Ford Hit With Class Action Lawsuit Over Claims of Excessive Oil Consumption in Trucks

A trio of consumers from multiple states has filed a class action lawsuit against the Ford Motor Company over an alleged vehicle defect they say causes excessive oil consumption in some of the manufacturer’s most popular trucks.

Ford knew about the problem with the engines in its F-150 line of trucks for years, the plaintiffs claim, and concealed the effects it has on the greater than normal amount of oil the vehicles burn through. The company’s handling of the issue prompted David Lyman of New York, Timothy Thuering of Ohio, and Vincent Brady of California to file the class action lawsuit in federal court on Jan. 6, they said.

The case pertains to Ford F-150 pickup trucks manufactured between 2018 and 2020.

According to the claims made in the class action lawsuit, the defect “typically manifests itself during and shortly after the limited warranty period has expired,” and poses a risk to drivers and passengers. Because the oil consumption is unpredictable and excessive, it is difficult for anyone operating an effected truck to maintain a consistent level of oil in the vehicle, the plaintiffs say.

“[The] defect can cause unexpected engine stalling and engine failure while … in operation at any time and under any driving condition or speed,” the class action lawsuit says. “This exposes the driver and occupants of the Class Vehicles, as well as others who share the road with them, to an increased risk of accident, injury, or death.”

Consumers have been making complaints about the F-150’s excessive oil consumption for about two years, some directly to Ford, others to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The reports made to the traffic safety administration are accessible online and bolster the plaintiffs’ claims that Ford has known about the problem for years, the class action says.

The plaintiffs say Ford has refused to “adequately repair” the affected trucks without charge, and in some cases has not disclosed the problem to truck owners when the vehicles have been brought in for service due to reported excessive oil consumption. No recalls have been issued for the affected trucks, either the class action says.

The alleged defect often costs owners money to repair, and many would not have chosen to purchase the trucks if they had known of the potential problem, the class action lawsuit claims.

The three plaintiffs are seeing to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who, like them, purchased or lease a Ford truck affected by the alleged engine defect that leads to excessive oil consumption, as well as Subclassed in each of their states.

The class action accuses Ford of violating several federal and state business and consumer protection laws.

Lead plaintiffs Lyman, Thuering and Brady and the proposed Class Members are represented by E. Powell Miller, Sharon S. Almonrode, Emily E. Hughes, Dennis A. Lienhardt and William Kalas of The Miller Law Firm P.C.; Joseph G. Sauder, Matthew D. Schelkopf and Joseph B. Kenney of Sauder Schelkopf; William H. Anderson of Handley Farah & Anderson PLLC; and Jon Herskowitz of Baron & Herskowitz.

The Oil Consumption Class Action Lawsuit is David Lyman, et al. v. Ford Motor Company, et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-10024-GAD-EAS in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.