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ford fiesta class action lawsuit

Ford Fiesta Class Action Lawsuit

A Ford Fiesta class action lawsuit occurs when a group of people with the same problem join together to sue a company. Instead of everyone filing their own case, a single lawsuit represents all of them, making it easier, faster, and more affordable to handle significant issues that affect many people.

The Lemon Pros filed class action lawsuits and represented clients against the top car manufacturers. With a practice area focused on lemon cars, we know how to get compensation for drivers. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

In this guide, we'll explain the difference between a class action lawsuit and a Lemon Law claim against the Ford Motor Company. We'll also talk about how you can get compensation for your faulty Ford vehicle.

What Is the Class Action Lawsuit on the Ford Fiesta?

What Is the Class Action Lawsuit on the Ford Fiesta?

If a single driver has an unresolved issue with their Ford Fiesta, they might decide to file a lawsuit against the automaker. However, when multiple drivers face the same problem, it’s more practical to pursue a class action settlement. A class action begins when one or more individuals file a lawsuit on behalf of everyone affected by the same issue. If the court grants approval, all eligible class members receive a settlement or share in a judgment, rather than filing separate lawsuits.

Getting compensation through a class action is often easier than filing a single claim against the manufacturer. Plus, joining an ongoing class action claim is simpler than starting a new lawsuit.

Ford Fiesta Issues That Led to Lawsuits

The most widespread complaint with the Ford Fiesta revolved around the transmission, but there have been other lawsuits and issues as well. From the defective transmission to the engine issues and other common defects, it’s no wonder that the Fiesta wasn’t in production long.

The most notorious claim was for the Ford Focus and Fiesta PowerShift dual-clutch transmission (DPS6), installed in the 2011-2016 models. Owners reported shuddering, slipping, jerking during acceleration, a sudden loss of power, and complete transmission failure. 

Other lawsuits have involved engine issues, such as rough idling, Check Engine Lights, and occasional stalling. There have also been electrical problems noted, such as faulty wiring, infotainment malfunctions, and bad sensors. Drivers have had difficulty stopping caused by premature wear of the brakes, and there have also been complaints about fuel efficiency or fuel leaks. 

How Does a Ford Fiesta Class Action Lawsuit Work?

It isn’t difficult to start a Ford Fiesta motor vehicle class action lawsuit with the right documentation. Here’s a rough outline of the process, while steps may differ slightly depending on the situation.

  • Attorneys file a lawsuit – Lawyers will file the lawsuit against Ford on behalf of all affected Fiesta owners after ensuring there are enough members to prove the case.
  • Class certification – The court confirms that the lawsuit is eligible to represent the group of drivers experiencing the same issue.
  • Notification is sent to drivers – Affected members are notified and given the option to join the class action.
  • Evidence collection – Owners provide their vehicle information, repair records, and documentation to the attorneys as evidence.
  • Settlement negotiations or trial occur – Ford may choose to negotiate a settlement outside of court, or the case moves on to trial.
  • Compensation distribution – Once successful, class members receive financial compensation, further repairs, or vehicle buybacks to resolve the issue. 

Who Is Eligible to Join a Ford Fiesta Class Action?

To become a class member, the Ford vehicle must be one of the model years affected by the defects being outlined, and it must have suffered from the same problems. For example, for the Ford transmission settlement, 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta models and the 2012-2016 Ford Focus motor vehicle years are included. The current or former owner must have experienced the transmission shuddering, slipping, jerking, or premature failure.

To join, you would register through the law firm that handles the case or through the official class action website before the deadline. With the automatic transmission complaint, it’s too late to submit a claim.

Pros and Cons of Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

Pros and Cons of Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

Current and former owners can experience fewer legal fees and a simplified process by filing together, but there’s also less control over the outcome and potentially lower compensation in return. 

Pros of Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

  • Collective strength – By joining together with others, you increase the pressure put on Ford to settle, thereby strengthening the case.
  • Lower costs – Legal fees get shared among all participants, so there are fewer individual expenses. 
  • Simplified process – Owners won’t have to file separate lawsuits or handle the complex procedure alone.
  • Quick resolutions are possible – Settlements could be reached faster than with an individual case. You may gain quick access to repairs, a buyback, cash payments, or an extended warranty.

Cons of Joining a Class Action Lawsuit

  • Less control of outcome – Individual participants have little to no say over the settlement terms.
  • Potentially lower compensation – Settlements get divided by the class members, making it lower in some cases than an individual claim.
  • Eligibility limits – Only owners meeting the specified criteria can join the case.
  • Potentially longer timelines – While quick resolutions are possible, there’s also the chance the case takes months or years to resolve. 

