Vehicle owners must give notification in writing to be excluded from the settlement by September 5, 2017. Once excluded, owners are free to file a separate lawsuit against Ford. To obtain cash, a discount certificate or to arbitrate for a potential lemon law buyback, owners have to submit a claim at a future date.
Full Answer
What is the Ford PowerShift transmission settlement?
This Settlement covers 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta and 2012-2016 Ford Focus vehicles that are equipped with a PowerShift Transmission and were originally sold in the United States and its territories. They are called “Class Vehicles” in the Settlement and the Notice and these FAQs. Why is this a class action?
Are You entitled to benefits from the Ford settlement?
If you purchased or leased a 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta or a 2012-2016 Ford Focus with a PowerShift Transmission (the "Class Vehicles"), you may be entitled to obtain benefits provided by the Settlement and the Orders of the Court. What is the current status of the Settlement?
What is the settlement for the Ford Fiesta lawsuit?
The automaker settled a $35 million class-action lawsuit in the U. S. that would have it pay current or former owners or lessees of a 2011-16 Ford Fiesta or 2012-16 Ford Focus vehicles up to $2,325 to cover repair costs or up to $4,650 for the purchase of a new vehicle.
How do I get a notice of settlement from Ford?
If you have not received a Notice, please contact the Claims Administrator at (844) 540-6011 or online at FordTransmissionSettlement.com to request a Notice. Back to Top
How do I get my Ford Focus to buyback?
First, former owners/lessees can get a buyback if their state law allows for it, or even if they can show that they had 4 repairs within 5 years/60,000 miles. Second, class members have up to 6 years of the vehicle's first purchase or 6 months of the final approval order to get a buyback.
How do I claim my settlement from Ford Focus?
Click here or call 1-888-260-4563 to provide notice to Ford of your intent to pursue through arbitration a claim for a vehicle repurchase/replacement.
Is the Ford transmission settlement real?
The Settlement became effective on April 7, 2020. Current and former owners or lessees of Class Vehicles may submit claims for benefits under the Settlement. Please check this website frequently for updates.
Is there a class-action lawsuit against Ford Focus?
Four owners of the 2017-19 Ford Fiesta and 2017-18 Ford Focus are suing Ford Motor Co., alleging the vehicles have the same unfixable transmission defects as earlier models that led to hundreds of millions of dollars in class action settlement payments.
Does Ford buy back focus?
When the high-profile case was argued in court initially, Ford opened up a voluntary buyback program. The company disclosed in court documents in 2019 that Ford spent $47 million buying back 2,666 Ford Focus and Fiesta vehicles for an average of more than $17,000 each.
How does the Ford buyback program work?
Vehicles in this program are offered at prices substantially below their retail value. This is because Ford bought them back from the original owners, fully-inspected them, and made every necessary repair.
Which Ford Focus have transmission problems?
Now, nearly two million customers stand to get repayment for their trouble in a class-action lawsuit settlement currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals, and it could cost Ford in the billions. The Ford PowerShift transmission in question is found in 2011–2016 Fiesta and 2012–2016 Focus cars.
Is there a recall on Ford Focus transmissions?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The clutch may fracture, resulting in damage to the transmission assembly and possibly a transmission fluid leak.
Can I get my 2012 Ford Focus transmission fixed for free?
Cost to fix: Free U.S. Ford dealerships have been instructed to provide free transmission repairs to any Ford Focus and Fiesta owners, even if they are out of warranty.
How long do Ford Focus transmissions last?
The overall lifespan of a Ford Focus transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we've seen the Ford Focus transmission last for between 80,000-180,000 miles.
Is there a recall for a 2014 Ford Focus transmission?
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Ford Focus hatchback vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 26, 2016 and equipped with a manual transmission. The hatchback of the affected vehicles may be unlatched with a single press of the interior latch release button.
Is there a recall on 2012 Ford Focus clutch?
Are there any recalls out for the clutch on the 2012 Ford Focus? No, not as of September 2020. Although there are no clutch recalls, complaints do exist, like: Vibration in the steering wheel.
How do I join the Ford Ecoboost class-action lawsuit?
If you purchased or leased a Ford or Lincoln vehicle equipped with an Ecoboost engine as described above and would like to learn more about the cases, please call us at 888.317. 0158 or send an email to [email protected].
