What to Do if You Have a Defective Ford Car?

Buying a new car is an exciting experience for many, especially when you invest in a brand like Ford. For over a century, the Ford Motor Company has produced vehicles that have led the American automobile industry.

But what happens when your Ford is defective?

Whether it’s a fuel leak, engine trouble, or a faulty brake system, dealing with a defective Ford car can feel like a nightmare. Unfortunately, many Ford owners have to endure this scenario - as the brand had the most recalls in 2023 compared to any other car manufacturer.

In this post, we want to provide a step-by-step breakdown of what you can do if your Ford car has a defect.

Identify and Document the Defect

First things first, you need to find out what’s wrong with your Ford.

• Is your engine stalling when you step on the gas?
• Is your power steering not working as it should?
• Are your brakes taking longer than they should to stop your car?

Whatever the issue may be, document it in detail. All too often, Ford owners fail to note down what’s wrong with their car and why it was sitting in the shop for weeks. Automakers, including Ford, have little or no intention of replacing your defective vehicle or offering a refund.

Not keeping track of what went wrong with your Ford gives the manufacturer an excuse to make you a lowball offer - or even write off your claim. The bottom line is: identify and document the defect as soon as possible - and then report it to the manufacturer.

Check for Recalls

Ford, like other auto manufacturers, issues recalls for vehicles with known defects. In the first 19 weeks of 2024, the automaker issued 25 recalls. Some of these recalls may only affect a small number of vehicles or may not affect the safety of yours. Regardless, as a Ford owner, you need to stay on top of which models are getting recalled and why.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website is a great resource to check for recalls. Use your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number to check if your vehicle has a recall. If it is under recall, the NHTSA website will have the instructions to get it repaired.

Report the Problem to the Dealer (In Writing)

After identifying and documenting the defect, contact the authorized dealership where you bought your vehicle. Dealerships are usually the first point of contact to raise the issue, and they may try to fix it as soon as possible.

Explain the issue in detail in writing and provide copies of your documentation. Sometimes, the issue is minor and can be fixed without legal action. Make sure to keep a record of all your communication with the dealership, repair attempts, and outcomes.

Talk to the Ford Customer Service

Your Ford may be fixed shortly if the issue is minor. But if you aren’t one of those lucky owners and the dealership fails to fix your Ford, you will need to escalate the issue with Ford’s customer service.

While the automaker doesn’t have a customer support email, you can call 1-800-392-3673 or use Live Chat to register a formal complaint. Share with them the same detailed documentation you gave the dealer, including your communication and repair records. Ford might offer additional support or direct you to another authorized repair facility.

If this doesn’t fix your Ford, it’s time to consider legal action. California’s Lemon Law protects all vehicle owners who bought defective vehicles that cannot be repaired - even after a reasonable number of attempts.

How California’s Lemon Law Works

Under California’s Lemon Law, a vehicle is considered a lemon if:

• The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
• The vehicle has been worked on multiple times (usually two) for the same defect without success, or it has been in the shop for more than 30 days.
• The defective vehicle is under warranty.
• The defect was not a result of the consumer’s (your) unreasonable or unauthorized use.

California’s lemon law applies to defective vehicles reported to the manufacturer while the warranty was valid.

In other words, get in touch with the manufacturer as soon as you notice something is off. If you wait until after the warranty expires to report the defect, you may be liable for repairs. - and ineligible to file a lemon claim.

Talk to a Seasoned California Lemon Law Attorney

If you believe your Ford is a lemon, talk to a California lemon law attorney immediately. A lawyer can:

• Evaluate your case and see if you have a valid claim
• Help you understand potential remedies
• Prepare and file your claim
• Negotiate on your behalf for the highest settlement
• Represent you legally if the case goes to trial

Keep in mind that Ford has high-powered legal defense teams to protect their interests. Having a lemon law attorney on your side will level the playing field and increase your odds of getting the desired compensation.

Is Your Ford Showing Signs of Defects?

Dealing with a defective Ford car can be stressful - but it doesn’t have to be.

Knowing your rights as a consumer makes the process more manageable. If the manufacturer cannot repair your defect, you may have to file a lemon law claim to get a refund or replacement for your vehicle. That’s where a skilled lemon law attorney comes in.

Need help with your defective Ford vehicle claim?

Talk to our Ford lemon law attorney. We provide a no-obligation, FREE consultation to all our clients and work on a contingency basis. Call 888-982-6915, email info@clineapc.com, or schedule a free consultation online.