TL;DR
- Ford F-150 faces steering column, transmission, and oil leak recalls in 2024
- Explorer A-pillar trim detachment affects 1.9 million vehicles (2011-2019)
- Ford spent $47.4 million on F-150 buybacks for transmission problems alone
- Common issues include “death wobble,” EcoBoost engine failures, and electrical problems
- Multiple recalls don’t eliminate lemon law rights—they may strengthen your case
- Ford’s reputation for reliability doesn’t protect against lemon law claims
Table of Contents
- Ford’s 2024 Recall Crisis: F-150 and Explorer Lead the Pack
- F-150 Transmission Problems: The $47.4 Million Buyback Story
- Explorer A-Pillar Trim Disaster: 1.9 Million Vehicle Recall
- Ford’s “Death Wobble” Problem and Suspension Issues
- EcoBoost Engine Failures: Stalling and Performance Issues
- Electrical System Nightmares: Sync, Dashboard, and Safety Features
- Airbag Deployment Failures Across Ford Models
- Ford’s Rollaway Risk: Parking Brake and Transmission Issues
- How Multiple Ford Recalls Strengthen Lemon Law Cases
- Building Your Ford Lemon Law Case: Model-Specific Strategies
Introduction
Ford’s promise of “Built Ford Tough” rings hollow when your F-150 needs its fourth transmission repair or your Explorer’s trim flies off on the highway. In 2024, Ford recalled 4.8 million vehicles, with the F-150 and Explorer leading due to serious defects like steering failures, electrical issues, and the notorious “death wobble.” These problems have triggered millions in buybacks and thousands of lemon law claims in California. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, you have robust rights to a refund or replacement if defects persist. This guide details common Ford issues and how to leverage them for a successful lemon law case.
Ford’s 2024 Recall Crisis: F-150 and Explorer Lead the Pack
Ford issued recalls for 4.8 million vehicles in 2024, second only to Tesla, per NHTSA data. The F-150 faced recalls for steering column defects (24S32), windshield bonding issues (24C20), and oil leaks (24S70). The Explorer saw recalls for electrical system failures and fuel injection issues, notably a 1.9 million-vehicle A-pillar trim recall (2011-2019).
These defects affected 30% of Ford owners in California, with 25% of 2024 lemon law cases involving F-150s or Explorers. Recurring issues across model years signal systemic quality control problems, strengthening consumer claims.
F-150 Transmission Problems: The $47.4 Million Buyback Story
The F-150’s 6R80 and 10-speed transmissions have plagued owners, with a 2024 recall (24S32) affecting 552,188 2014 models for sudden downshifts. Ford spent $47.4 million on buybacks for transmission issues, per legal reports. Symptoms include jerky shifts, hesitation, and power loss, often persisting after repairs.
In a 2024 Sacramento case, an F-150 owner secured a $60,000 buyback after three failed transmission repairs. Transmission defects qualify as substantial under the Song-Beverly Act, impairing use and safety. Document all repair attempts to prove persistence.
Explorer A-Pillar Trim Disaster: 1.9 Million Vehicle Recall
A 2024 recall (24C39) for 1.9 million 2011-2019 Explorers addressed A-pillar trim detachment, creating road hazards. Ford’s delayed response—despite 235 warranty claims by 2022—led to reduced resale values and safety concerns. Owners reported trim pieces detaching at highway speeds, risking accidents.
This defect triggered 15% of Explorer lemon law cases in 2024, with settlements averaging $45,000. The recall’s scale and safety implications make it a strong basis for claims, especially if repairs fail.
Ford’s “Death Wobble” Problem and Suspension Issues
The F-150’s “death wobble”—severe front-end vibrations at speed—stems from suspension defects, notably in 2015-2020 models. Symptoms include uncontrollable shaking, impairing steering and safety. A 2024 case awarded $55,000 after two failed repairs, citing safety risks.
The issue affects 10% of F-150 lemon law claims, per California DMV data. Document vibrations with videos and mechanic reports, as courts prioritize safety defects requiring only two repair attempts.
EcoBoost Engine Failures: Stalling and Performance Issues
Ford’s EcoBoost engines (1.0L, 2.7L, 3.5L) promise efficiency but suffer from stalling, turbocharger failures, and cooling system issues. A 2024 recall (24S55) targeted 91,000 vehicles for fractured intake valves, causing engine damage.
In a 2023 case, an F-150 owner won $50,000 for persistent stalling after three repairs. These defects impair use and safety, qualifying as lemons. Retain diagnostic reports to counter Ford’s claims of “normal operation.”
Electrical System Nightmares: Sync, Dashboard, and Safety Features
Ford’s Sync infotainment system, dashboards, and backup cameras frequently fail, with 2024 recalls addressing frozen screens and wiring issues (23V688000). These problems, affecting 20% of F-150 and Explorer claims, impair safety features like rearview cameras.
A 2024 San Diego case secured $40,000 for a blank instrument cluster, deemed a safety defect. Document glitches with photos or videos, as intermittent issues strengthen claims when persistent.
Airbag Deployment Failures Across Ford Models
Airbag issues, including clock spring failures (23V509000), affected 2021-2023 F-150s and Explorers, risking non-deployment in crashes. In 2024, 10% of Ford lemon law cases cited airbag defects, with a $65,000 settlement for a faulty system after two repair attempts.
Safety defects like these require minimal repair attempts under the Song-Beverly Act. Log all related warning lights and service visits to build a strong case.
Ford’s Rollaway Risk: Parking Brake and Transmission Issues
F-150 recalls (23V896) for rear axle bolt failures and parking brake malfunctions (2021-2023 models) caused rollaway risks, even in Park. Explorer models faced similar issues with loose transmission bolts (24C39). These defects led to 376 warranty claims by 2023.
A 2024 case awarded $55,000 for an F-150 rollaway defect after failed repairs. Document incidents with videos or witness statements, as safety risks boost settlement values.
How Multiple Ford Recalls Strengthen Lemon Law Cases
Multiple recalls signal systemic defects, enhancing lemon law claims. F-150s averaged six recalls in 2023, per NHTSA, with Explorers facing similar patterns. Courts view recall frequency as evidence of manufacturer negligence, increasing penalties.
In 2024, cases citing multiple recalls won 30% more often, averaging $60,000. Use NHTSA.gov to gather recall notices and match them to repair records for a compelling case.
Building Your Ford Lemon Law Case: Model-Specific Strategies
For F-150 cases, focus on transmission and suspension records, using videos for “death wobble.” For Explorers, document A-pillar issues and electrical failures with photos. Work with Ford dealerships but demand detailed technician notes, as vague records hurt 15% of 2024 cases.
File within 18 months/18,000 miles, and consult an attorney after two failed repairs. A 2024 F-150 case secured $70,000 with comprehensive documentation, highlighting the need for precision.
Conclusion
Ford’s F-150 and Explorer face serious defects—from transmission failures to A-pillar detachment—that qualify for lemon law remedies under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Multiple recalls and failed repairs strengthen your case, with settlements averaging $50,000-$70,000 in 2024. Don’t let Ford’s reputation deter you—do what hundreds of others have done and contact Johnson & Buxton | The Lemon Law Guys, today.