What Vehicles Are Affected by the Ford Emissions DOJ Investigation?

Ford is facing public scrutiny for its Ford Rangers and F-150 vehicles for allegedly not meeting federal regulations regarding fuel efficiency.

Ford had announced that its all-new 2019 Ranger was “the most fuel efficient gas powder midsize pickup in America,” sporting 21/26/23 miles per hour in city, highway, and combined driving settings respectively. However, according to CarBuzz, these figures may be inaccurate.

Information regarding the alleged Ford emissions scandal started coming out after it was announced that there was an investigation into Ford’s emissions certification process.

This process reportedly includes a “mileage cheat device” that may have given false emission readings. According to Ford’s spokesperson, the company has yet to officially receive a report but will cooperate with the investigation.

According to CNBC, the United States Department of Justice opened an investigation against Ford for allegedly failing to meet emission standards with Ford continuously denying the use of defeat devices.

Consumers are reportedly upset because they feel like they overpaid for their vehicles, which were not as fuel efficient as the marketing statement led them to believe.

In addition, Ford employees reportedly raised their own concerns regarding the emissions certification testing, which are also used to calculate the vehicle’s EPA gas mileage ratings.

Is this like the recent Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal?

The Volkswagen diesel scandal involves defeat device software manipulating emission readings inside the vehicle itself.

Those vehicles reportedly gave false emissions readings during testings, but allegedly emitted much higher levels during actual use. In contrast, the Ford emissions scandal reportedly stems from the company’s testing procedures and compliance.

According to Wikipedia, a defeat device is any hardware or software that interferes or disables emissions controls during real-world driving situations and manipulates emission readings during emissions testing.

The EPA has taken several actions against car companies and similar industries, for allegedly using these devices to bypass the agency’s requirements that emission levels are below a certain level.

How is emission testing conducted?

Most emission testing certification and gas mileage ratings are conducted by using approved regulators and procedures from the EPA, which randomly tests only about 15 percent of vehicles at its own labs to verify the readings.

The testing is mostly done using a laboratory dynamometer, and calculations are done to account for other factors that may affect emission readings during testing and on the road. According to Cars.com, Ford stated that these calculations account for “road load,” aerodynamics, and tire friction.

Which vehicles are affected by the Ford Emission Scandal?

It is too early to tell which vehicles have been affected, with only the 2019 Rangers and Ford F-150 trucks specified to be affected by the emissions scandal, according to Auto News.

If Ford is found to be in the wrong, the car company will most likely have to pay a settlement or penalties to the DOJ and other regulators. In addition, a Ford emission recall would most likely be issued, with news of the scandal most probably affecting the overall value of the vehicle.

What does this mean for vehicle owners?

Even if the vehicles would be recalled for the sake of restating mileage, car owners would most likely be paid some kind of compensation.

Join a Free Ford Truck Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own or lease a 2019 Ford Ranger or F-150 and have experienced less-than-expected gas mileage or if you feel you are simply filling up your gas tank much more than you expected, you may be entitled to compensation.

Get a Free Case Evaluation Now

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.