Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
Owners of Ford vehicles equipped with a PowerShift transmission may qualify to claim cash and other benefits under a recent class action settlement.
Class Members in the Ford class action settlement include current owners or lessees of a 2012-2016 Ford Focus or a 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta equipped with a PowerShift transmission.
This litigation started back in 2012 with a Ford class action lawsuit filed by plaintiff Omar Vargas. Vargas alleged Ford’s PowerShift transmission, installed in certain model years of Ford Focus and Fiesta vehicles, was defective in a way that put passengers and other motorists at risk.
Several other Ford class actions were soon filed over essentially the same issue, involving more than a dozen other named plaintiffs.
The plaintiffs claim the PowerShift transmission “slips, bucks, kicks, jerks and harshly engages.” The defect can allegedly cause sudden or delayed acceleration and make it difficult to stop the vehicle.
The Ford class action also alleges that ultimately the defect may cause a catastrophic failure of the transmission.
According to the Ford class action settlement, the car manufacturer is required to pay all legitimate claims. While there isn’t a set value mentioned within settlement documents, experts familiar with the case estimate its worth at about $35 million.
Under terms of the PowerShift transmission class action settlement, owners and lessees of affected Ford Focus and Fiesta vehicles can qualify for several different kinds of benefits. Cash payments, discounts and repair services are available, depending on the Class Member’s particular situation.
The settlement also allows Class Members to arbitrate claims for repurchase or replacement of the entire vehicle, and for reimbursement of repairs due to warranty breach.
The Ford PowerShift transmission class action settlement was granted final approval for the first time on Oct. 18, 2017. However, after several appeals, the court renewed their motion for final approval on March 5, 2020 and opened up the revised settlement for additional claims.
Class Members have until Oct. 5, 2020 to file a claim for benefits if they had repairs performed before April 7, 2020.
If repairs were performed after this date, they have 180 days from the date of repairs to file a claim.
Class Members who previously submitted a claim are not required to resubmit but can make changes to their claims if they wish to.
The settlement website notes that both previously filed and newly filed claims will be reviewed and processed at the same time. However, the process may take “several months,” according to the settlement website, due to the large volume of claims and delays caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Who’s Eligible
Class Members include current owners or lessees of a 2012-2016 Ford Focus or a 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta equipped with a PowerShift transmission.
Potential Award
Varies.
There are many different benefits available under this settlement.
- Class Members may choose either a cash payment or a discount off the purchase of a new vehicle if, while they owned or leased a Class vehicle, they had three or more visits to an authorized Ford dealer during which one of a list of specific parts was replaced in their PowerShift transmission. Cash payments are capped at $2,325 and discount certificate values are capped at $4,650.
- Class Members who had three or more visits to a dealer during which a Software Flash was performed on their vehicle can get a cash payment of $50 per visit, up to a maximum of $600.
- Class Members who were turned away by Ford dealers and told that nothing was wrong with their vehicles after seeking hardware or software repairs can receive a one time payment of $20.
- Class Members may opt to go through a binding arbitration process to determine whether Ford must repurchase or replace their Class vehicle. Eligibility will depend on the applicable state lemon law, among other factors. Class Members may be represented by an attorney in the arbitration. Ford will pay the Class Member up to $6,000 in attorney fees if the Class Member wins the arbitration. Class Members who lose the arbitration are not obligated to pay Ford’s attorney fees.
- The arbitration process can also cover the cost of repairs to the PowerShift transmission related to breach of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Relief may take the form of repair, reimbursement for prior repairs, or an extended service plan.
- For Class vehicles manufactured after June 5, 2013 that underwent two clutch replacements within five years or 60,000 miles of delivery and that still need an additional clutch replacement as determined by a Ford dealer, Class Members can seek reimbursement for the cost of that additional clutch replacement and provide a new two-year warranty on the replacement clutch.
