Category: Ford

By: Nicole Halavi

Ford Motor Company is a multinational automaker headquartered in Michigan. Ford is also well-known for producing some of the most powerful large pick-up trucks available on the market. While these high-performance trucks have been a popular choice amongst consumers, Ford Motor Company is now facing many lawsuits alleging several defects and recalls in various Ford trucks.

If you’re a concerned Ford truck owner who is experiencing difficulties with your truck, CCA is here to help. Feel free to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are Common Issues in Ford F-250, F-350 and F-550 Trucks?

Ford recently released new information regarding the recall of a thousands of Ford F-250, F-350, and F-550 diesel trucks. This decision was based on several complaints that revealed an issue with the model’s transmission torque converter damper plates. The plates were not appropriately tempered, which is particularly concerning as a brittle damper plate can cause engine stalls. A stall occurs when the car unexpectedly slows down or stops altogether. If a stall occurs at the wrong place or at the wrong time, this could ultimately lead to a dangerous and potentially fatal result.

Over the past few years, users have lodged numerous complaints against Ford concerning its diesel trucks. Below are a few excerpts from the complaints concerning the particular models:

“The contact stated that while her son was driving 35 mph… a vehicle in front was making a left turn and the driver depressed the brake pedal. An unknown warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the vehicle in front that was making a left turn. The vehicle continued 125 feet down the road, crossed over to the opposite lanes, crashed into some trees where it eventually came to a stop. No air bags deployed.”

The incident described above is an example of how a seemingly small defect could lead to a life-threatening situation.

Another user of the Ford F-350 reported the issue: “The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. While driving approximately 70 mph, losing power displayed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart and was towed to classic Ford… The dealer diagnosed the vehicle, but could not locate the cause of the failure.”

What Can I Do if I’m Worried about my Ford Truck?

If you own a Ford truck that is exhibiting stalling or vehicle hesitation that hasn’t been fixed by the dealership, CCA is here to help! CCA is staffed by experienced lawyers that are ready to help resolve your lemon law issues and obtain for you the compensation that you deserve.  Best of all, as our client, you receive no legal bills – we are paid solely by the automakers!

Contact our experts today for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

By: Michael H. Rosenstein, Esq.

The sporty Mustang is a luxury line of sports cars and convertibles and is currently the longest-running production car by Ford Motor Company. Notably, the introduction of the Mustang series into the market has influenced the design of coupes worldwide. However, despite being one of the oldest and most popular cars on the market, Ford has received numerous complaints concerning defects in its Mustang series vehicles. In fact, Ford Mustang owners have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that the 2011-2019 Mustang and Mustang GT models are equipped with a faulty six-speed manual transmission system. The suit also claims that Ford has been aware of the issue since pre-release testing in 2010.

If your Ford Mustang or Mustang GT has been subject to serious issues or is showing signs of a transmission defect, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What are the Transmission Defects in the Ford Mustang?

As per the complaints filed, Ford Mustangs and Mustang GT’s are equipped with a faulty MT82 manual transmission that causes the vehicle to engage harshly, slip, jerk, cause premature wear and tear, and eventually result in failed transmission.

Owners have experienced difficulty when attempting to shift gears.  As one owner of the Ford Mustang 2016 model described the issue: “This car was bought brand new in 2016 and had less than 5300 miles. When this happened, we were at a stop sign, and when I got ready to go, the car wouldn’t. Gave it gas and still wouldn’t go. It doesn’t seem to change gears either. Very scary if this happens when you are on the interstate going at a high rate of speed. You can definitely get killed”. As the complaint states, this could be a hazardous problem and could lead to potentially life-threatening accidents.

The NHTSA had ordered several investigations and found 360+ complaints from users of Ford models indicating issues with the gear shift, especially in colder weather.

Another user of a more recent Ford model complained of a clunking sound while shifting gears: “I was very disappointed regarding this noise, and I spoke with Ford and said nothing could be done. Will go back with more time.”

Ford has allegedly been aware of the transmission problems for more than ten years and has issued several technical service bulletins (TSBs) over the years. However, these issues have continued and have been especially problematic for owners of older Ford models. Ford has denied the existence of any defect and has claimed that these problems arose as a product of normal wear and tear of the manual transmissions.

