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Ford class action overview:
- Who: A Ford driver is suing the automaker.
- Why: The plaintiff says a range of Ford trucks and SUVs have a dangerous braking defect.
- Where: The Ford class action was filed in a Michigan federal court.
A number of Ford trucks and SUVs contain a dangerous brake-related defect that can cause vehicles to lose the ability to brake at any moment, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Terry Klepac filed the class action lawsuit against Ford Motor Co. on March 15 in a Michigan federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.
Klepac seeks to represent anyone who purchased or leased a model year 2019 Ford F-150 truck and model years 2015-2019 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators equipped with a 2.7L, 3.5L, 5.0L, 6.2L, or other engine equipped with a Hitachi step-bore master cylinder.
According to the lawsuit, each of these vehicles contains a defective front brake master cylinder that places the vehicles at risk of “suddenly and unexpectedly losing braking ability.”
Ford knew about the defect, lawsuit alleges
The brake system in the vehicles is defective because the master cylinder’s seals fail to maintain pressure in at least two ways, the lawsuit states.
These two issues cause loss of hydraulic brake pressure, longer pedal travel and extended stopping distances, even during normal and expected use and conditions, it says.
“Owners and lessees of Class Vehicles, including Plaintiff, have experienced sudden loss of braking force in life-threatening situations, such as while driving on highways or in congested traffic, and have recounted suffering collisions, rolling through stop signs and red lights, as well as suffering vehicle runaway on inclines and open roads due to brake failure caused by the Brake System Defect,” Klepac says.
Meanwhile, based on the records Ford provided federal safety watchdogs, the company knew of the defect as early as 2013.
Despite its awareness of the defect, Ford went on to sell over a million affected vehicles, the lawsuit alleges.
“Ford did so despite knowing that the dangerously unreliable Master Cylinders fail suddenly and unexpectedly, posing a safety hazard to Plaintiff, the other Class members, and others sharing the road with Class Vehicles,” Klepac adds.
While Ford did a recall in 2016, plaintiffs say it was “grossly inadequate” and did not address all affected vehicles.
As a result, Klepac is suing for breach of warranty, fraudulent commission and unjust enrichment. He seeks certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
Meanwhile, Ford is facing a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to permanently fix a dangerous rollaway defect in some of its vehicles that can cause them to move unexpectedly despite multiple recalls and years of investigations.
What do you think of this Ford class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by The Miller Law Firm PC; Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles PC; Dicello Levitt LLC; and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP.
The Ford Motor Co. class action lawsuit is Terry Klepac, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., Case No. 2:23-cv-10613, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
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6 thoughts onFord class action claims some vehicles have defective master cylinder, causing brake malfunction
I purchased a 2013 Ford, Edge 5 months ago from a used car dealer in California. Yes their is a recall for this year, but does not cover my vin#??? Without any warning my break pedal went to the floor and I can’t stop vehicle. No dash light warning, break pads are fine and fluid is fine, but no breaks. I don’t understand why my car is not included in recall? I filed complaint, also looked into lemon law. But Ford is responsible and should be held accountable!
My son has the cord fusion and received a letter in mail but that doesn’t account that he already had to have two sets of brakes already so I agree they should have told consumers right away
First off there has been a recall on these, check your vin at your local dealer and quit searching for free money
George had you taken the time to read the article you would see that this lawsuit addresses the 2016 recall by stating that it was “grossly inadequate” and that it did NOT even include some affected vehicles. Additionally, George had you been the driver who’s brake mechanism failed in any of the above listed scenarios, I am certain that you too would be eager to force a car manufacturer to right the wrong, especially when there is evidence that they were fully aware of this problem before they sold millions of vehicles to unsuspecting consumers.
I know that I would be with the plaintiffs if I were or potentially could be affected.
Troll elsewhere please.
I don’t open every “Class Action” email, because, they are similar in content, if not identical. Therefore, to better utilize my time, instead of constantly “monitoring” my emails, I address these at a frequency which doesn’t dictate or control my daily activities.
I have a 2019 F-150 and would like to be included in this suit.
Add me