Got a Ford in California thatโs more trouble than itโs worth? Is it constantly breaking down or stuck in the shop? You might be dealing with a lemon, and you shouldnโt have to settle for less than you paid for. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our experienced Ford Lemon Lawyers specialize in helping Ford drivers secure refunds, replacements, or cash settlements under Californiaโs Lemon Law. Whether you drive a Ford F-150, Mustang, Explorer, or Bronco, we understand the frustration of paying for a vehicle that fails to deliver.ย
With decades of legal experience and a superb success rate in lemon law cases, weโre here to fight for youโat no upfront cost.
Common Defects in Ford Vehicles
Based on 2024โ2025 consumer reports, recall data, and lemon law case trends, Ford owners commonly report the following issues:
- Transmission Problems– Slipping gears, delayed shifts, or complete transmission failure, especially in F-150 and Explorer models. In 2024, Ford recalled 552,188 2014 F-150s for a transmission defect causing sudden downshifts to first gear, which could lead to loss of control and crashes, with two reported injuries.
- Electrical System Failures– Malfunctioning infotainment systems, faulty wiring, or battery drain in models like the Mustang Mach-E and Bronco.
- Engine Issues– Stalling, misfires, or excessive oil consumption, particularly in EcoBoost engines.
- Brake Malfunctions– Soft brake pedals, premature rotor wear, or ABS failures in vehicles like the Ford Edge.
- Power Steering Failures–ย Loss of steering control or stiff steering in Ford Escape and Focus models.
- Takata Airbag Recalls–ย Tens of millions Ford vehicles, including 2004โ2015 models, recalled for defective airbags that may rupture.
- Tailgate Issues–ย Unintended opening of power tailgates in F-150 and Super Duty trucks, posing safety risks (89,000 vehicles recalled in 2025).
These defects can qualify your Ford as a lemon under California law, entitling you to compensation.ย
Insight: After recalling 4.7 million cars last year in 2025, it has already recalled over 4 million this year in 2025 and we havenโt even finished the year yet!ย
How to Know If Your Ford Is a Lemon
Californiaโs Lemon Law sets clear criteria to determine if your Ford qualifies as a lemon. Your vehicle may be a lemon if it meets these conditions during the warranty period (typically 3 years/36,000 miles for Ford vehicles):
- Substantial Safety Defect: Issues like brake or steering failures that pose a risk of injury or death persist after 2 or more repair attempts.
- Non-Safety Defect: Problems affecting the vehicleโs use or value (e.g., transmission or electrical issues) remain unresolved after 4 or more repair attempts.
- Out of Service: Your Ford has been in the repair shop for a total of 30 days or more for warranty-covered repairs.
- Warranty Coverage: The defect was reported while under Fordโs original or extended warranty.
- Pro Tip: Always save repair orders, invoices, and correspondence like emails or letters with Ford dealerships. These records are super helpful for proving your case.ย ย
Ford Models Most Likely to Be Lemons
Certain Ford models have higher-than-average lemon law claim rates due to recurring defects. Based on 2025 consumer reliability data and recall trends, the following models are frequently involved in lemon law cases:
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150, Americaโs best-selling truck for decades, is a workhorse, but persistent defects can make it a lemon. Owners often face transmission failures, like sudden downshifts in 2014 models (552,188 recalled in 2024), electrical glitches, including faulty Sync screens, and occasional tailgate issues, such as power tailgates opening unexpectedly. In 2025, the F-150 remains Fordโs most recalled model, with over 600,000 vehicles recalled since 2020 for issues like transmission, axle, and wiper failures, driving lemon law claims in California when repairs fall short
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer, a family-favorite SUV with a rugged legacy since 1991, often disappoints with defects that can qualify it as a lemon. Owners report transmission slipping, causing jerky shifts or power loss, roof rail detachment creating road hazards, and electrical issues like glitchy SYNC infotainment screens. In 2024, Ford recalled 1.89 million 2011โ2019 Explorers for A-pillar trim detachment, a structural issue, and over 28,000 2023โ2025 models for powertrain control module (PCM) failures risking engine stalls
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E, a bold electric SUV blending Mustang style with eco-friendly power, can become a lemon when defects persist. Owners frequently report battery issues, like 12-volt failures locking passengers inside (197,432 recalled in 2025), glitchy SYNC infotainment screens that freeze or disconnect, and charging problems, from faulty ports to chargers failing at home or public stations. As electric cars are becoming more popular, the likelihood of encountering defective electric vehicles has increased tremendously and drivers should be cautious because the potential injuries a defective electric vehicle can cause can be catastrophic.ย
Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco, reborn in 2021 as a rugged rival to the Jeep Wrangler, can turn sour with defects like engine stalling from faulty 2.7L EcoBoost valves, leaky hardtops damaging interiors, and corroded rear shock absorbers causing bouncy rides or detachment risks. Over 240,000 2021โ2024 Broncos faced 2024 recalls for engine and suspension issues
How Californiaโs Lemon Law Protects Ford Owners
Californiaโs Lemon Law is designed to hold manufacturers like Ford accountable for defective vehicles. Hereโs how the process works for Ford owners:
- Report the Defect- Inform your Ford dealership of the issue and request warranty repairs. Ensure all problems are documented in repair orders.
