While Ford has built a reputation as one of America’s first and most reliable automakers, many of these vehicles have serious issues that have resulted in recalls and lawsuits. One such issue is the back up or rearview camera on various models of the Ford Expedition. Defects with rearview cameras are a serious problem, as they can increase the likelihood of back up and blind spot accidents.
If you’ve discovered that your Expedition’s backup camera is not working like it should, you may be asking yourself, “What are my rights if there are issues with my Ford Expedition’s back up camera? Can I get my money back or am I stuck with a defective car?’
In this article, we will talk about your rights under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, aka, the California lemon law, when you are sold a vehicle with a significant defect. In addition, we will cover related topics, like how to get your lease back if you were sold a lemon and what you can do if the manufacturer is unresponsive to your complaints.
Lemon claims should be a straightforward process, but manufacturers are very good at taking advantage of consumers and denying them the justice they deserve. The California lemon law lawyers of Guardian will take immediate action on your case and fight tirelessly for every penny you’re entitled to. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Ford Expedition Back Up Camera Issues
Problems with the Ford Expedition’s rearview camera have been an on-going problem for the past several years. In 2020, Ford issued a recall on more than 701,000 vehicles due to mass complaints of the cameras displaying blank or distorted images. However, faulty software, electrical wiring problems, and other flaws that can affect the camera continue to be a problem with Ford Expedition vehicles.
If your car is still under warranty, the manufacturer is obligated to provide you with a safe and fully functioning vehicle at their expense. In the next section, we will talk about the manufacturer’s obligations and what you can expect in the event you are eligible for a California lemon law claim.
Can I Return my Car if the Rearview Camera is Defective?
The state’s lemon law protects consumers that have purchased or leased their vehicle from an authorized Ford dealership in the state of California. If the car has a warranty-covered defect, the manufacturer must rectify the situation within a reasonable number of repair attempts.
The law is somewhat vague on what “reasonable” means in terms of repair attempts, but owners should give the manufacturer several chances to fix the issue. However, the number of attempts depends on how likely the problem is to cause injury or death, which means the manufacturer may only have 1 or 2 chances to repair your vehicle.
If there is no resolution to your problem after numerous repair attempts, the manufacturer must offer you a refund (a buyback of your vehicle) or a replacement car of equivalent value. Furthermore, they must cover all the fees associated with the legal process, which is another way that the California lemon law protects consumers.
Can I Lemon my Car for Other Issues with my Ford Expedition?
Yes, you may have grounds to demand compensation from the manufacturer if there are other defects with your car that compromise its safety, usability, or value. Here are some of the most common issues that Ford owners have experienced with their vehicles:
- Airbags failing to deploy
- Brake failure
- Death wobble, i.e., violent shaking when car exceeds 50 miles per hour
- Defects with the electrical system
- EcoBoost engine failure / stalling
- Oil, water, and fuel leakage
- Bubbling paint / rusting
- Structural issues
- Power steering defects
- Transmission problems – hard shifting, jerking, slipping, or skipping gears
What if I Leased my Car?
The state’s lemon law allows you to return your lease in the event that there is a significant defect with your vehicle that’s covered by a warranty. Your right to monetary damages is the same as if you had bought the car outright, though it’s common for manufacturers to deny payment in these situations. To protect your interests and obtain the settlement you deserve, contact Guardian Lemon Law as soon as possible.
How Long do I have to File a Lemon Claim?
The statute of limitations for a lemon lawsuit is 4 years, but when the 4-year period starts is the real issue. This will depend on the circumstances that are unique to your case, so please speak with one of our attorneys right away to verify the correct deadline. If you get this wrong and miss the statute of limitations for a claim, it’s more than likely that you will be barred from taking legal action against Ford.
Lemon Lawsuit Settlement Values
Lemon law settlements are largely based on the purchase or lease price of your vehicle, minus the mileage offset, which accounts for your usage of the car before the initial repair attempt by the manufacturer. But you may also have a case for out of pocket expenses and compensation for injuries from an accident. In total, the amount that is due from the manufacturer can range from $25,000 to over $300,000, though your claim may be worth less or more than these values. For a more accurate valuation of your backup camera lemon law claim against Ford, contact us at our law firm.
Length of Time to Settle a Ford Expedition Lemon Case
There is no set amount of time that applies to the settlement process for a lemon lawsuit, though our goal is to recover your payment within the first 3 to 6 months. Depending on the manufacturer’s cooperation, a settlement may be achieved in just 30 days. Then again, more complex lemon cases, especially those involving injuries, can take one or more years to resolve.
Free Case Review on Active Compensation Claims
Unfortunately, things don’t always work out between lemon law claimants and their attorneys. Perhaps it’s a personality clash, or it’s a sign of bigger problems that can hurt your case in the long run. No matter the issue, it’s a good idea to discuss what’s going on with another attorney that’s experienced in California’s lemon law. By calling our office, you can receive a free second opinion to learn about your rights and legal options. Since there is no cost to you for this service, we hope you’ll take the chance of contacting us at your earliest convenience.
Contact the Lawyers of Guardian Lemon Law
With our attorneys by your side, there’s no need to suffer with a malfunctioning vehicle. If your Ford Expedition’s rearview camera is not working the way it should after a reasonable number of repair attempts, legal remedies are available to make things right. We have what it takes to fight aggressively for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Keep in mind that under California law, the manufacturer pays the bills, so there is no cost to the client for hiring an attorney. That means you won’t pay a dime to retain the services of a seasoned lemon law attorney at our office. In addition, there’s nothing for you to pay if we don’t recover your settlement, since we offer a Zero Fee Guarantee to protect your finances no matter what.
Contact us today for a free case review if you’ve found yourself with a defective Ford Expedition.