Is there a class-action lawsuit against Ford transmission?
A new class-action lawsuit has been brought against Ford for problems with the company's PowerShift transmissions, as covered by CarComplaints. The new lawsuit concerns US market models of the 2017-2019 Ford Fiesta, and 2017-2018 Ford Focus, equipped with the PowerShift transmission.
Will the 2012 Ford Focus fix the transmission for free?
Transmission problems. The transmission is the most common problem with used 2012 Ford Focus models, with owners reporting shuddering and jerking when changing gears. The good news? Ford will fix it for free.
How do I file a Ford warranty claim?
You can claim your Ford warranty by calling customer support at (800) 392-3673.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
The rights of 1.5 million Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta owners and lessees are about to be affected by a class action settlement in California. It could cut Ford owners off from $1,000s in damages, attorney fees, and costs. Find out why you should opt out of the Ford Focus / Fiesta Class Action before the September 5, 2017 deadline.
The Class Action Lawsuit
In 2015, a lawyer in California filed a lawsuit for problems with the Ford PowerShift transmission. The class action included owners and lessees of 2012-2016 Ford Focus and 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta vehicles equipped with the defective transmission.
The Class Action Settlement
The class action lawsuit settled earlier this year. Unless Ford owners opt out before September 5, 2017, they will be locked into the limited recovery under the settlement:
Recovery Depends on Replacements and Repairs
The amount any Ford Focus or Ford Fiesta owner will receive depends on actual transmission part replacements. Even for three repairs, the award may only be $200 (or $400 in replacement credit). The full $2,325 requires 8 or more separate service trips.
Ford Fraud Interferes with Recovery
By tying recovery to repairs, the settlement agreement rewards Ford for apparent fraud in its interactions with its customers. It seems Ford and its dealerships discouraged many of its customers from seeking repairs. It charged warranty inspection fees and falsely told owners and lessees there was nothing wrong with their vehicle.
Cash Payments or Discount Certificates, Not Both
Owners who are entitled to an award under the settlement have a choice to make: cash payments for their trouble or discount certificates toward replacing their defective vehicle. State and federal lemon laws are not so limited.
Arbitration and Buyback Controlled by Ford
The settlement agreement’s private arbitration is entirely controlled by Ford. The company will choose and pay the arbitrator, creating an unfair bias.
What is the name of the lawsuit that Ford Motor Company filed against Ford Motor Company?
The lawsuit, entitled Vargas, et al . v. Ford Motor Company (Case No. CV12-08388 AB (FFMx)), has been resolved by a proposed settlement that was preliminarily approved by the United States District Court for the Central District of California, on April 25, 2017 ("the Settlement").
How long does it take to get a buyback from Ford?
The settlement has created a faster process for getting a buyback. It typically takes 2 to 3 months from the time you file your claim to get an arbitration award for a buyback. Your buyback claim will be decided by an independent arbitrator affiliated with CapMotors (a service unconnected with Ford or class counsel that the parties selected after careful evaluation). While Ford is obligated to pay for the arbitration services and the arbitrator's fees under the settlement, the arbitrator is independent and follows rules negotiated by class counsel. The plaintiffs seeking a repurchase in court has been waiting for over 2 years for relief.
How much does a lemon buyback cost?
Buybacks typically range from $15,000-$22,000.
How long does Ford have to respond to an arbitration?
Ford will have ten days upon receiving your Notice of Intent to Arbitrate to respond. Ford may offer to provide a buyback directly. (Absent unusual circumstances, you should accept the buyback offer.) After ten days , if you do not receive a buyback offer (or reject the offer), you can proceed to the arbitration program, which is akin to a mini-trial. The program is administered by CAP-Motors, an independent entity vetted by us and Ford, and a neutral arbitrator will review your claims and make a determination as to whether you qualify for a buyback.
What is a service visit for Ford?
A qualifying "Service Visit" means a single visit made by a Class Member to a Ford Dealer within 7 years/100,000 miles of original delivery, whichever occurs first, to inspect and/or repair a problem related to the Class Member’s PowerShift transmission.
When will Ford send notice of intent to arbitrate?
As a rule of thumb, we suggest that all current and former owner/lessees of a 2011-2014 Ford Focus or Fiesta who qualify for a buyback submit a notice of intent to arbitrate by November 4, 2020 (which requires sending a Notice of Intent to Arbitrate by October 25, 2020).
