The Ford Lemon Law buyback option is a settlement agreement intended to compensate consumers who encounter persistent defects in their Ford vehicles purchased or leased in California.
When a consumer buys or leases a Ford from an authorized dealership, the reasonable expectation is for them to be able to use the vehicle without any issues or problems within the next few years after the purchase.
Once the owner encounters recurring issues with their Ford in the course of regular usage, the situation will turn problematic. If the problem persists even after numerous attempts by the dealership to repair the car, the situation can become quite unbearable to the consumer.
This is where California’s robust lemon laws come to the rescue. You don’t need to get stuck or put up with a defective vehicle. Under the law, you have the right to receive financial compensation from Ford for your lemon vehicle.
In this article, we will discuss what the Ford Lemon Law buyback option is, how it works, what the qualifications are, which Ford models are affected, and what defects are covered.
What is the Ford Lemon Law Buyback Option?
Quite simply, the Ford Lemon Law buyback settlement option happens when the company agrees to buy back or repurchase the vehicle from a customer at the full dealership price that the customer paid for the vehicle (subject to minimal deductions mandated by law).
A Ford Lemon Law buyback or repurchase settlement option can be obtained through:
- direct negotiations with the company,
- a court verdict,
- an arbitration ruling.
In the next sections, we are going to discuss the buyback process and how you can qualify to receive compensation under this option. In the meantime, watch this video below to know more about this Lemon Law settlement option:
How Does The Ford Buyback Program Work?
Under the Ford buyback program, purchased or leased vehicles that are deemed defective are bought back or repurchased by the manufacturer. Ford vehicles purchased used may also qualify if the defects or issues occured within the vehicle’s original warranty period and the warranty agreement was transferred to the new owner.
The way the buyback program works under California Lemon Law is that if, after a specific number of repairs, a vehicle’s defects are still recurring, then it may be deemed a lemon and thus, qualifies for this option.
This is a settlement option for customers who own a lemon vehicle to get fair compensation from the auto manufacturer. Under California Lemon Laws, car owners do not have to worry about being stuck with a lemon so long as this can be proven through your repair documents and records.
Does Your Vehicle Qualify for A Ford Lemon Law Buyback Option?
Not all defective Ford vehicles qualify for compensation under California Lemon Law. For your Ford vehicle to be deemed a lemon it must meet any of the following criteria:
- The vehicle had been brought back to the dealership for repairs at least two times for a major safety defect.
- The vehicle had been brought back to the dealership for repairs at least four times for a non-safety defect or issue.
- The vehicle had been kept at the dealership for repairs for a total of more than 30 days (cumulative) for any combination of defects.
Under the law, if any of these conditions are satisfied during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the car is automatically presumed a lemon. After this period, the vehicle may still qualify if the persistent defects or issues started within the vehicle’s warranty period (usually, 3 years for bumper-to-bumper warranty or 5 years for powertrain warranty).
Common Car Defects That May Lead To A Buyback
Although various Ford vehicle models may exhibit unique defects, there are some issues that occur across multiple models. Here are some examples of these issues:
- Transmission Issues: Slippage/Jerking. These are notably one of the most complained about problems. Transmission issues often display in violent jerks, which may sometimes first begin as a slight jolt while driving.
- Engine Issues: Another issue that is commonly reported with Ford vehicles is engine related. It often ranges from incessant oil leaks to engine overheating.
- Starting issues due to power loss
- Electrical problems in dash
- Carbon Monoxide leaks into cabin
- Excessive vibration in axles/steering column
- MyFord sync issues
- Suspension issues
- Steering System Defects
- Electronic throttle body recall
It’s essential to note that these defects aren’t the only ones that may qualify your vehicle as a lemon. Any recurring or persistent defect that seriously affects your car’s use, safety, or value can be used to file a complaint.
Ford Vehicle Models Subject to Lemon Law
If you own a Ford vehicle and live in California, you may be wondering which models are covered by the Lemon law. Here’s a list of the applicable models:
- FORD F-150
- FORD F-250
- FORD F-350
- FORD F-450
- FORD Ranger
- FORD Edge
- FORD Escape
- FORD Expedition
- FORD Explorer
- FORD Flex
- FORD Focus
- FORD Fiesta
- FORD Taurus
- FORD Fusion
- FORD C-MAX
- FORD Mustang
- FORD Shelby GT500
California Ford owners with defective vehicles listed above that are still under the original manufacturer’s warranty may be eligible for compensation.
