuit alleging a Ford Fusion transmission problem that could cause sudden shaking, violent jerking, and difficulty stopping. 

In December, Ford announced a recall for nearly 115,000 of its 2021 and 2022 model Bronco Sport and Ford Escape SUVs over faulty rear brake linings. 

Have Questions? Talk With Us Now 

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker.  

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today. 

Ford Issues Safety Recalls for 2020-2021 F-150 Pickups

The latest safety recalls by Ford involve 2020-2021 F-150 Pickup trucks issues for incorrect payload information and inadequate windshield adhesion. Ford said that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries involving the recall issues.

Ford Issues Recalls For Incorrect Payload Information

Ford is recalling 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty vehicles with 6.7-liter engines for incorrect payload information built at Kentucky Truck Plant from May 13, 2019, to Sept. 19, 2020.

Ford will recall 9,979 vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories and 1,750 in Canada. 

Ford said, affected vehicles display overstated payload capacity values on the tire and loading information label, overstated accessory reserve capacity values on the safety certification label, and overstated weight values on the truck camper loading documentation

“If the vehicles are loaded to the payload stated on the tire and loading information label, they may exceed the gross vehicle weight rating or gross axle weight rating,” Ford said. “This may result in tire loading beyond rated capacity, suspension overload, and increased stopping distance, which could increase the risk of a crash.”

Ford claims they are not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.

The company will notify affected owners the week of March 22 and dealers will replace the tire and loading information label, safety certification label, and if needed, the truck camper loading document. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21S06.

Ford Issues Recalls For Inadequate Windshield Adhesion

Ford has announced safety recalls for its bestselling 2020-2021 F-150 pickup truck for an issue with windshields that were inadequately bonded to the vehicle.

The affected  2020-2021 F-150 vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards because the front windshields are not adequately bonded to the vehicle body structure, Ford said. In the case of a crash, the windshield may not adequately stay in place.

The recall affects a specific number of F-150 tracks: 79,017 of them in the U.S., 6,986 in Canada, and 1,347 in Mexico., including:

  • 2021 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant from Oct. 27, 2020, to Feb. 3, 2021
  • 2020-21 Ford Super Duty vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant from Oct. 13, 2020, to Jan. 23, 2021

Ford confirmed that there is no report of any accidents or injuries involving this windshield issue.

If you own affected F-150 vehicles, notifications will begin on April 6. Dealers will remove the affected part and replace it with the new one. The Ford reference number for this recall is 21C06.

Final Thoughts

If you are an automobile owner and have manufacturing issues, you can contact us regarding your involvement in this or any potential class-action lawsuit. Serious vehicle problems require serious legal representation, especially when you are bringing a claim against a major automaker.

At the Lemon Firm, our experienced Attorneys have been able to successfully recover compensation for our clients who were sold a vehicle with manufacturer defects, and we can do the same for you. Call (833) Lemon-Firm to speak with a Lemon law expert today.