Can you get reimbursement for a powershift transmission?
If you paid for a repair to you PowerShift Transmission that you think should have been covered by warranty, you may be entitled to reimbursement or you may compel Ford to make a repair.
How much money will Ford pay back if Fiesta is faulty?
If it does, Ford may be forced to repurchase the vehicle from you for anywhere from $15,000 to $22,000, and it may have to fork over the cash even if the faulty Fiesta or Focus is no longer in your possession. Again, in order to get any sort of money back from Ford, you'll need to submit arbitration notices by Oct. 6, 2020.
How to join a class action lawsuit?
Joining the class action lawsuit can be done by filing the relevant arbitration notice (s) via the links on FordTransmissionSettlement.com by Oct. 6, 2020. Once you have filed these forms, you should scrounge up your car's title or bill of sale as a proof of purchase, and then fill out the claim form available via Consumer Arbitration Program.
When will Ford settle powershift claims?
April 2, 2020. Starting Monday, owners of certain Ford Fiesta and Focus small cars equipped with the automaker’s PowerShift automatic transmission can begin filing settlement claims that could top $20,000 apiece, depending on the issues experienced. Despite standing firm on the Detroit automaker’s denial that the defect exists, ...
What If I Have a Separate Lawsuit Against Ford Over This Issue?
Members of the class action “who had a pending suit against Ford as of the Notice Date were given an opportunity to opt-in,” court filings said. But that ship sailed more than two years ago. Notices were mailed in mid-2017, and class members faced a deadline of Sept. 5, 2017, to opt in or out of the settlement, according to Capstone and KCC.
What If I Think the PowerShift Transmission in My Focus or Fiesta Caused an Accident?
The class action settlement “does not involve claims of personal injury or property damage to any property other than the Class Vehicles,” claims administrator KCC noted.
What If I Visited a Third-Party Mechanic?
That may not count toward your settlement payout. Court filings note that cash payments or discount certificates are based on the number of service visits to authorized Ford dealers.
How Much Will This Cost Ford?
Court filings on March 5 indicated Ford had already paid $47.4 million to repurchase some 2,700 vehicles by the end of 2019. Including that total, the automaker will pay an estimated $86.25 million in committed or previously paid settlements, including legal expenses. But vehicle buybacks could easily escalate that total. The Detroit Free Press quoted Ryan Wu, a lead class counsel at Capstone, as calling it “reasonable to assume that the settlement will deliver at least $100 million for the buyback benefit alone, with no upper (dollar) limit.”
Does This Mean Ford Has Admitted Fault?
Nope. The terms of the settlement do not require any admission of fault by Ford.
How many miles can you repurchase a car after a transmission repair?
Regardless of state lemon laws, court filings require a fallback provision that enables automatic eligibility for a repurchase if the car still malfunctions after four transmission repairs within the first five years or 60,000 miles from when it was sold brand-new.
Why did Ford refuse to make repairs?
Claims for a one-time $20 cash payment if you experienced Transmission problems and sought relief, but a Ford Dealer refused to make hardware or software repairs because the Dealer claimed that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and did not subsequently make hardware or software repairs.
When did the 2020 settlement become effective?
The Settlement became effective on April 7, 2020. Current and former owners or lessees of Class Vehicles may submit claims for benefits under the Settlement. Please check this website frequently for updates.
When was Vargas v Ford settled?
Cal. Case No. 2:12-cv-08388-AB-FFM, have reached a nationwide settlement which was granted preliminary approval by the Court on April 25, 2017. On March 5, 2020, the Court issued a Final Approval Order of the Settlement. The Effective Date of the Settlement was April 7, 2020. The " Case Documents " section of this website contains the Final Approval Order, and the renewed motion for Final Approval of the Settlement, which describes amendments to the Settlement.
Where to find class settlement information?
Basic information regarding the Class Settlement and a summary of the Class Member benefits can be found under the Class Member Benefits tab.
Can you submit a claim for a class member's car insurance?
Class Members may submit claims for benefits under the Settlement, including cash payments, vehicle discount certificates, and vehicle repurchase arbitration or breach of warranty arbitration. Please see the "Submit a Claim" section of this website for more information about how to submit a claim for benefits under the settlement.
