Ford defect class action lawsuit overview:
- Who: Bradley Caricofe, Shawn Thibodeaux, Julie Thibodeaux, Kenneth Hunnel, and Leanne Hunnel filed a class action lawsuit against Ford Motor Company.
- Why: The group of vehicle owners claim Ford failed to disclose that the rear subframe assemblies on its model year 2020 and newer Ford Explorer 2.3L or 3.0L ST vehicles are defective.
- Where: The class action lawsuit is in California federal court.
- What are my options: CarShield provides vehicle protection plans for Kia and other vehicles.
Ford Motor Company fails to disclose that the rear subframe assemblies on its model year 2020 and newer Ford Explorer 2.3L or 3.0L ST vehicles are defective, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
A group of vehicle owners claim Ford used only one rear axle horizontal mounting bolt to attach the rear subframe assemblies, despite allegedly knowing since at least 2019 that the vehicles would require four bolt rear subframe assemblies.
Vehicle owners argue Ford “willfully substituted the unsafe rear subframe assembly” for the “safer-as-designed” four bolt assembly “due to supply chain issues beginning in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Defendant’s failure to disclose the Rear Subframe Defect has caused Plaintiffs and putative class members to lose the use of their vehicles and/or incur costly repairs that have conferred an unjust substantial benefit upon Defendant,” the Ford class action states.
The group of vehicle owners want to represent a nationwide class and California, CLRA, Maryland, and Texas subclasses of all persons or individuals who purchased or leased a model year 2020 or newer Ford Explorer 2.3L or 3.0L ST vehicle.
Ford actively concealed alleged defect from consumers, says class action
Vehicle owners claim the alleged defect can cause the vehicles’ rear differential to suddenly drop, causing an “unexpected destruction of a broad array of suspension, driveshaft assembly, and exhaust system components,” and a “total loss of control” while driving.
Ford, meanwhile, is accused of actively working to conceal the alleged defect from consumers, something the vehicle owners argue it continues to do to this day.
“Defendant not only refused to disclose the alleged Rear Subframe Defect to consumers, they also actively concealed, and continue to conceal, their knowledge concerning the Rear Subframe Defect,” the Ford class action states.
The group of vehicle owners claim Ford is guilty of unjust enrichment, fraud by omission, and violating the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, among other things.
Plaintiffs are demanding a jury trial and requesting declaratory and injunctive relief along with an award of compensatory, exemplary, and statutory damages for themselves and all class members.
Last month, Ford announced a recall for more than 175,000 of its five-door Ford Bronco SUVs over concerns their front seat belts fail to comply with federal safety standards.
Have you purchased or leased a model year 2020 or newer Ford Explorer 2.3L or 3.0L ST vehicle? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiffs are represented by Laura E. Goolsby, Tarek H. Zohdy, and Cody R. Padgett of Capstone Law APC.
The Ford defect class action lawsuit is Caricofe, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., Case No. 3:23-cv-01012, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
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25 thoughts onFord class action alleges some Explorers have rear subframe assembly defect
We have a 2020 XLT with nothing but problems. I actually keep a notebook in the vehicle to write down every time there is an issues. I have a lot of pages filled. Not sure where to turn.
Purchased a 2020 Ford Explorer brand new in Feb 2020. This year the transmission was found to be leaking, and I paid for the fix. Extended warranty (Endurance) co. did not cover for that issue.
Dealerships don’t provide a fix for the rear bolt assembly, they simply recommend always using the parking brake when parking the vehicle. I do this every time anyways.
Purchased a 2022 Ford explore ST all I’ve had his problems. Please add me.
I purchased a 2022 Ford Explorer ST AWD. I’ve noticed some problem however I hadn’t heard anything about a recall.
2021 explorer st. Rear bolt has failed me 3 times (once almost causing a crash on the highway).
Located in Ontario canada. Looking to some how include my country and province to this lawsuit.
I have a 21 st that has had multiple issues including transmission kicking rear end chattering sunroof issues ect. Almost as if it was thrown together, love the truck hate the mechanics
We have a 22 st 4 wheel drive with one bolt. We haven’t had any issues at this point but in reading about one bolt not being strong enough has me concerned. Ours is at about 22000 miles and have received the recall on this issue. I also have read that the fix ford is using is not being done correctly because lack of training and the correct tools to make the fix.
We really like this car and hope something is done to actually fix this problem.
Purchased a 23 explorer at December of 33 with one bolt
steeda
I have a 2023 Ford explorer ST with only 1 bolt. Some members have 2 bolt on same model year and same options. When reading a 4 bolt is what should of came standard, this raises lots of questions regarding the safety of my vehicle.
2022 Ford Explorwr ST with one rear bolt. Installed aftermarket brace to shore it up.
2023 added steeds brace to shore it up
2020 ford explorer just bought couple weeks ago never heard about any of this I live in California and want to see if my car falls under any of this.
2022 ST – with 27k miles. Love the ride and handling but afraid to launch despite installing AWR Rear Diff Brace. Daily ride but cannot afford damaging it and having it in shop for months before Ford can repair and make it safe. Wished I joined ST Forum before purchase