Alternatives to Class Action Lawsuits for Ford Fiesta

Ford drivers aren’t forced to take part in a class action lawsuit. It often makes more sense to file an individual lawsuit, negotiate directly with the manufacturer, or start a Lemon Law claim

Individual Ford Transmission Settlement Lawsuits

Instead of joining the claim form and sharing the settlement, you can file an individual case. A personal lawsuit gives you more control over the case and allows for better compensation. You can pursue remedies that wouldn’t be available through the class action, such as vehicle replacement. 

Negotiating Directly with the Manufacturer

Nothing is stopping you from reaching out to Ford customer support and working with the manufacturer directly. You can ask for further repair attempts through an authorized Ford dealer, a refund, or a buyback. Sometimes, the results in these cases can be faster than filing a lawsuit, but only if you have complete repair records and superior documentation showing the defects. 

Focus and Fiesta Lemon Law 

Under California Lemon Law, you can get compensation for a defective vehicle if it is still covered under the factory warranty, and the issues occur within the first 18,000 miles or 18 months. For this reason, most of the Fiesta and Focus models with defective Powershift transmissions are included, but other years may be. 

As a result of a Lemon Law claim, you may be able to have the vehicle replaced or bought back from the manufacturer. You could also receive a longer warranty and additional repair attempts to fix the problem.

How a Lemon Law Claim Works for Ford Fiesta Owners

How a Lemon Law Claim Works for Ford Fiesta Owners

Each situation is different, which is why it’s always best to consult with a Lemon Law attorney before filing a claim. However, these are the most common steps to occur.

  1. Identify defect – First, you need to make sure that the recurring issue significantly affects the safety, use, or value of the vehicle, and it must occur within the timeframe outlined by law.
  2. Gather documentation – All of the repair records, service visits, and communications with Ford need to be compiled for use as evidence. 
  3. Notify the manufacturer – You must inform Ford of the defect and give them the chance to fix it. In California, a reasonable number of repair attempts is four in most situations, although you could file a claim after two unsuccessful repair attempts if the defect may lead to serious bodily injury.
  4. File the claim – With the help of an attorney, you can file a lawsuit to get compensation.
  5. Settlement occurs – Through negotiation or a court judgment, you may receive compensation. 

Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to a vehicle replacement, where the manufacturer swaps out the car for a comparable model. You could also get a Ford Lemon Law buyback, which requires you to turn in the car for a refund. There’s also the option to get reimbursement for related expenses, such as repair bills, towing, and a rental car.

Want the Best Compensation for Your Ford Fiesta?

While it is possible to win a Lemon Law case without a lawyer, you don’t want to. Most lawyers charge no fees upfront and can get you far more compensation than if you go alone. That’s why it’s important to find a qualified attorney and to act fast.

The Lemon Pros are ready to help with your Ford Fiesta issues. As the best Lemon Law lawyer in California, you can count on us to handle your case professionally and speedily. Contact us today to learn more about your options. 

FAQ

Should you have more questions, we have answered some of the most common inquiries people have regarding the Ford class action lawsuit.

How Do I Join the Ford Class Action Lawsuit?

Sadly, the deadline for a class vehicle settlement on the Ford transmission has passed, but you have other options. A lawyer can file an individual lawsuit for you, or you can contact Ford to see if any compensation is available. 

How Do I Claim My Ford Focus Class Action Settlement?

Compensation was ordered from the United States District Court through 2020, so there are no more payments available for Ford’s dual clutch transmission settlement. However, you may have legal standing to file a lawsuit through a lawyer. 

Which Ford Fiesta Models Are Affected by Class Action Lawsuits?

Ford equipped the 2011-2016 Fiesta with the defective dual-clutch transmission that ended with a class action lawsuit. This same transmission was installed in 2012-2016 Ford Focus motor vehicles as well. 

What Cash Payments Can I Get From a Ford Fiesta Class Action?

Potential class members can receive an extended warranty, cash compensation, and alternative benefits in some lawsuits. However, the dual-clutch settlement is closed and no longer available for new members. 

How Long Does a Ford Fiesta Class Action Lawsuit Take?

From the start of the lawsuit until the class settlement, it could be anywhere from a couple of months to years, depending on the complexity of the issue. Lawyers will have members submit claims and show proof of the defects from a Ford dealer to verify eligibility. 

Can I Join the Ford Powershift Transmission Settlement?

The deadline has passed to claim cash payments or get transmission hardware replacements for the Powershift class action lawsuit. However, if you've been dealing with multiple clutch replacements, software repairs, or other transmission issues, you can reach out to an attorney to learn more about your options.

Arash Khorsandi
Attorney
Arash Khorsandi
Lemon Law Attorney
2 months ago · 9 min read
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