Below is a list of TSBs issued by Ford in the past:

• • TSB 10-19-4
  • TSB 11-3-18
  • TSB 18-2083
  • TSB 18-2175
  • TSB 18-2267
  • SSM 26614

What Can I Do if my Ford Mustang/Mustang GT Has Been Experiencing Transmission Issues?

We are here to help if you have noticed any of the issues discussed above, such as transmission failure, clunking noises, trouble shifting gears, frequent jerking, or any manual-transmission problems. CCA is well-equipped with experienced lawyers who are ready to guide you through the lemon law process and obtain an exceptional outcome.  Best of all – our fees are paid by the automakers; not by you! Feel free to reach out to us for a consultation regarding your vehicle.

By: Sepehr Daghighian, Esq.

Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV manufactured and sold by the Ford Motor Company since the year 1998. It features Lincoln’s largest cargo space and is the first to offer a 6-seater space in the non-limousine line. While the Navigator is the company’s largest and grandest model, it has come to reveal numerous, serious defects that have troubled its owners for years.

If your Lincoln Navigator has suffered serious issues or defects, CCA is here to help. We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

What Are Some Common Defects That Occur in the Lincoln Navigator?

Despite being a high-end, luxury vehicle, the Navigator has been subject to several defects; large and small.  While we’ve heard a large number of complaints about the Navigator, some of the most commonly occurring ones are about defects in the air suspension, engine issues, and electronics/infotainment system issues.

One of the common issues faced by Navigator owners are engine problems that manifest as stalling and knocking sounds. This issue has been reported by several users across different models of the Lincoln Navigator. For example, a user of the 2018 Navigator L select described the issue as: “The vehicle developed an engine knocking sound. I left it at the dealership and it’s still there. The dealership states back-ordered parts. If you drive professionally my opinion is this vehicle isn’t ready for prime-time or any type of fleet work. The transmission failed at 75000 miles and it took 3 weeks to replace.”

Another user of the 2019 Navigator experienced stalling and explained the issue, “I purchased a 2019 Lincoln Navigator with odometer disclosure of 16 miles. On its first outing my wife drove the car. Made her first stop in the city, car would not start, at this point we owned the car for less than 100 miles. The local dealer installed a new battery, the car starts and after a while the car stalls in the middle in the center of a busy intersection.” A stall can be extremely dangerous in some situations; it also increases the risk of fatal accidents and injuries.

The Lincoln Navigator has also fallen prey to numerous complaints against its electrical system. Many of the complaints stated an issue with the SUV’s lift gate. An owner of the 2018 Navigator stated, “Back liftgate opens randomly. Dealer has replaced two parts involved and happened again yesterday. Seems to be when you shut one of the front doors firmly and lock the car w keyfob twice. I suspect the air pressure from shutting door and keyfob action cause this. But problem persists. Car was stationary every time.”

What Can I Do if My Lincoln Navigator is Subject to Any of The Defects Mentioned Above?

If your Lincoln Navigator has been experiencing any of the issues discussed above or others specific to your SUV, CCA lawyers are here to handle your case and protect your vehicle from further complications; all this at no cost at all to you. CCA is staffed by a strong and experienced team of lawyers that are well aware of complicated vehicle cases and have exceptional outcomes for their clients in the past.

If your Lincoln Navigator has been facing serious defects or issues, please contact our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

By: Michael H. Rosenstein

For years, the Ford F-150 has been one of the most popular trucks in the market, largely due to its notable strength and performance.  However, in spite of the popular demand for the F-150, Ford has repeatedly been forced to address serious engine and transmission issues that have afflicted the Ford F-150 for the past several years. Owners have reported a wide variety of complaints; some small and some potentially life-threatening. Ford has addressed a percentage of the issues reported through Technical Service Bulletins, Recalls, and other measures.  However,  consumers continue to complain of many serious problems with their F-150 trucks. 

If your Ford F-150 has suffered serious or numerous warranty concerns, CCA is here to help.  We invite you to call our experts today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.   