Proof of Purchase
To get cash payments or vehicle discounts, Class Members must submit documentation establishing the vehicle identification number, or VIN; dates of applicable repairs, software flashes or clutch replacements, and the vehicle’s mileage at the time; the name and address of the dealer where the applicable services were performed; a description of the services performed; and proof that the Class Member owned the vehicle at the time the services were performed.
Claim Form
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.
Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.
Claim Form Deadline
10/5/2020 for repairs performed on or before April 7, 2020 (updated)
180 days after repair(s) for repairs performed after April 7, 2020.
The later of 10/5/2020 or 180 days after refusal for $20 cash payments.
The later of six years after delivery of the vehicle to the first retail purchaser or 10/5/2020 for requests for repurchase arbitration.
Case Name
Vargas, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., Case No. 2:12-cv-8388-AB-FFMx; Klipfel, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., Case No. 2:15-cv-2140-AB-FFMx; and Cusick, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., Case No. 2:15-cv-8831-AB-FFMx, all in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Final Hearing
3/5/2020 (updated)
UPDATE: The Ford PowerShift Transmission Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on October 18, 2017. However, on November 17, 2017, appeals to the settlement were filed. Claims will not be paid until all appeals are exhausted. We appreciate your ongoing patience. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
UPDATE 2: On Feb. 2, 2018, objectors have urged the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reject a proposed $35 million Ford transmission defect class action settlement, claiming that many Class Members will not receive meaningful relief.
UPDATE 3: On September 13, 2019, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the Ford PowerShift Transmission Class Action Settlement, and directed the District Court to review the settlement in more detail. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
UPDATE 4: On October 22, 2019, the District Court reaffirmed Ford PowerShift Transmission Class Action Settlement. The final hearing for the reaffirmed settlement agreement is currently scheduled for February 20, 2020. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
UPDATE 5: The revised Ford PowerShift Transmission Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on March 5, 2020. Class members and claimants should contact the settlement administrator with any questions about the revised settlement. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Ford Transmission Settlement
c/o Kurtzman Carson Consultants
P.O. Box 404000
Louisville, KY 40233-4000
1-844-540-6011
Class Counsel
Jordan L. Lurie
Tarek H. Zody
Cody R. Padgett
Karen L. Wallace
CAPSTONE LAW APC
Russel D. Paul
BERGER & MONTAGUE PC
Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr.
ZIMMERMAN LAW OFFICES PC
Defense Counsel
John M. Thomas
Krista L. Lenart
DYKEMA GOSSETT PLLC
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Top Class Actions is a Proud Member of the American Bar Association
LEGAL INFORMATION IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE
Top Class Actions Legal Statement
©2008 – 2024 Top Class Actions® LLC
Various Trademarks held by their respective owners
This website is not intended for viewing or usage by European Union citizens.
Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru vehicle data collection class action lawsuit investigation
May 17, 2024 | Legal News
156 thoughts onFord PowerShift Transmission Class Action Settlement
I own a 1997 ford tauras and while it’s driving down the road it lurches forward and now all kinds of things are happening it has to be in park for the radio to work or for the window to roll down
How do I speak to an attorney about this. I had a 2014 Ford Focus. The transmission actually caused me to get into a horrible accident. Ford kept my car for almost 3 months and the day I got it back I tested it and it still would jerk when you accelerated. So I traded it in. I am out almost $8000 in insurance deductible, rental car fees and other items. I had taken the car in several times about the transmission. Actually had an appointment to trade it in for another car the day after I wrecked. Ford was real helpful until I wrecked then no one would call me back, no one would talk to me. I really need to file a claim and need help.
Add me. I own a 2012 focus
I have a 2012 focus and the transmission went out. I filed a claim and never heard back.
Had a new ’13 Fiesta for a little over a year before I got rid of it and took a loss. A decent little car that was fun to drive at times but even the car reviews back then warned against the automatic transmission. I didn’t have a problem driving it as the lead engineer would later state (much too late to make any sense) that the transmissions were meant to be driven hard and simulate a manual in feel. When I drove it fast it felt great. Really fun. When you were tooling around a parking lot it felt like being in a car with a first time manual driver.
