Lemon Law for Ford Focus

The Ford Motor Company has been known to make some reliable, coveted vehicles over the years, but not all have performed up to expectations. When a Ford Focus fails to perform or is unsafe, you need to know how to get compensation. Lemon Law for Ford Focus rules ensure you receive a replacement vehicle or a refund in qualifying cases.

The Lemon Pros have a solid history of earning compensation for defective vehicles, with thousands of cases already won. Contact us today to get a free consultation and let our team of professionals fight for you.

We're here to guide you through the basics of the California Lemon Law, how it applies to your defective Ford vehicle, and how to initiate a Lemon Law claim. Plus, we'll share practical tips to help you maximize your compensation.

What Is the Ford Focus Lemon Law?

The term ‘lemon’ is used to describe a vehicle with serious defects affecting its safety, value, or use, even after multiple repair attempts. Every state has different regulations, and many only cover new cars. Lemon laws protect consumers by requiring the manufacturer to replace the vehicle or provide a refund if it can’t be fixed within the legal limits.

A common misconception is that any minor problem makes a car a lemon. In reality, the defect must be substantial and usually show up within the warranty period. That doesn’t mean smaller parts aren’t covered. For example, if the door latches continue to break, putting you at risk of the door opening, you may be able to file a claim if they aren’t permanently repaired.

Another misconception is that Lemon laws cover private sales, but they don’t in most states. Even if you purchase a warranty for an extended period, private sales are not covered in California. If you want better protection, you should always purchase your vehicles from a dealership.

Common Problems With Ford Focus Vehicles

Ford's Focus vehicles have come under a lot of scrutiny in the past. It wasn’t that long ago that Ford had to extend the warranty on 2012-2016 Focus models as a result of a class action settlement. These specific models suffer from premature dual clutch transmission failure, rough shifting, and jerking.

There have also been issues with electrical system malfunctions, including dashboard warning lights, a faulty infotainment system, difficulty with Bluetooth connectivity, and malfunctioning power window or door locks. Other drivers complain about stalling or hesitation while driving, excessive oil consumption or leaks, and engine misfires.

Depending on the model year, it’s also common to find suspension or steering concerns, issues with the brake system, unresolved recalls, safety defects, and cosmetic problems.

Am I Eligible to File a Lemon Law Claim for My Ford Focus?

In California, drivers are protected by the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. To qualify, the vehicle must meet the following conditions:

The car is covered under warranty. In most cases, the vehicle must be covered by the new car, factory warranty.

A substantial defect affects the safety, use, or value of the vehicle. Because of the vagueness of this rule, many defects qualify.

The defect must start within 18,000 miles or 18 months, whichever comes first. This timeframe is when the defect is first noticed and reported.

Sufficient repair attempts must be made by the dealer. You must allow a qualified dealer the chance to fix the defect. In most cases, four repair attempts are required. However, serious safety concerns may only warrant two attempts.

To file Ford Focus Lemon Law cases, your documentation must be in order, proving all of the things listed above. You should have the warranty paperwork, repair invoices, and any correspondence that backs up your claims. You must also give the dealer and manufacturer the chance to make it right before filing your claim. This is typically done by sending a certified letter outlining your intentions.

Does the Lemon Law Apply to Used Ford Focus Cars?

While most states don’t have provisions for used cars, California does. If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer and the factory warranty is still applicable, you may be able to file a used car Lemon Law claim. Furthermore, if the dealer sells you a defective car without disclosing the problems, you may be able to sue for damages.  

However, if you purchase the vehicle from a private seller, you wouldn’t be able to get compensation for defects. You are essentially purchasing the car as-is.

How Do I File a California Lemon Law Claim for a Ford Focus?

The steps to file a Lemon Law claim in California aren’t difficult to follow, but you mustn’t skip any of the instructions.

1. Identify the problem. Determine if your Ford Focus has a recurring defect that qualifies under state law.
2. Review your warranty. Make sure the defect is one that’s covered by the warranty, and that the term is still valid.
3. Keep detailed records. Collect all of your repair orders, invoices, emails, and any other correspondence with the dealer or manufacturer. Make sure you have the dates, mileage, and outcome of every repair attempt.
4. Formally notify the dealer and manufacturer. Provide written notice about the problem and outline what you plan to do.
5. Attempt to reach a resolution. Work with the dealer to see if there’s a way of resolving the issue before you take legal action. You may consider mediation or arbitration as a way to circumvent going to court.
6. File a Lemon Law claim. If your other efforts don’t succeed, it’s time to file a claim. Include all of your documentation showing that the repairs are not resolved.

