Ford fuel efficiency hauling capacity misrepresentation settlement overview:
- Who: Ford agreed to pay a combined total of $19.2 million to 39 states and the District of Columbia.
- Why: The settlement resolved attorneys general claims the company misled consumers about the fuel efficiency of its C-Max Hybrid vehicles and the payload capacity of certain of its Super Duty pickup trucks.
- Where: The complaint against Ford involved 39 states and the District of Columbia.
Ford Motor Co. agreed to pay $19.2 million to resolve claims it misled consumers about the fuel efficiency of its 2013 and 2014 C-Max Hybrid vehicles and the hauling capacity of its 2011 to 2014 Super Duty pickup trucks.
The settlement agreement is between the automaker and 39 states and the District of Columbia, Law360 reports. The attorneys general for Maryland, Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Vermont and Illinois will form an executive committee to determine how to divide the funds.
The attorneys general for each respective state will be able to individually decide how to use their state’s share of the settlement funds.
Ford has not admitted to any wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement and maintains it has not violated any federal or state laws, Law360 reports.
The attorneys general claimed the automaker violated state consumer protection statutes by running advertisements that misrepresented the performance and fuel efficiency of its C-Max Hybrid vehicles.
Ford allegedly misrepresented hauling capacity by 40 pounds
Further, the attorneys general argued Ford misrepresented the payload capacity of certain models of its Super Duty pickup trucks by making it seem they could hold about 40 pounds more than they actually could, Law360 reports.
The alleged hauling capacity discrepancy was caused by Ford incorrectly subtracting the weight of items that would be on the vehicle, such as a spare tire, radio or jack, the attorneys general argued.
The attorneys general from several states released statements in which they spotlighted how much emphasis consumers put into fuel efficiency and hauling capacity when making a vehicle purchasing decision, Law360 reports.
This is not Ford’s first run-in with the government.
The Justice Department opened an investigation into Ford in 2019 after discovering the auto manufacturer may have reported inaccurate emissions and fuel efficiency numbers after committing testing errors.
Have you purchased a Ford C-Max Hybrid vehicle or Super Duty pickup truck? Let us know in the comments.
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2 thoughts onFord settles attorneys general fuel efficiency, hauling capacity claims for $19.2M
I own a 2013 Ford C-max and would like to obtain more information on the (potential) class action lawsuit for false miles per gallon claims.
Ford settles attorneys general fuel efficiency, hauling capacity claims for $19.2M
I’m still original owner of a cmax 2013 and purchased for the 47 mpg as advertised solely calculated on how much $ I would save each month on current gas prices at that time approx $200 savings. However when purchased brand new dash said 43mpg and as soon as I drove for a month it went down to 39. Took it to dealership and got lessons how to drive to encourage electric power but as hard as I tried could not
Achieve as advertised. Received two payoff checks after purchase from Ford. After each service and computer update mpg went down progressively. Been getting 34 mpg for about 5 years it’s now 2022.