Justice Department Investigates Ford F150 Emissions Testing

The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the Ford F150 emissions certifications process to determine if flawed testing led to an incorrect understanding of several 2019 vehicles’ actual fuel efficiency.

Fuel efficiency is important, and consumers care about the mileage their vehicles get, as well as the level of emissions they release into the environment. Certain 2019 Ford vehicles have been linked with a fuel efficiency issue. Ford F150s have been tied to this emissions probe, The Detroit News is reporting.

If you own or lease a 2019 Ford Ranger or 2019 Ford F150 and you believe your vehicle isn’t getting the gas mileage advertised, you may be entitled to compensation.

The Ford F150 Emissions Investigation

A number of automakers have been involved in emissions scandals in the last few years—most notably Audi and its parent company Volkswagen back in 2015 with its use of so-called “defeat devices” used to cheat on emissions testing, which led to a $2.8 billion criminal penalty.

Earlier this year, the DOJ hit Fiat Chrysler with an $800 million fine for allegedly cheating on its own emissions testing.

This new Ford F150 emissions issue is a bit different. The DOJ is investigating Ford Motor Co. after reports that during testing, it used a flawed method of simulating both tire friction and aerodynamic drag.

Both of these aspects affect fuel economy, and the testing methods Ford used may have given the company an overestimation of how fuel efficient its 2019 Ford vehicles are. Poor mileage may also be wrapped up in this investigation.

How this scenario goes for Ford will depend greatly on intent, said Brett Smith, director of propulsion technologies and energy infrastructure for the Center for Automotive Research, told The Detroit News.

“They self-reported after a quote, ‘whistleblower’ raised some issues,” Smith said. “If there’s intent, it’s a different story. If they can show it was an honest mistake with good intent, then it’s not a story.”

Ford workers first brought their concerns about flawed emissions testing in September. Since then, the company has brought in outside help to investigate the issue, looking into how the testing is done and whether or not flawed testing has led to the company misrepresenting the actual fuel efficiency of its vehicles.

For now, important groups like Ford shareholders and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are staying calm about the issue, and the EPA is pleased that Ford has come forward of its own volition to address this issue.

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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.