Ford is one of the most iconic brands in the world, having built their reputation on solid, affordable cars, ranging from the Ford Focus to the F-150. However, there’s no denying that these cars have had a number of serious problems, which have resulted in mass recalls and class action lawsuits. For example, transmission issues with the Ford Expedition have been a major problem for the past several years. Expedition owners have reported a number of issues with their Ford’s transmission, such as slipping gears, violent shaking, stalling, and losing power.
If you are one of these customers, you probably have many questions that you need answers to, including:
- Can I lemon my Ford Expedition if I keep having problems with the car’s transmission?
- How do I file a lemon claim, and what kind of payments am I entitled to?
Fortunately, consumers of defective, warranty-covered goods are protected under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Also known as the California lemon law, this legislation provides consumers with legal remedies if they are sold a vehicle with significant defects.
However, the process of filing a lemon law claim and obtaining the settlement you deserve can be quite complicated. Legal representation is critical to protecting your interests and ensuing that you are not cheated out of the compensation you’re entitled to. Guardian Lemon Law is ready to fight for you with the skilled and aggressive representation that’s needed to succeed in these cases. Contact our office to learn about your rights and legal options if you are the owner of a Ford Expedition with a defective transmission.
If there are Transmission Issues with my Ford Expedition, Can I Return my Car?
Under California’s lemon law, you are able to return a car if there is a warranty-covered defect that cannot be resolved after multiple repair attempts. So, if you are having repeated transmission problems with your Ford Expedition, you may be able to return your car and seek compensation from the manufacturer.
According to the law, you must give the dealership a “reasonable” number of attempts to fix your vehicle. There’s no strict guideline on what this means, but in general, defects that are likely to cause bodily harm or death should be fixed in no more than 2 attempts. For problems that are less urgent, at least 4 attempts is considered reasonable, though you should confirm this with one of our attorneys, since it really depends on the specific issue.
If Ford is unable to fix your Expedition’s transmission issues, you have the right to demand a refund, which is known as a manufacturer buyback or repurchase. You also have the option of asking for a replacement vehicle of similar value. In addition, the manufacturer pays the bills for legal services, so there is no cost to the client if they wish to hire a California lemon law lawyer.
Can I get my Money Back if my Ford Expedition has Other Defects?
In essence, California’s lemon law allows you to seek compensation if there is a significant defect with your car that affects its usability, safety, or value. Some of the most common issues that fall under these categories include:
- Defective airbags
- Problems with the brakes
- Defective front axle, which can lead to violent shaking (death wobble)
- Rearview / backup camera failure
- Engine failure, particularly with EcoBoost engines
- Fuel, oil, or water leaks
- Rusting or bubbling paint
- Issues with the power steering
- Poorly built frames
Yes, You can Return Your Lease under the California Lemon Law
If you leased your Ford Expedition, the law still protects you in the event your car has a defect that’s covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. You can receive the same form of compensation as it you had purchased the car, but it’s not uncommon for auto manufacturers to give consumers the run around when you are trying to return your lease due to a defective transmission. If you have questions about how to get your lease back from the dealership, contact our office to speak with an experienced lemon law attorney.
Statute of Limitations to File a Lemon Claim
The California lemon law dictates that all lemon lawsuits must be filed within 4 years. However, it’s a bit tricky to determine when the clock starts ticking on the statute of limitations. This will depend on various circumstances, like the terms of your warranty and the type of legal action you are taking. A conversation with one of our attorneys can help you determine how long you have to file your claim, so please reach out to us as soon as possible.
Lemon Lawsuit Settlement Values
As we’ve mentioned, you can ask for a full refund of your purchase / lease price or a replacement vehicle if you are entitled to payment from a lemon complaint. Furthermore, you can ask for out of pocket costs and personal injury compensation if you suffered bodily harm due to your car’s defect. The combined value of all your damages may be worth anywhere from $25,000 to $350,000 or more, though please keep in mind that these are only estimates. To figure out what you can potentially receive from a lemon lawsuit against Ford, call us for a free case evaluation.
How long does it take to Settle these Cases?
The legal process for settling a lemon law complaint can take anywhere from 30 days to over one year, based on the legal actions that are necessary. In general, most claims are resolved within 3 to 6 months. However, claims involving accidents, i.e., physical injuries, often take longer to resolve due to the complexities that are involved with personal injury claims.
Free Second Opinion
A second opinion is a free, no-obligation service that we offer to claimants with pending lemon law cases. We know that many people are unsure about the advice they’re being given by their lawyer, or they’re unhappy with how their claim is being handled. Our goal is to provide you with an objective assessment of your case, which includes legal options to help you get your case back on track. If you have a pending lemon law claim that you have questions or concerns about, please give us a call to schedule a free second opinion consultation.
Guardian Lemon Law is Here for You
Ford Expedition Transmission problems can be a huge source of stress, as well as a drain on your finances. The law protects consumers from being taken advantage of in these situations, but there are specific steps that must be taken by both the car owner and the manufacturer. Thus, it’s essential to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as you can if your car turns out to be a lemon.
Our law firm has decades of experience in the recovery of lemon law settlements, so you can count on us to bring you the results you’re looking for. You won’t be charged a single penny for hiring us, since the manufacturer covers attorney’s fees under the state’s lemon law. If we fail to win your case, we provide you with a Zero Fee Guarantee so that you won’t be responsible for any of our expenses.
Guardian Lemon Law is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so contact us any time to schedule a free case review.