Our Lemon Law claim assistance is currently available for models from 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Ford Lemon Law Case Examples
Here are several examples of Ford Lemon Law cases featuring different models and specific issues:
2019 Ford Fusion Knocking Issue Not Replicated in Test Drive
The knocking problem on this 2019 Ford Fusion can’t be replicated during test drives at the dealership but it’s a persistent issue & they can’t seem to fix it. Worse, he was told to wait until his warranty expires before they’ll be able to take a closer look.
2019 Ford Ranger With Transmission Issues Leaves Driver Stranded
Every day is another new day to get stranded for the driver of this 2019 Ford Ranger with chronic transmission issues. With other problems like Check Engine Light and floor vibrations, he’s desperate to get the vehicle fixed but they told him to wait three weeks and they’re only paying for half of rental car expenses.
2020 Ford F-150 With Transmission & Electrical Issues
After over 10 visits to the dealership, the owner of this 2020 Ford F-150 with transmission & electrical issues is now wondering if he can compel Ford to buy back the defective truck by filing a Lemon Law claim. Does he have a case?
2020 Ford Explorer Kept Over a Month at the Dealership
It took five weeks for the dealership to return this 2020 Ford Explorer with faulty transmission to its owner. They had to replace the transmission and the problem seems to be fixed for the time being but the owner is not so sure.
Clunking Noise on 2021 Ford Explorer FT Made Owner Blush
The clunking noise coming from the rear axle on this 2021 Ford Explorer FT landed its driver into a cringey episode when the embarrassing noise cropped up while he was driving an important person to a destination. Now, after a year’s worth of repairs for a host of issues, the owner asks if the Lemon Law can help him get rid of the problematic vehicle.
The Ford Buyback Process
As said before, the Ford buyback process under California Lemon Law is a pretty straightforward. This process typically involves the following steps:
Hiring a Lemon Law Attorney
As a California consumer, you have the option to pursue a Lemon Law claim and obtain compensation for a defective Ford vehicle. You can choose to negotiate with the manufacturer, file a case, or go into arbitration. Whatever claims method you choose, you’ll be expenentially increasing your chances of success if you have a competent and experienced Lemon Law attorney guding you through the process and advocating on your behalf.
Submitting Repair Documents
Your lemon lawyer can help you identify which documents are essential to prove your claim. Usually, these documents include your warranty papers, purchase or lease receipts, repair orders, repair invoices, financing documents, etc.
Filing the Case
When all documentary evidence are collected, your lawyer will proceed to file a case in court. Once the case is filed, Ford will now be on a strict timeline to respond to your claim for compensation.
Negotiating a Settlement
In the majority of Lemon Law cases we’ve handled in California, the manufacturer opted to settle the claim out of court knowing that the claim will not be filed by the attorney unless it is fully backed by evidence.
Going to Trial
In the rare instance that the settlement offer (buyback, cash compensation, or vehicle replacement) is not acceptable to you, your lawyer is prepared to litigate your case in court to obtain a more favorable settlement for your defective Ford.
2020 Ford Buyback Program: The Ford Promise
In 2020, Ford proved to be quite adept at meeting the needs of its customers who were understandably apprehensive about losing their jobs at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company instituted a buyback program that guaranteed vehicle repurchase if a job loss occurred. This program was referred to as the Ford Promise Initiative.
To be clear, the Ford Promise offer was not a buyback program related to Lemon Law. Rather, it was a marketing strategy to reassure potential buyers who were reluctant to purchase new vehicles because of the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. As such, Ford customers had the option to have their vehicles repurchased under the program, even if the vehicle had zero defects, for as long as they meet the conditions that Ford specified.
The Promise Initiative was begun as a means of assisting those who might have purchased Ford vehicles at some point, but later found themselves unemployed. As such, customers who purchased these cars and lost their jobs in less than a year would have their cars repurchased by the automaker for the average market value.