While you can win a Lemon Law case without a lawyer, we never advise consumers to go that route. Lemon Law attorneys have the experience needed to get you compensation. Most of them handle cases on contingency, meaning you don’t need to pay anything up front.

How Much Compensation Can You Get Under the Ford Focus Lemon Law

While every case is different, the average Lemon Law settlement in California can be anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000. Qualified cases may be entitled to a full refund of what you spent, either through financing or lease payments, minus mileage offset for how much you drove before the defect started. This resolution is known as a Ford Lemon Law buyback. You may also be due the registration fees, sales taxes, rental car costs, towing expenses, and other incidentals.

If you prefer, you could ask for a replacement vehicle. The manufacturer would be responsible for supplying you with another vehicle that doesn’t have defects. This model would be the same type that you currently drive, with comparable features.

If you don’t want the Ford Lemon Law buyback or a replacement vehicle, you have the option to take the cash-and-keep settlement. This option is best reserved for defects that are bearable to live with, but it will affect the resale value of the vehicle.

Additionally, most Lemon Law cases allow for the recovery of attorney's fees if you win. Because you may not need to pay anything up front, you have nothing to lose. 

How to Get the Best Outcome in a Ford Focus Lemon Law Case

Whether you want to get compensation through a Lemon Law case or a class settlement agreement, you need to follow these tips to ensure a better outcome.

• Document everything – Keep records of everything, including the warranty, purchase agreement, and repair orders.
• Act quickly – While there is a four-year time limit on your claim in California, you should always file as soon as possible. It’s difficult to prove that the defect is affecting your life if you can live with it for so long.
• Follow all of the warranty rules – Whether you are working with a factory or extended warranty, you need to make sure the defective part is covered. Take your vehicle to authorized repair shops and always get documentation of the work that’s been done.
• Know your rights – Every state has its own set of laws, so take time to research the qualifications in your state.
• Don’t be afraid of mediation and arbitration – These options can resolve disputes without going to court.
• Be prepared to negotiate – In some situations, it may be best to negotiate and avoid a long, drawn-out trial.
• Hire an attorney – You may be tempted to file the case on your own, but you should always have a lawyer looking out for your best interests.

Ready to Strengthen Your Ford Focus Lemon Law Case?

Whether you are having Ford Focus transmission issues or problems with the braking system, it’s important to understand your rights. Document all of your issues and be prepared to act quickly for the highest cash compensation.

The Lemon Pros are experts in Ford Focus recalls, automatic transmission problems, and getting compensation for your defective vehicle. As the best Lemon Law attorneys in California, we’ve secured record-breaking cash payments for our clients and class members. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

FAQ

You can find answers to the most common inquiries clients have regarding the Lemon Law for the Ford Focus.

How Long Does a Lemon Law Case for a Ford Focus Take?

Filing a claim against manufacturers and dealers can take anywhere from a couple of months to a year, depending on the complexity of the case. Having a qualified Lemon Law attorney working for you helps to reduce the time.

How Many Ford Repairs From a Dealer Before It’s a Lemon?

In California, you are required to take your car for service a minimum of four times for the same problem before filing a claim. However, if there are serious safety issues, such as airbag or brake problems that could lead to injury, you may only be required to have two repair attempts.

Can I File a Lemon Law Claim for a Used Ford Focus?

Owners may be able to file a claim if the used Focus was bought from a reputable dealership and it is still covered by the original factory warranty. There’s no compensation available if you purchased the Focus from a private party.

What if My Ford Focus Is Out of Warranty?

If defects occur after the warranty has expired, there’s no way to file a Lemon Law claim. However, if a dealership sold you a car with known defects and didn’t disclose them, you may be able to sue for additional compensation.

What Is the Ford Lemon Law Buyback?

If you have a defective Ford Fiesta, Focus, Explorer, or other model that cannot be repaired, the manufacturer may offer to buy it back from you. After you turn in the vehicle, you would either receive a comparable model or cash compensation for the car.