If you own a Ford vehicle that has given you repeated problems, there is a chance that it could be a lemon and you could be entitled to a legal remedy – possibly a replacement vehicle from Ford. California’s lemon law applies to most new vehicles purchased or leased in California, as well as used vehicles that are still under manufacturer warranty.
Our Ventura-based law firm, Johnson & Buxton, focuses entirely on helping auto consumers who find themselves with a lemon on their hands. Both of our attorneys used to represent some of the world’s largest auto manufacturers defending them against lemon law claims, so we know what to expect and how you as a consumer can succeed.
What’s the Problem with Your Ford Truck, SUV or Car?
We have represented Ford owners whose vehicles were defective for all sorts of difference reasons:
- Transmission issues: Many Ford transmissions have known issues that cause them to function improperly or fail altogether. Models commonly affected include the Ford Fusion/Lincoln MKZ, Ford F-150, Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, Ford Escape, and Ford Ranger.
- Vibrations: Incurable vibrations in the axles, transmissions, and steering columns have affected the Ford Flex, Ford Focus, Ford F-Series trucks and other models.
- Windshield separation: The 2021 Mustang Mach-E windshield may not be properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach.
- Driveshaft separation: Many F-350 trucks have defective axle housings that deform and lead to driveshaft separation.
- Failure to start: Malfunctioning dashboard lights or other electrical components can drain power and prevent the vehicle from starting. Commonly affected models include the Ford Edge, Ford Escape, Ford Expedition and Ford Fusion.
This is just a sample of the problems that are known to affect Ford vehicles.
Do I Have a Lemon Law Claim for My Ford Vehicle?
California lemon law is favorable to consumers. If the problem is serious enough to cause death or serious injury and you have brought it in for repairs two times and it still isn’t fixed, then you have a strong case. If it’s a non-life-threatening problem that isn’t fixed after four attempts, you could have a claim as well. Finally, your car could be a lemon if the vehicle was out of service for repairs for more than 30 days during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.
Ford Lemon Law FAQs
How does the lemon law work with Ford?
Ford must follow California’s lemon laws. This means that if you buy a car that’s under warranty from Ford and discover a warranty issue in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership, Ford must repair the issue. Furthermore, if Ford attempts to fix it and can’t, it must refund or replace the vehicle. This applies to any Ford vehicle that was purchased with a manufacturer warranty in the state of California.
To do so, you need to file a “lemon law” claim. While you don’t need an attorney to do so, it helps. A good attorney will help you collect all the documentation you need and fight the manufacturer to make sure they actually follow the law.
Does Ford have a lemon policy?
If enough Ford vehicles of a specific model are determined to have defects, and if those defects are found to be dangerous, Ford is required by law to issue a recall or buyback. However, even if an issue isn’t common or severe enough to justify a buyback, you can still get your car repaired, replaced, or refunded under California’s lemon laws.
What happens when Ford issues a buyback program?
If Ford issues a buyback program, the manufacturer will set up a webpage that allows you to contact them. You’ll get in touch with them and provide information about your vehicle.
Still, if Ford hasn’t issued a buyback for your car, you can file a lemon law claim to get your car refunded. The lemon law is in place specifically to cover situations that aren’t widespread enough to justify a full recall.
How can you tell if your Ford has transmission problems?
Transmission problems are some of the most expensive, so it’s critical to find out if your Ford has transmission problems in time to file a lemon law claim. If your transmission is bad, you may notice:
- Grinding sounds coming from the engine and under the car
- Jerking or hesitation when shifting gears
- Strange smells
- Leaking transmission fluid
If you notice any of these problems, take your car for repairs right away. You may be able to prevent your transmission from going bad or at least document the failure for your lemon law claim.
How to spot if your Ford has vibration problems?
Vibration problems are obvious. Many parts of your car can vibrate, and they’re all dangerous. If the whole vehicle is vibrating, it probably means something is wrong with your transmission. Vibration while accelerating may mean your engine is misfiring.
Over time, problems that cause vibration will only get worse. If you notice vibration happening in your car and it’s not restricted to bumpy roads, then it’s time to get your vehicle to the shop.
How find out if your Ford has axle problems?
The Ford axle problems can be subtle. Since they’re caused by the axle housings, they’re hard to spot. Often, the first signal that something’s wrong with your truck will be a vibrating steering wheel. The axle issue causes the whole drivetrain to wobble, leading to a vibration that gets faster as you speed up and the axles rotate faster. If you notice your steering wheel vibrating all the time, then you may have bad axles, and you need to get your truck checked immediately.
Get Help from Experienced California Lemon Law Attorneys
If your Ford is a lemon, you could get compensation in the form of a replacement vehicle or cash. The dealer may also have to buy back the car. Talk to Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys today to find out if you might have a claim. Call 866-761-2317 or use this online form to tell us about your vehicle and have us get in touch with you.
