- What is the case against Ford about?
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More than half a million Ford Escape and Bronco Sport vehicles are equipped with a defective fuel injector that can cause gasoline to leak onto the exhaust system, where it can easily ignite. The faulty fuel injector can spurt fuel at an alarming rate of 19 liters per hour. More than a dozen fires have been reported that have been linked to this defect, and owners filed warranty claims related to the defect as early as 2020. Hagens Berman attorneys allege that the automaker violated consumer protection laws when it failed to issue a timely recall and implement a real fix for this potentially deadly defect.
- How do I know if I’m affected?
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Ford has issued a recall on all 2020-23 Escapes with 1.5-liter engines and 2021-23 Bronco Sports with 1.5-liter engines. The automaker has estimated that at least 5,000 vehicles are at risk of spontaneous fires from the fuel injector defect.
- I own an affected vehicle. What should I do?
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You are encouraged to contact Hagens Berman as soon as possible to join the nationwide class-action lawsuit against Ford. Fill out the form »
- Should I keep driving my car?
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There have been more than a dozen under-the-hood fires reported that have been directly linked to this defect. Ford’s proposed “fix” involves installing a drainage tube to redirect leaked fuel to the roadway beneath the vehicle and installing a warning system which will alert drivers of a drop in oil pressure, then decrease engine power and reduce the temperature of possible ignition sources. If you get this proposed “fix,” be aware that if a fuel injector in your vehicle cracks, gasoline could leak onto your garage floor or the street under your vehicle, where it may pose an environmental and safety risk. Save your receipts if you get repair services done, rent a loaner vehicle or accrue any other expenses related to this defect, as you may be eligible for reimbursement under a settlement agreement. Contact Hagens Berman today for more safety information.
- How can a class-action lawsuit help?
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Through a class-action lawsuit, individual consumers can collectively bring claims against large corporations who would otherwise have the upper hand, like Ford. A class-action lawsuit seeks to level the playing field, bringing strength to collective action to change corrupt practices and negligent responses to customers. Though these measures do not bring immediate relief, they are a time-tested method of holding companies accountable for wrongdoing, including automakers’ failure to sell safe and reliable vehicles to their customers.
- How much money can I expect if I join?
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At this early stage of the litigation it is difficult to predict what compensation each class member will ultimately receive. If a settlement is reached that the court rules is fair, reasonable and adequate, then the money obtained from that settlement must be distributed to class members in a manner that the court determines to be equitable. Strictly for purposes of example, in the Toyota Sudden Unintended Acceleration case, which Hagens Berman led, the case settled for $1.6 billion, and qualifying class members received a check between $125 and $6,000, depending upon the characteristics of the vehicle owned. This case could be larger or smaller than the Toyota case, but Hagens Berman will fight for the largest possible recovery for class members.
- How long will it take to resolve this?
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Cases of this nature usually take between one and six years to resolve, although every case is different.
- How can I keep up to date with case status?
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Fill out the contact form on the case page to receive updates regarding this case.
FEE:
- How much does it cost to join?
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There is no cost or fee whatsoever involved in joining the lawsuit. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement or judgment that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the lawyers for class members. Any such fee may be paid separately from damages by Ford, or it may be deducted from the class-wide settlement before funds are distributed to individual class members. In no case, however, will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum to the class lawyers.
REPRESENTATION:
- If I submitted my information to you on your website or by email, do you represent me in this lawsuit?
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In a class-action lawsuit, when the case is first filed, the lawyers who file it have a formal attorney-client relationship only with the class representative plaintiffs who are named in the complaint that is filed.
All of the other persons in the class (owners of affected vehicles) who have provided us information will be represented by us if the judge certifies the case as a class action, either through settlement or prior to trial. Until then, we will not have a formal attorney client relationship with you, but we will keep you posted about any material events in the lawsuit, and you may contact us to answer any questions you may have about the case.