Worse is that it could bog seriously when trying to merge into faster traffic. After a couple close calls merging onto an expressway and having no power I simply had enough. It was dangerous. Went through multiple flashes and even one clutch replacement. The service center experience flatout sucked. I understand that service departments are the companies first line of defense against costly repairs but this was beginning to be a known issue even back then. They were releasing new gaskets and software routinely. Service department always acted combative even when they knew how screwed up the situation was.
So I guess I dont qualify as I dont have it anymore. I did get a postcard months ago but it didn’t look to be from Ford and again it made it sound like I still needed to own the car so I think I tossed it. And Im in the market again for a used car. Every reason to not choose a Ford again. Im not pleased to say that.
Ii am so confused about this does it meqn if you havent had 3 clutch repairs u 2ont get any help .
I, too, purchased a brand new “2012 Ford Fiesta in April 2012, had “5 Recalls” since then with only “21,000 miles”??? I rec’d the postcard in the mail advising me that I am part of the Class Action Lawsuit…made the cal to 844-540-8011…with no results or answers. I then called on 1/5/17 and advised to file a Claim on the internet…called again on 12/20/17 & had to deal with a ignorant CSR!!! Called Kapstone Law @ 855-310-9583 and spoke with an attorney handling the case for Plaintiffs. I advised that I wanted to Arbitrate Dispute for Breach of Warranty and told that someone would get back to me in “10 business days” (no one did). I was given a Claim #: CAS 13651576. Can anyone reading this please HELP with suggestions or advice.
The settlement is currently under appeal. Claims will not be addressed by the settlement administrator until appeals are resolved. You can contact the settlement administrator or class counsel with any questions: http://www.fordtransmissionsettlement.com/contact-us.aspx
the end of August 2017, I bought a used 2011 Ford fiesta, I only have 97,000 on it now, this past Saturday I got into it and it wouldn’t start, finally got it started and I went to town, when I got back in it,it wouldn’t start finally started again but no reverse. as I am trying to drive it home it started jerking hard, I turned to the right to stop and when I turned it jerked so hard and push me to the right hard I mean to a curb and my tire rims now it’s pushed onto my tire, I started it at towards my house wasn’t far and a break warning came on and I didn’t have much breaks, when I pulled into my house another warning came on saying transmission hot wait 6 minutes. I Googled what could be wrong with my car and found out that these cars had a faulty transmission problems. I even remember saying that I just drove a car just like this arcoss the road at another dealer ship that something was wrong with the transmission, and express my concern and he said he was going to have it serviced before I took it home, I picked up the car the next afternoon so he could. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the cars and the man who Sold me the car called me and when I returned his call I got a text message saying text me, so I text him and told him everything going on with my car. It showed he read the message but he has not responded to me at all, they do not tell me anything about the transmission recalls and I do not have a extended warranty
When you decide to sue FORD for technical service bulletins and not upholding their warranties let me know. Our 2008 Ford Edge due to a TSB oil system cost me $7300 at 97,000 miles. They replaced the oil system at 36.000 miles but nothing else it effected. So, a new engine, transmission, oil system, fuel system and alternator all needed to be replaced because it was gummed up we were told due to the oil system issue. NOW we have a recall notice for over a year and they don’t have the replacement parts for it. What is the statuate on recalls from the manufacturer?
You would need to contact Ford directly with your recall questions.
Kathryn,
To be included Ford wouldve mailed you a postcard detailing the call and giving you your claim number. If you didnt receive it call 1-844-540-6011 and give them your VIN# to see if your car is included in the class.
Good Luck!!
Thank God someone appealed this Settlement Agreement because it SUCKS!! Ford ought to be ashamed of themselves!!
What was the appeal about?