If you’ve purchased or leased a Ford vehicle in California that has persistent defects or issues that affect its safety, value, or usability, you may be entitled to compensation under California’s Lemon Law. At Shainfeld Law, our Modesto metropolitan area lemon law attorney has discussed Ford vehicle defects and how we can help you pursue a claim.
Here, our Central Valley lemon lawyer provides a step-by-step guide to pursuing a lemon law claim against Ford and protecting your rights.
Understand What Qualifies as a Lemon
To pursue a lemon law claim against Ford, your vehicle must meet the following criteria under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act:
- The vehicle must still be under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s safety, performance, or value.
- Ford or its authorized dealership has made multiple repair attempts for the same issue without success, or your vehicle has been in the shop for an extended period (typically 30 days or more) for repairs.
Qualifying issues include engine failure, transmission problems, electrical malfunctions, or safety system defects.
Keep Detailed Documentation of Your Vehicle’s Issues
Proper documentation is crucial to building a solid lemon law case.
You should keep the following:
- Repair orders and invoices showing each repair attempt and the issue being addressed.
- Communication records with the dealership or Ford regarding the problem.
- Records of the vehicle’s warranty, purchase/lease agreement, and maintenance history.
This documentation will help prove that Ford had multiple opportunities to fix the defect but failed to resolve the issue.
Notify Ford and Give Them a Final Repair Opportunity
Before filing a lemon law claim, you must give Ford or its authorized dealership a final chance to repair the defect. This step is essential to demonstrate that Ford was aware of the problem and had the opportunity to fix it.
Send a formal written notice to Ford’s customer service department or dealership stating the ongoing issue and your intent to pursue a lemon law claim if the problem is unresolved.
Consult Our Skilled California Lemon Law Attorney
Lemon law claims can be complex, and Ford may not voluntarily offer a fair settlement. It’s highly recommended that you consult with our experienced lemon law attorney in California to ensure your claim is going positively.
Shainfeld Law works on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. A lawyer will:
- Review your vehicle’s repair history.
- Help you understand your rights under California’s lemon law.
- Negotiate with Ford on your behalf for a buyback, replacement vehicle, or financial compensation.
We can also file a lawsuit against Ford to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Type of Compensation Can I Pursue During a California Lemon Law Claim?
If your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
- A vehicle buyback is when Ford refunds your purchase price minus a usage fee.
- A replacement vehicle of similar value.
- Monetary compensation to cover the vehicle’s diminished value and repair costs.
When you partner with our experienced lemon law attorneys in California, we will pursue your claim with the manufacturer. When we are successful—99% of the time—the manufacturer is responsible for ALL your legal fees. That means you pay nothing out of pocket for your lemon law claim. If we are not successful, you still pay us nothing.
Contact Our Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C.
If you believe your California vehicle may be a lemon and is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, contact our experienced Stanislaus County lemon law attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C., today by calling 888-609-2593 or request a free consultation online to learn more about your rights as a California consumer and pursue a legal remedy that fits your needs.