What Are the Common Engine and Transmission Issues in the Ford F-150?

The Ford F-150 has received countless regarding transmission issues while shifting gears. Most complainants conveyed their concerns regarding jerky shifts, lack of control, noises during shifts, or an abrupt transmission into the first gear without any prior warning.

For instance, one F-150 customer complained recently, that “Truck once shifted so hard that I had to check to make sure someone didn’t sneak a heavy weight .. like a bowling ball or something.. into the bed. Very loud bang. I’ve already taken the truck in to have this repaired – last time they reprogrammed the ecm.. I need to take it back down because that did not solve the issue at all.”  Another Ford F-150 complained, “I just bought my Ford 2 days ago and I drove it to work today. I was passing a vehicle at 50 to 55 miles an hour and it shifted 3 times on me quick and hard.” 

Transmission shifting is another serious concern for F-150 owners.  One owner described the issues as follows, “This 10 speed [transmission] has been nothing but problems. Hard shifting, whining, clunking. Going back to the dealer for the 3rd time concerning the transmission.”  Other F-150 owners complain that, in spite of numerous visits to the dealership, Ford’s dealerships are unable to fix their transmission concerns. 

What is worse, many Ford F-150’s drivers have reported stalling due to issues with the vehicle’s powertrain. A stall occurs when the car unexpectedly slows down or stops completely. If a stall takes place in an unfortunate circumstance, it could lead to a life-threatening accident.  An owner of the Ford F-150 2018 model stated, “While coming to a stop, the engine shut off and a message displayed that the engine auto start/stop function was engaged. Put the vehicle in park, and re-start engine. Very dangerous to do this in moving traffic. This was with the auto start/stop feature already disengaged.  Another user complained, “Engine stalling out at low speeds and when starting out. Engine doesn’t stop but there must be some connection between the electrical and the transmission. After a few seconds the engine seems to want to act normal and then starts to go again.”

Here is a partial list of the recent models that are known to have widespread Engine and Transmission issues:

• 2015 Ford F-150
• 2016 Ford F-150
• 2017 Ford F-150
• 2018 Ford F-150
• 2019 Ford F-150

What Legal Actions Have Been Taken to Address the Ford F-150’s Issues?

Several lawsuits have been filed against Ford as a result of the Engine and Transmission issue. A lead plaintiff in a recent class action has alleged the occurrence of erratic automatic transmission shifts question the safety aspects of the vehicle. The complaint also reiterates on the fact that Ford is well aware of the issue and has not yet come up with any immediate solutions. The plaintiff also says that a recall should have been issued much earlier.

What Can I Do if My Truck is Facing Any of These Issues?

If you are facing any trouble with your Ford F-150 such as unexpected stalling, jerking, lunging, strange noises, or other unexplainable issues, California’s lemon laws are here to protect you and your vehicle. Our attorneys are extremely experienced in handling these types of matters and are aware of the issues plaguing the Ford vehicles. If you are facing any performance issues with your vehicle, feel free to call our experts for a free consultation at (833) LEMON-FIRM.

By Jonathan C. Cagliata

CCA’s expert lemon law attorneys are often contacted by frustrated Ford Explorer owners that are looking for solutions to problems plaguing their vehicles. While in recent years, Ford Explorers have been tremendously popular and successful vehicles for Ford Motor Company, Explorer owners have also experienced a wide array of serious and troubling defects. If your Explorer has suffered from excessive repairs or too much time in the shop, we invite you to contact CCA’s expert lemon law attorneys for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. 

What issues commonly afflict 2013-2018 Ford Explorers?  

Unfortunately, for Explorer owners, many of the common issues with the vehicles afflict the most important and complicated parts of the vehicle: namely, the powertrain. Ford implemented its EcoBoost turbocharged engine into various 5th-generation Explorer models (starting in 2011) – this engine was meant to provide a more economical performance. However, these engines are the subject of numerous customer complaints and TSBs.

