Ford Cracked Tailgate Class Action Lawsuit

A federal class action lawsuit claims that Ford Motor Company knew that the tailgate panels crack on its 2002-2005 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, and its 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviators, but actively concealed the defect from consumers.The Ford class action lawsuit claims the Cracked Tailgate Problem is caused by a design defect or manufacturing flaw that allows moisture to collect behind the lower window panel of the tailgate.

“Over time, and in varying weather conditions, the trapped water creates internal stress on the tailgate resulting in a large discernable crack to the panel, immediately devaluing the Ford Vehicle,” the class action lawsuit states. “In addition to the defect resulting in diminution of the vehicle’s inherent value, the Cracked Tailgate Problem also presents a safety hazard to anyone opening or closing the tailgate.”

The Ford cracked tailgate class action lawsuit alleges that Ford knew about the problem in early 2002, but continued to manufacture, advertise and sell the Ford vehicles without disclosing the Cracked Tailgate Problem to consumers or the public. It also allegedly continued to manufacture the Ford vehicles with the identical Cracked Tailgate defect through the 2005 model year.

“As a result of Ford’s fraudulent concealment of the defect, Plaintiffs and the Class had no knowledge of the Cracked Tailgate Problem prior to purchasing their Ford Vehicle(s). Ford has also systematically refused to repair the Cracked Tailgates, whether inside or outside the warranty period, fraudulently asserting…that any cracked tailgates on the defective vehicles were caused by a collision with an outside force, not an inherent design or manufacturing flaw in the tailgate itself.”

The Ford cracked tailgate class action lawsuit is brought on behalf of all U.S. residents who purchased, not for commercial resale or transfer, a 2002-2005 Ford Explorer and/or Mercury Mountaineer, or 2003-2005 Lincoln Aviator. It is seeking injunctive relief, declaratory relief, restitution, actual and punitive damages, and more.

A copy of the Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Aviator Cracked Tailgate Class Action Lawsuit can be read here.

The case is Sally J. Nettleton, et al. v. Ford Motor Company, et al., Case No. CV-11-2953, United States District Court, Northern District of California.

UPDATE: A federal judge trimmed some claims from the Ford cracked tailgate class action lawsuit on March 11, 2014.

Join a Free Ford Cracked Tailgate Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased, owned or leased a model year 2002-2005 Ford Explorer, 2002-2005 Mercury Mountaineer, and/or model year 2003- 2005 Lincoln Aviator and experienced any of the following problems, you may have a legal claim:

• Ford Explorer cracked tailgate
• Mercury Mountaineer cracked tailgate
• Lincoln Aviator cracked tailgate
• Shattered backlite (rear window)
  
• Ford applique crack
• Applique separated, fell off or flew off from the vehicle