Ford Focus Class Action Complaint

 

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A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging purge valve problems in 2012-2015 Ford Focus vehicles.  This defect causes the vehicle to stall and experience other potentially dangerous engine problems.

What is a purge valve defect?

The Ford Focus lawsuit describes alleged problems caused by the purge valve that is used for the emissions system. The plaintiff says the EVAP system (evaporative emission control system) is used to store fuel vapors in the charcoal canister when the engine is running. Those vapors are supposed to be sent to the engine, if the system works as intended.  However, the plaintiff claims the purge valve can stick open and allow liquid gas to enter the EVAP system. The alleged purge valve problem will cause the gas gauge to give a driver false fuel level estimates and cause the Focus to stall while driving.

Who is eligible?

This is a class action lawsuit brought by on behalf of [Plaintiff] and a class of current and former owners and lessees of model years (“MY”) 2012- 2015 Ford Focus vehicles (collectively, the “Class Vehicles”) that were sold with defective Evaporative Emission Control (“EVAP”) systems.

What does the lawsuit say?

“This action arises from Defendant’s failure, despite its longstanding knowledge, to disclose to Plaintiff and other similarly situated customers that the Class Vehicles had defective EVAP systems.  As explained above, Class Vehicles were sold with a defective purge valve, which regulates the intake of fuel vapors into the engine to reduce vehicle emissions. This defect, which manifests itself within the limited warranty period or shortly after the limited warranty period expires, can cause the engine to shut off while the car is in motion. This crucial defect has put the Plaintiff, as well as countless members of the Class, at risk of great bodily harm.   Ford knew, or should have known, of this critical defect at the time of sale or shortly thereafter when numerous members of the putative class began.  Plaintiff reserves the right to amend or add to the vehicle models included in the definition of Class Vehicles after conducting discovery.  Yet, notwithstanding this knowledge, Ford has routinely failed to repair the Class Vehicles without charge when the defect manifests.”

What is the status of the class action?

The class action is “hanging by a thread” as Ford has successfully had several of the claims dismissed, leaving only one.  It is unclear to what degree Focus owners will be compensated.

What can Ford Focus owners do?

You may be able to secure reimbursement for repairs or other compensation without waiting for the lawsuit to settle.  Call the Law Office of Howard Gutman at (973) 598-1980 for a free consultation on your options and claim.

2015 Ford Focus Transmission Defect

Lemon law claims lady

Multiple problems with the Ford Focus transmission have been reported.  One customer filed a lemon law case pro se, but was not able to establish a defect under the New Jersey lemon law statute.

Petitioner  testified that she first presented her vehicle for service on September 21, 2015, regarding a concern that the vehicle “bucks and jerks” at highway speeds while accelerating. She stated that at the first service, the vehicle’s clutch was replaced by respondent. On September 25, 2015, when she again presented her vehicle for service, Caporaso stated that the vehicle was still “bucking” while “driving in town” or “stuck in traffic.” On the third service visit of October 21, 2015, she indicated that she “felt a shudder in the brake pedal” and that while driving in the city, the car would “jerk forward.” She stated that the problem was an intermittent one and that she did not feel safe in the vehicle.

Reflecting some of the challenges under the lemon law, particularly for pro ses, the Court rejected the claim finding a defect had not been proven.  Caporaso  v. Ford Motor (OAL 2015).  We welcome consultation on Ford Focus transmission problems.

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