Common engine defects among Explorers, notably the 2016 Explorer, include illuminated CELs/MILs; loss of power (TSB 16-0122); fluid and oil leakage (TSB 18-2255; SSMs 47000 and 46253); squealing noises (SSM 48001) or fan noises (SSM 45932); difficulty starting, rough running, crank-no start, lack of power, loss of idle RPM or hesitation (TSB 13-9-8); long crank-to-start times and delayed harsh downshifting/upshifting (TSB 13-5-31); under-spec idle speed (TSB 17-0033), and even engine stalling or dying on operation. 

With respect to a sudden loss of power/stalling, Explorer owners have described freighting ordeals when their vehicles would malfunction. For instance, one 2016 Explorer driver from Syracuse, New York described a condition where “I was driving on the NYS thruway going around 70 mph when the car felt like it went out of gear. I looked at the speedometer and the car decelerated to 50 mph. I looked at the dash lights and it had the engine light wrench light and air bag lit up with see manual. I tried to accelerate and pushed the pedal all the way down and nothing. The car appeared to be in limp mode. Thank God a semi-truck was not behind me as my husband and I could have been killed.” Another described the powertrain problems as, “Car began chugging and lugging, especially when pulling hills at approx. 1000 miles. Took to a dealership and they replaced the throttle body. Problem has decreased but still remains. It acts like a standard transmission vehicle and feels like the RPMs are not high enough to pull, because when I have it in sport mode and keep the RPMs above 2000, it doesn’t do it, or at least I can’t feel it.”

Other powertrain issues experienced by Explorer owners include repeat Check Engine Lights, Throttle Control Failures, Oil Leaks, Premature, Transmission Failure, Thumping and Rattling in the Transmission, and other serious issues.

Explorers also experience various seating-related defects, from improperly strengthened back cushions to sharp components in places with lowered visibility (i.e. between the seat and center console, where the seat is adjusted). Some Explorers experienced steering issues, including loss of power steering and unusual noise during operation. Explorers also experience paint bubbling, peeling, and/or blistering, sometimes with associated white dust, resulting from corrosion damage. Customers of various Explorer models also complain of mysterious exhaust fumes and related odors in the cabin.  

Ford’s recalls, TSB’s, SSMs (special service messages), other efforts to address the problems in Ford Explorers:

Ford Motor Company has issued a litany of Special Service Messages, Technical Services Bulletins, and Recalls to try to address these conditions.  For instance:

Special Service Messages:

• SSM 46253 – Oil Leakage; remove and reseal the EOP sensor
• SSM 47000 – Fluid Leakage; replace intermediate shaft seal
• SSM 47948 – For all turbocharge-related concerns involving diagnosis or replacement, turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced along with relevant turbocharger/turbocharger oil supply tube replacement, as the turbocharger bearing may fail if oil starvation occurs as the result of a restricted filter
• SSM 48001 – Squealing Noise from Accessory Drive Belt; new drive belt released, to replace old model

Technical Service Bulletins:

• TSB 13-9-8 (covered by warranty) – Driveability Concerns in 2012-14 Explorers equipped with 2.0L GTDI engine, including difficulty starting, rough running, crank-no start, lack of power, loss of idle RPM or hesitation; all potentially caused by wiring concern in signal return splice (to be replaced as needed).
• TSB 13-5-31 (covered by warranty) – long crank-to-start times and delayed harsh downshifting/upshifting in 2013 Explorers; calls for reprogramming of PCM
• TSB 18-2255 (covered by warranty) – Fluid Leakage; replace intermediate shaft seal
• TSB 17-2124 (covered by warranty) – Heated O2 Sensors in 3.5L TDIs; replace affected sensors
• TSB 17-0033 (covered by warranty) – 2016-17 Explorer with 2.3L engine may exhibit idle speed below spec in situations like heavy traffic or parking lot navigation; calls for reprogramming PCM
• TSB 16-0122 – MIL for lack of power in 2.3L TDIs, due to turbocharger wastegate actuator rod disconnecting from wastegate; reconnect
• TSB 16-0028 – 2002-18 Explorers equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbling/peeling paint, sometimes with white dust. Affected panels are uninstalled and replaced.

