Ford Emissions Investigation Alleges Improper Testing

A Ford emissions investigation by the Department of Justice suggests that Ford Motors may have overstated the fuel economy of its vehicles.

The question now is whether the automaker simply made an error in calculating the emissions of the vehicle, or if it knew what was going on.

The current matter involving emissions on Ford vehicles began when a number of employees shared their own concerns with management. In response, Ford hired an outside consulting firm to review its emissions claims and how they were determined. The auto maker then notified the EPA of the alleged irregularities.

According to automotive consultant John German, who was involved in exposing Volkswagen’s deliberate attempt to defraud regulators and the public, this emissions error on Ford’s part may have been an “honest mistake” due to the complexity of the formulas and methods methods used in making these determinations.

Because of the expense of testing all models and types under real-world conditions, auto manufacturers rely on computer simulations. German also notes that since Ford was forthcoming before EPA inspectors discovered the problem, the 120-year-old car maker could avoid harsh government penalties and possible criminal investigation.

Speaking to Bloomberg, German said, “If Ford voluntarily came forward and will revise CO2 emissions calculations and mileage values, chances are there won’t even be any fines.”

Ford Emissions Investigation Recalls Earlier Emissions Scandals

The current investigation represents the most recent instance of an auto manufacturer circumventing emissions testing, whether knowingly or not. In 2015, it was discovered that Volkswagen had been installing a “defeat device” on several models made between 2009 and 2015, which enabled the vehicles to cheat emissions tests in the wake of new environmental standards passed in 2008.

Eventually, German prosecutors indicted a number of top VW executives on charges of fraud. Earlier this year, Fiat Chrysler wound up paying $800 million in order to resolve allegations that it had installed software on diesel-powered vehicles for similar purposes.

What About Consumers?

While the company may escape government penalties by getting ahead of the Ford emissions investigations and “coming clean” about the problem, it will still have to deal with those who purchased their vehicles. In 2014,

Ford had to issue revised fuel mileage ratings on a number of its hybrid models, and wound up having to pay 200,000 car owners as much as $1,050 each in compensation.

A similar investigation is underway targeting the current model year Ford Ranger and F150 pickups. Allegedly, Ford’s fuel efficiency calculations for these vehicles failed to properly account for tire friction and aerodynamic drag, meaning that owners’ trucks got lower mileage than was advertised.

Is Your Vehicle Affected?

At present, it is not known how many Ford models have been affected by the alleged errors in emissions testing. If the results of the current Ford emissions investigation reveals that the affected vehicles must undergo modifications in order to meet emissions standards, there may be a recall – and Ford Motors would have to compensate owners for any expenses involved.

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.

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