Most of us have run into engine problems at some point with our vehicles, and if you have a warranty, you expect the issue to be fixed by the manufacturer. But what if you’ve taken your car in for repairs multiple times, and your engine is still malfunctioning? If you are going through this situation, you are probably asking yourself, “Can I lemon my car and get my money back from the manufacturer?”
Unfortunately, defective engines have been a problem with the Ford Expedition for many years, with some of these cases resulting in serious injuries. In the past couple of years, these engines have been known to pose a fire hazard, which led to a major recall on May 17, 2022. If you have experienced a significant problem with your Ford Expedition’s engine, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer for monetary compensation.
For more information on how to file a California lemon law claim, call the attorneys of Guardian Lemon Law.
Ford Expedition Engine Issues
Engine problems with the Expedition is a well-known issue among Ford owners, particularly those who were affected by the recall on 2021 Ford Expeditions in May 2022. The recall was issued after repeated complaints of the engine compartment catching on fire, even when the car is parked or turned off. However, engine issues with the Expedition go back all the way to the early 2000s for a number of reasons, including the engine shutting off whenever the fail-safe engine light turns on.
Ford Motor Company is obligated to provide you with a remedy if you have been sold a vehicle that is compromised in its safety, value, of usability. If you are the owner of a Ford Expedition with a defective engine, keep reading to learn about your rights and legal options.
My Car’s Engine is Defective – Can I Return my Car?
You may be eligible for a lemon law claim if your vehicle is backed by a warranty and was purchased from an authorized Ford dealership. The key is to give the manufacturer a reasonable number of chances to rectify the situation. What does this mean? It depends on the specific issue and the impact it’s having on your safety or usability of the vehicle. For example, a problem that’s likely to cause a serious accident should be resolved within 1 or 2 attempts. On the other hand, you should allow more repair attempts for less serious defects.
Since the law is rather vague on the definition of “reasonable,” it’s a good idea to discuss the actions you should take with an experienced California lemon law attorney. Keep in mind that there is no cost to the client, since the manufacturer pays the bills for any legal fees.
Common Auto Defects Covered by the California Lemon Law
At this point, you may be wondering if there are other defects that will allow you to seek compensation under the state’s lemon law. Essentially, you are entitled to pursue a lemon case for any significant problem with your vehicle. Here is a list of some of the issues that are covered under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act:
- Software glitches
- Issues with the brakes
- Power steering failure
- Battery dying / draining too fast
- Defective airbags
- Door lights staying on when the door is closed
- Twisted / unstable frame
- Shaking or rattling at high speeds
- Engine dying unexpectedly
- Leaking oil, water, or fuel
- Transmission problems – jerking, slipping or skipping gears, hard shifting
- Rusting or bubbling paint
Can I get my Money Back if I Leased my Car?
Many lemon owners are confused about their rights concerning leased cars, so we want to assure you that you can return your lease if there is a persistent issue with your Ford Expedition’s engine. Unfortunately, many consumers run into complications when they look into the process of how to get your lease back if you’re having Ford Expedition engine problems. Our law firm has decades of experience in lemon law cases involving leased vehicles, so you can count on us to recover your payment as fast as possible. Contact us right away to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
How Much is my Lemon Lawsuit Worth?
If you are entitled to compensation as a lemon owner, you can receive a full refund of the purchase or lease price of your vehicle, or a replacement car of comparable value. In addition, you can seek incidental costs, like towing fees, rental car payments, and medical costs associated with injuries from an accident. Overall, a lemon lawsuit may be worth around $30,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on the losses you have incurred due to your car’s on-going engine issues.
Statute of Limitations to Sue the Manufacturer under California Law
There is a limited amount of time to seek monetary damages for a lemon car. According to the law, this time limit is 4 years, but it can be tricky to figure out exactly when the statute of limitations begins. In many cases, the clock starts ticking from the time you first notice the problem with your car, but this is not always the case. To ensure that you meet the correct deadline for a lemon claim, give us a call and speak with a lemon law lawyer as soon as possible.
How long will it take to Settle my Case?
Our main objective is to negotiate the highest settlement and bring an end to your case as soon as possible. With that in mind, the majority of our cases are resolved within 3 to 6 months, but there are complications that can extend the legal process by one or more years. In particular, lemon lawsuits involving bodily harm can take longer to resolve, depending on the extent of the victim’s injuries and the losses they’ve suffered as a result.
We Offer Free Second Opinions
Even if you’ve hired an attorney already, you may have concerns about your case and don’t know where to turn to for advice. Guardian Lemon Law offers free second opinions that are specifically designed for this purpose. All you have to do is give us a call and schedule a time to meet with one of our lemon law attorneys. They will advise you of your legal options and help you choose the best course of action. No matter what you decide, the consultation is 100% free, so you can rest easy knowing that there is no risk in taking some time to speak with us.
Lawyers Experienced in Ford Expedition Engine Problems
The California lemon law is a powerful form of protection for car owners that have found themselves with a lemon, but auto manufacturers don’t make it easy for consumers to get the compensation they are owed. Legal representation is the best way to assert your rights and receive the settlement you deserve.
Guardian Lemon Law has the skill and experience you need if the dealership is unable to resolve the engine issues with your vehicle. As we’ve previously stated, there is no cost to you for any of our services, since the manufacturer pays us at the end of your case. We also cover you with the Zero Fee Guarantee, so you won’t pay a single dime if we don’t win your case.
To speak with a California lemon law attorney, contact our office at your earliest convenience.
