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Ford advertised a range of its pickup trucks as being “Best in Class” for towing capacity, but it was actually overstating the payload the trucks could take, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff David M. Rathmann filed the class action lawsuit against Ford Motor Company Monday in a Texas federal court, alleging violations of Texas consumer law, fraud and negligent misrepresentation.
Rathmann says, beginning in 2019, Ford sold or leased thousands of 2020 model year Ford F-350 pickup trucks that were specifically marketed to consumers shopping for trucks capable of towing heavy loads.
“These trucks were purchased or leased by unsuspecting consumers—consumers who relied on Ford’s representations regarding the attributes of the Class Vehicles and specifically purchased these trucks because of their towing and hauling capacity.”
The trucks were sold with three sets of specifications, however each of the sets overstated the actual specifications of the trucks, Rathmann says.
If the vehicles are loaded to the payload stated on one of the labels, they will exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Axle Weight Rating, he says, thus making them unsafe to drive, and increasing the risk of an accident.
“In other words, by using the Vehicles for the very purpose for which they were designed—superior towing and hauling—Ford’s customers experience not only increased wear and tear on their vehicle, but also an increased risk of dangerous accidents.”
Rathmann says without the payload capacity stated, the trucks are less valuable than what customers paid for them, and may cause additional costs to drivers for repairs.
He also says Ford knew about the issue since Sept. 4, 2020, and continued to sell the trucks and not advise customers for a full six months afterwards.
Rathmann is wanting represent anyone who purchased or leased any 2020 Ford F-Super Duty: F350 configured with the 6.7L Diesel Engine, Single Rear Wheels (SRW), 4×4, Crew Cab, Long Box, and either the 12k or 12.4k Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) before March this year.
He is suing for breach of warranty, violations of Texas consumer protections law, common law fraud and negligent misrepresentation, and is seeking certification of the class, jury trial, damages of more than $5 million, fees and costs.
Meanwhile, multiple Ford XL and XLT vehicles also have a dashboard that is prone to warping and separating from the vehicle, and despite full-knowledge of the issue Ford has done little to fix it, another new class action lawsuit alleges.
What do you think of the allegations against Ford? Let us know in the comments.
The plaintiff is represented by Nix Patterson, LLP, Paranjpe Mahadass Ruemke LLP, Daniels & Tredennick PLLC.
The Ford Truck Capacity Class Action Lawsuit is Rathmann et al., v. Ford Motor Company, Case No. 6:21-cv-00610, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas Waco Division.
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3 thoughts onFord Overstated Load Capacity of Pickup Trucks, Putting Drivers in Danger, Class Action Lawsuit Claims
I have a 2018 f150 with 3.5 ecoboost which claims it can tow 12,000 lbs.
Does not sound right.
We have a Ford truck please add
Can you please add me this is a very scary situation and I just bought a Ford