Recalls:

• Recall 19S17 – 2011-17 Explorer rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash
• Recall 13S04 – 2013 Explorer fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak
• Recall 14S06 – 2011-13 Explorer may experience intermittent connection in electric power steering gear, which may cause loss of motor position sensor signal and subsequent shut down of power steering assist
• Recall 15S11 – 2011-13 Explorer interior door handle return spring may unseat, leading to door potentially unlatching during side impact, thereby increasing risk of personal injury
• Recall 17S40 – 2016 Explorer with loose power seat adjuster may cause front seat cushions to detach & not properly restrain seat occupant in the event of a crash
• Recall 19S29 – 2017 Explorer power front seat frames may have sharp edges, posing risk of personal injury
• Recall 19C07 – 2018-19 Explorer equipped with manual front seat back recliner mechanisms may be missing third pawl required by Federal Motor Safety Vehicle Standard no. 202, “Head Restraints”, and 207, “Seating Systems”, for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back and thereby increasing the risk of personal injury

How Can We Help with Your Ford Explorer? 

If you are purchased or leased a 2013 or newer Ford Explorer and experienced serious vehicle concerns, we invite you to contact the expert lemon law attorneys at CCA for a free consultation.  Our attorneys have a track records of exceptional settlements with Ford Motor Company and can help you to obtain an excellent result under California’s strong consumer protection laws.  Please call us today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM.

By: Jim Martinez, Esq.

The Ford Escape is one of the top-selling vehicles in the country. This should come as no surprise, as Ford has offered the American public basic, affordable vehicles for over a century. However, the affordability of its vehicles often comes at a high, hidden cost – long-term reliability. Often, catastrophic issues with the Escape’s engine or transmission, particularly the 2014-2019 Ford Escapes, can occur both inside and outside of the vehicle’s warranty.

The Ford Escape has been the subject of frequent complaints from Escape owners/lessors, particularly with regard to the engine and transmission. For instance, drivers of Ford Escapes report all manner of transmission issues, from frequent fault warning lights and fluid leaks and abnormal noises, to severe driveability concerns, such as hesitation, hard shifts, violent transmission shudders and clunking while changing gears, and even the inability to change gears at all and outright failure.  Quoting one disappointed owner of a 2016 Escape, “When I took this in to address the issue, I was told that I must be hypersensitive. The car not only shudders but it clanks to when shifting between gears. While driving, it literally vibrates constantly. I can even feel it in the seat. The dealerships are useless at addressing these concerns.”  

Compounding the issues with the transmission are the common engine concerns voiced by Ford Escape owners/lessors. Among those are overfilled crank cases, overheating engines, oil leaks, engine knocking engine stalls and failures while the vehicle is in operation, vehicle shuddering and stalling at idle, unintended engine acceleration and surges.  For instance, one owner of a 2017 Escape 1.5-Liter EcoBoost described the issues as, “Engine loss of power on highway with [Check Engine Light] illuminated. Engine resumed after pulling over, but running rough. [Check Engine Light] was P0302, cylinder 2 misfire. Replaced plugs and swapped coils, cylinder 2 was bad, did not fix misfire. Took to dealer and was informed that [cylinder] 2 had complete loss of compression and head needed replaced. Was informed that this was a very common issue and they have had to do this dozens of times on 1.5L ecoboosts (Fusion and Escapes spanning 2014-2019).”  

Thousands of documented complaints regarding Ford Escape engines and transmissions can be found on online consumer forums and government websites. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) has tracked consumer complaints and in some instances, has launched investigations into these issues.

To address these transmission and engine defects, Ford has issued dozens of technical service bulletins (“TSBs”) to their authorized repair facilities (mainly Ford dealerships). These TSBs instruct Ford authorized service personnel to conduct what amount to “Band-Aid” fixes. However, these fixes fall short of permanent resolution of these issues. 

Both the transmission and engine failures go beyond everyday inconvenience and repeated visits for service and repair; they pose risks to the drivers and passengers of Ford Escapes, along with posing a danger to those motorists with whom they share the road. Unexpected acceleration and stalls while in operation present unreasonable risk of collision, while engine oil leaks coupled without overheating vehicles create unreasonable fire hazards. In fact, there have been accidents caused by these issues. 