However, applications to the program were only accepted up to September 30, 2020. Also, it was only accessible to those who owned personal cars; those with vehicles for commercial purposes were excluded.
Exploring Additional Ford Settlement Pathways Within Lemon Law
In addition to the Ford Buyback settlement, there exist alternative options through which the automaker can provide compensation for your defective vehicle. The two primary alternatives are Vehicle Replacement and Cash and Keep Settlement.
Vehicle Replacement
Another possible outcome in a lemon law litigation is that the court will order the manufacturer to replace the consumer’s vehicle with a brand new unit. Or, Ford may voluntarily offer to provide a replacement vehicle to settle a claim.
If you choose to accept this settlement option, the law dictates that the replacement vehicle must be substantially identical to your original vehicle and carry the same warranties as the original vehicle. If you paid for add-on options, such as rust proofing or undercoating, those options must be applied to the replacement vehicle, as well.
Finally, under this arrangement, Ford is required to reimburse you for any incidental expenses incurred as a result of the vehicle’s issues such out-of-pocket repair expenses, towing charges, and car rental fees.
Cash and Keep Settlement
If the defects or issues in your Ford are not substantial enough for it to be considered for a buyback, you can still file a claim for compensation. This scenario applies to issues that potentially diminish the vehicle’s resale value but do not threaten your safety or prevent you from operating the vehicle. Examples of these defects are bad paint jobs, hissing engine noises, annoying sound from the sunroof, etc.
In this case, the court might compel Ford to pay you a set amount of cash as compensation for the repair issues and incidental expenses you might have incurred resulting from those and you get to keep the vehicle.
The Ford Lemon Law Buyback: Your Best Settlement Option
If you settle a Lemon Law claim for a defective Ford under the buyback arrangement, the automaker will repurchase the vehicle and provide full compensation for the original purchase price.
While the final settlement amount may be subject to Mileage Offset deductions to account for usage of the vehicle before the emergence of repair issues, a buyback still offers complete reimbursement for the purchase price and compensation for all out-of-pocket expenses like repairs, towing, and temporary rental vehicles during the repair period.
Hence, despite the deductions for Mileage Offset, the Ford Lemon Law Buyback settlement option remains the most advantageous resolution for Lemon Law claims concerning a defective Ford vehicle in California.
Watch VIDEO: Hire a Ford Lemon Law Lawyer At Zero Cost To You
Take Action Today: Get in Touch with a Ford Lemon Law Attorney
If you’re a California resident and own a defective Ford with ongoing issues covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you may be eligible for compensation. To initiate the Lemon Law process and seek assistance from a skilled Ford Lemon lawyer, take action today. Your attorney will thoroughly evaluate your claim, provide personalized legal guidance on whether to proceed with a case, and guide you through the claims process.
The best part is that all these important services are provided at no cost to you. In California, legal fees in Lemon Law cases are the responsibility of the manufacturer, and Lemon Law attorneys typically operate on a “no win-no fee” basis. This means that Ford will cover the attorney’s fees as part of the settlement, and the lawyer will only receive payment if they win your case.
Now is the time to assert your rights and secure the fair compensation you deserve. Remember, the law is on your side, and you should not have to bear the burden of dealing with a defective vehicle.
ABOUT FORD MOTORS
Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903, is an American multinational automobile manufacturer with its headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. The company is known for selling automobiles and commercial vehicles under the Ford brand, as well as luxury cars under the Lincoln brand.
In terms of vehicle production in 2022, Ford ranks as the second-largest U.S.-based automaker. While the financial crisis of 2007-08 posed financial challenges for many automakers, Ford managed to navigate the crisis without requiring rescue from the federal government, distinguishing itself from the other major U.S. automakers. Since then, Ford has successfully returned to profitability, and in 2018, it was ranked as the eleventh overall American-based company in the Fortune 500 list. This ranking was based on global revenues of $156.7 billion in 2017.
Ford has built a strong reputation over its century-long history for manufacturing durable and reliable cars that uphold American workmanship standards, technology, and innovation. However, in recent years, the company has faced Lemon Law claims related to certain vehicles exhibiting defects during the warranty period. (Wikipedia)