DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 205 – From Mike P. from Colorado Springs, CO
Dear Suzanne,
The day I bought my 2023 Ford F-150, I believed I was getting a truck that could do it all—powerful, reliable, and efficient. That’s what I was promised, and that’s what I expected. But within months, my truck has become more of a driveway decoration than a dependable ride.
First, it was the terrible fuel economy, then the loud engine noise, followed by a mysterious rattling sound that no one at Ford can seem to fix. The issues are piling up faster than I can take it back to the Ford dealership, and now I’m wondering if I’ve got a lemon on my hands.
Fuel Efficiency Is a Joke
When I bought this truck, I expected decent fuel economy for its size—at least close to what the dealer claimed. I knew trucks weren’t the most fuel-efficient, but this is just absurd.
I’m getting 12 miles per gallon in the city and barely 16 on the highway—nowhere near the 20 mpg the dealer promised. After a few weeks, I took it in to get checked. They ran some tests, told me nothing was wrong, and basically sent me on my way. No explanation, no solution—just a shrug and “That’s normal.”
Engine Noise That Sounds Like a Clanking Tractor
As if bad gas mileage wasn’t enough, my truck now makes a deep clanking noise whenever I accelerate. It’s not constant, but when it happens, it sounds like something is about to snap under the hood.
I’ve taken it to the dealership twice. They replaced a few parts, but the noise always comes back. It feels like they’re slapping temporary fixes on a bigger problem, and I know this isn’t just going to disappear on its own.
Mysterious Rattling That Won’t Quit
Lately, a rattling noise has started coming from the back of the truck. At first, it only happened on rough roads, but now it’s nearly constant, no matter the speed.
I checked everything I could—the bed, tailgate, and exhaust—but nothing seems loose. It sounds like metal-on-metal, making my brand-new truck feel like a worn-out beater. Once again, I took it to the dealership. And once again, they found “nothing wrong.” Meanwhile, the noise keeps getting worse.
Tired of the Dealership Runaround
I’ve been to the dealership five times in four months. Each visit is the same: I drop it off, they say it’s fine, and nothing improves. The problems always resurface as soon as I leave the lot. I’m over it.
Every time I drive, I’m left wondering, “What’s going to break next?” And more importantly, “Do I have to keep putting up with this?”
Does My F-150 Qualify Under Colorado’s Lemon Law?
I bought this truck expecting to keep it for years, but instead, I’ve spent months dealing with repair after repair. So now I need to know—does my F-150 qualify under Colorado’s Lemon Law?
How many repairs does it take before my truck is considered a lemon?
Do poor fuel efficiency and engine noise count as defects under the law?
Can I push for a refund or replacement, or am I stuck with this truck for good?
I’m exhausted, Suzanne. I just want a truck that works the way it should. Please let me know what my options are because I’m about ready to give up.
Mike P. from Colorado Springs, CO
Your 2023 Ford F-150 Problems Sound Like a Classic Lemon Case
Dear Mike,
I get it—you expected a tough, dependable truck, and instead, you got a vehicle that spends more time at the dealership than on the road. The constant fuel issues, engine noise, and rattling aren’t just annoying; they’re signs that something’s seriously wrong. It’s unacceptable that you’ve had to take it in so many times, only to be told there’s nothing wrong. You deserve real answers, and more importantly, a truck that actually works.
Before we get into the details, let’s go over how Colorado’s Lemon Law works and whether your truck might qualify.
Does My F-150 Qualify for Colorado’s Lemon Law?
Colorado’s Lemon Law covers new vehicles with significant defects that affect their use, safety, or value—issues that the manufacturer or dealer can’t fix after multiple repair attempts. Your truck’s ongoing mechanical problems could fit this definition, but there are a few key requirements to consider:
- The defect must substantially impact the vehicle’s safety, use, or value.
- The manufacturer must have been given a reasonable number of attempts to fix the issue.
- The problems must have started within the first year of ownership or first 12,000 miles—whichever comes first.
Since you’ve been dealing with repeated problems almost immediately after purchase, your F-150 could qualify. The next question is whether the number of repairs you’ve had is enough.
How Many Repairs Do I Need Before the Truck Is Considered a Lemon?
In Colorado, the law states that a vehicle may be considered a lemon if:
- The manufacturer or dealer has tried to fix the same issue at least four times with no success, OR
- The vehicle has been out of service for 30 or more total days due to repairs.
Since you’ve already taken your truck to the dealership five times, you could have a strong case. Keep detailed records of each visit, including repair orders and any communication with the dealership.
Do Fuel Efficiency and Engine Noise Count as Defects Under the Law?
This depends. If the truck’s fuel efficiency is dramatically lower than what was advertised and the manufacturer can’t fix it, it could be considered a defect. But fuel economy alone can be tricky to prove under Lemon Law unless it’s linked to a mechanical failure.
The engine noise, however, is a different story. If it’s a serious mechanical issue that affects performance or safety, and the dealer can’t repair it, it strengthens your case. The rattling sound is also concerning—if it indicates a structural or mechanical defect, it could be covered.
Can I Push for a Refund or Replacement, or Am I Stuck With This Truck?
If your F-150 meets the Lemon Law criteria, you could be entitled to either a replacement vehicle or a refund of what you paid for the truck (minus reasonable usage fees). The manufacturer typically decides which option they’ll offer, but if they refuse to cooperate, you may need to take legal action.
Next Steps: Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney
Because Lemon Law claims can get complicated, your best move is to speak with an experienced Colorado Lemon Law attorney. They can review your case, handle the legal process, and put pressure on Ford to do the right thing. A good attorney will know how to push for the best possible outcome, whether that’s a refund, a replacement, or another resolution that works for you.
Final Thoughts
I know this isn’t what you expected when you bought your truck, and it’s not fair that you have to fight just to get what you paid for. But you don’t have to deal with this alone. If your F-150 qualifies under Colorado’s Lemon Law, you have the right to demand a resolution. I strongly encourage you to take the next step and get the help you need to finally put this headache behind you.
You deserve a truck that works, Mike. I hope this helps, and I’m rooting for you!
Suzanne
Resolve your 2023 Ford F-150 Lemon Car problem today!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Colorado Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Colorado Lemon Law Attorney to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
Related Articles:
- My 2023 Ford F-150 Almost Cost Me My Job
- My 2021 Ford Fiesta Is Somehow Struggling More Than I Am
- Colorado Lemon Law: Are You Eligible?
Featured Images:
- 2023 Ford F-150 ©WMrapids (CC BY 1.0 Universal)