Moreover, transmission failures occur at relatively low mileage as compared with like engines/transmissions. The Ford Escape comes with a three year, 36,000 mile basic warranty, 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty. Ostensibly, this means that Ford will repair or replace faulty engines or transmissions within 5 years or 60,000 miles. But once that mileage or time period expires (whichever comes first), the owner/lessor of a Ford Escape with a failing or failed engine or transmission is out in the cold, left to pay thousands of dollars for engine/transmission repairs, or an entirely new engine/transmission. Of course, it goes without saying that engine or transmission replacement are among the most expensive repairs that can be performed on a motor vehicle.

If you have experienced any of these issues with your Ford Escape, do not despair! The attorneys at CCA can help. Our attorneys have decades of accumulated experience in fighting auto manufacturers and are ready to assist you. Call (833) LEMON FIRM for a short, free consultation. 

By Erik K. Schmitt, Esq.

Ford Motor Company often boasts that its award-winning F-series line of pick-up trucks: “Build Ford Tough.” However, despite the accolades, Ford’s trucks have become associated with a much more notorious (and scary) phrase: the “Death Wobble.” As it turns out, a small bump in the road might cause these trucks to not be as “tough” as Ford would like its customers to believe.

For the past 15+ years, drivers of Ford’s Super Duty F-250/350 pickup trucks have suffered from a pervasive suspension problem that causes a condition known as the “death wobble.” The death wobble is a frightening experience where the truck violently shakes after hitting a bump or groove in the road at highway speeds. It can lead to the loss of control and difficulty steering, even under regular driving conditions. 

According to a recent class-action lawsuit filed in 2019 (Lessin v. Ford Motor Company), the death wobble is caused by a defect linked to abnormal wear and/or loosening of the track bar bushing, damper bracket, ball joints, control arms, shocks and/or struts. The lawsuit alleges that Ford knew that components within 2005-2019 F-250 and F-350 suspension systems are prone to failure, but failed to notify customers or even properly address the problem.  The lawsuit alleges, “The violent shaking of the vehicle can cause loss of control of the vehicle and difficulty steering while the [vehicles] are in operation at any time and under typical driving conditions or speed. This exposes the driver and occupants of the [vehicles], as well as others who share the road with them, to an increased risk of accident, injury, or death.”  

The death wobble has led to a litany of complaints from consumers, auto dealers, and even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the lawsuit, NHTSA allegedly received 1,265 reports of the “death wobble” defect between March 2005 and February 2019, with some of these reports describing series accidents and injuries due to the dangerous defect.  The Complaint alleges, “The Defect causes the Class Vehicles to lose steering control during normal operation and poses a serious risk of crash without warning. As discussed below, Plaintiff and numerous Class Vehicle owners and lessees have reported that the Defect causes a sudden loss of steering control, a violent front-end vibration and swaying of the Vehicles—an event that has been referred to as a “Death Wobble….” The Death Wobble is typically triggered when the Class Vehicles are traveling at speeds above 50 miles per hour and one of the tires hits a groove or bump in the road. This causes a violent shaking of the vehicle, which can only be controlled by a sudden reduction of speed.”  

The notorious death wobble is also well-documented in YouTube videos, NHTSA Complaints, and complaints on other websites (See, e.g.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EuQ6f8rgT4). Yet, even with all the complaints, Ford still has not issued a recall or proper fix that would keep drivers of these trucks out of harm’s way. In fact, Ford-authorized repair facilities sometimes blame the consumer for not maintaining the truck properly, which often results in Ford failing to honor the truck’s warranty through no fault of the owner. 

CCA’s attorneys are experienced in Ford Motor Company cases and have the technical and legal know-how to handle Ford F-150, F-250, and F-350 “death wobble” cases.  After a short and free consultation, we can evaluate if your Ford truck qualifies for repurchase under California’s lemon law, and even fight back if Ford claims your warranty is voided by an inherent defect that you had nothing to do with. If your Ford Truck suffers from the infamous “death wobble,” contact a CCA attorney today at (833) LEMON-FIRM for a free consultation.