Ford Lemon Law Lawyers

Ford owners with vehicles equipped with the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission (primarily in Focus and Fiesta models from 2011-2016) should be aware these transmissions have been the subject of numerous lemon law claims. Common issues include shuddering, hesitation, jerking movements, and complete transmission failure. Ford has issued multiple technical service bulletins and extended warranties for these components, which can actually strengthen your lemon law claim. Documentation is critical – keep all repair orders showing repeated attempts to fix transmission problems, as Ford has historically defended these cases aggressively despite class action settlements.

Ford’s extended warranties for PowerShift transmissions don’t replace your lemon law rights – they actually strengthen your case by serving as Ford’s acknowledgment of known defects. When pursuing a lemon law claim for a Focus or Fiesta with transmission problems, these warranty extensions provide documentation that Ford recognized persistent issues. However, this creates a tactical consideration: Ford may attempt to classify multiple repair visits as ‘customer satisfaction’ rather than warranty repairs to avoid triggering lemon law thresholds. To protect your rights, ensure all service documents specifically note transmission defects rather than ‘normal characteristics’ and document any Ford representative statements acknowledging problems. Ford commonly defends these cases by claiming transmission behavior is within normal parameters despite their own warranty extensions contradicting this position.

Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged engines present specific defects that strengthen lemon law claims, particularly in F-150, Escape, and Edge models. Qualifying issues include coolant intrusion into cylinders (especially 1.5L and 2.0L engines), carbon buildup causing misfires, turbocharger failures, and excessive oil consumption. Ford typically defends by attributing these problems to normal operational characteristics or maintenance factors rather than design defects, despite multiple technical service bulletins acknowledging these issues. To build a strong case, document specific symptoms like white exhaust smoke, coolant loss without external leaks, misfire codes (P0300 series), or oil consumption measurements exceeding 1 quart per 3,000 miles. Ford’s pattern of performing partial repairs addressing symptoms rather than underlying causes creates the multiple repair attempts necessary for lemon law qualification. Expert testimony can establish that these persistent problems substantially impair both safety and value despite Ford’s attempts to normalize these symptoms.

Ford vehicles equipped with certain EcoBoost engines, particularly in F-150, Explorer, and Edge models, have experienced specific cooling system defects that strengthen lemon law claims. These vehicles may exhibit symptoms including coolant intrusion into cylinders, internal coolant consumption without external leaks, white exhaust smoke, and overheating despite proper coolant levels. Ford typically defends by replacing individual components rather than addressing system design vulnerabilities, creating a pattern of repeated repairs as the problem migrates between head gaskets, intake manifolds, and freeze plugs. To build a strong case, document coolant consumption measurements, engine diagnostic codes (particularly P0300 series misfire codes), and evidence of combustion chamber contamination. Ford’s technical service bulletins regarding coolant pressure testing and extended warranties for specific components provide evidence of known issues. Expert testimony establishing that these problems result from systemic design flaws rather than isolated component failures is particularly effective in demonstrating that the defect persists despite repeated repair attempts.

Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid models present unique lemon law considerations because their integrated hybrid-electric powertrain can experience defects affecting both conventional engine functions and electric propulsion components. Common qualifying issues include high-voltage battery system failures, onboard generator malfunctions affecting Pro Power capabilities, hybrid cooling system problems, and unusual transmission engagement characteristics during the transition between electric and gasoline power. Ford typically defends by treating hybrid components as supplementary features rather than core vehicle functions, despite their integration with basic powertrain operation. To build a strong case, document all hybrid system symptoms including error messages, performance limitations, and especially any stranding incidents where vehicle mobility was compromised. Ford’s technical service bulletins regarding hybrid power coordination and battery management provide evidence of known issues. Expert testimony establishing that these problems substantially impair the vehicle’s unique selling features is particularly effective, as PowerBoost functionality and Pro Power capabilities represent primary value propositions commanding significant price premiums over conventional models, easily meeting the ‘substantial impairment of value’ standard when these systems fail to perform reliably.