- Allow Reasonable Repairs– Ford must be given a fair opportunity to fix the defect (2โ4 attempts, depending on severity).
- File a Lemon Law Claim– If repairs fail, you can file a claim against Ford Motor Company. Our Ford Lemon Lawyers handle all negotiations and paperwork.
- Seek Compensation– Successful claims may result in a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement. Ford is also required to cover your attorneyโs fees.
Important Update: As of April 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 1755 shortens the statute of limitations for lemon law claims to 1 year after the warranty expires or 6 years from vehicle delivery, whichever comes first.ย
Acting quickly is in your best interest. Here is a more in depth guide on how to file a lemon law claim step-by-step.
Why You Need a Ford Lemon Lawyer
Going up against Ford for a lemon law claim without a lawyer is a losing battle. Fordโs massiveย legal team will dodge or lowball your claim, leaving you stuck with a broken F-150 or Explorer. Also, missing Californiaโs filing deadline or sloppy repair records can tank your case as well.ย
A skilled lawyer builds a strong case, fights for a refund or replacement, and handles all the hassle, with Ford paying the fees if you win. West Coast Trial Lawyers gets you the justice you deserve, stress-free.
What to Expect in a Ford Lemon Law Claim
Filing a lemon law claim with West Coast Trial Lawyers is a streamlined process designed to deliver results. Hereโs what you can expect:
- Free Case Evaluation: We review your repair history, warranty, and vehicle issues to confirm eligibility under Californiaโs Lemon Law.
- Document Collection: We gather repair orders, purchase contracts, and other evidence to build a strong case.
- Negotiation with Ford: We present your claim to Ford, seeking a buyback, refund, or settlement. Most cases settle out of court.
- Litigation (If Needed): If Ford resists, our trial-ready attorneys file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Resolution: Successful claims typically resolve in 30โ180 days, with compensation including refunds, replacements, or cash settlements.
2025 Statistic: Over 75% of California lemon law cases settle without a trial, with an average resolution time of 4 months when handled by experienced attorneys like ours.
Fordโs Lemon Law Policy: What You Need to Know
Ford Motor Company, like other automakers, does not publicly advertise a specific โlemon law policyโ beyond complying with state laws. Their standard approach involves offering warranty repairs through authorized dealerships, but Ford may initially resist buyback or refund requests to minimize costs. In some cases, Ford offers โgoodwill repairsโ ย or extended warranties to avoid lemon law liability, which may not fully resolve the issue.
Warning: Recent allegations suggest some California law firms have engaged in fraudulent billing practices in lemon law cases against Ford, complicating the claims process. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we maintain transparency and integrity, and we guarantee your case will be handled ethically.ย
Schedule a Free Consultation with West Coast Trial Lawyers Today
A defective Ford shouldnโt cost you time, money, or peace of mind. Our Ford Lemon Lawyers are dedicated to fighting for California consumers, with a proven track record of securing over $1.7 billion in compensation for our clients. With offices all over California and Beyond, we serve Ford owners statewide 24/7. Our no-fee-unless-we-win policy means you face zero financial risk when going against Ford.
Take Action Now! Call us at (213) 927-3700 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get back on the road with confidence.
