My 2021 Ford Explorer FT Makes Embarrassing Noises

DEAR SUZANNE

By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 74 – November 2022 | Embarrassed

Dear Suzanne, 

I’m really hoping you can help me out with some advice. I’m really frustrated with the problems I’ve been having with my new car and it’s starting to affect my daily life and stress levels.

I bought a brand new 2021 Ford Explorer FT and haven’t had any accidents or added any aftermarket parts. But despite that, I’ve had to take it to the Ford dealership for various issues about four times now and each time it just seems to get worse.

ROUGH IDLING

The first visit was around 8,000 miles in and the main issue was rough idling and a misfire that happened when I turned on the AC. They ordered a new part and replaced it, but then just a few months later, I had to bring it back in for more issues. This time, they replaced the spark plugs, coils, engine computer, and some diagnostics that still weren’t fixed.

NOISE FROM REAR AXLE

The third visit was because of a clunking noise coming from the rear axle. It was really embarrassing when I was driving someone I respect to a destination and the noise started up again. When I took it in, they did some diagnostics and even had Ford send out a technician, but still couldn’t find anything wrong with the car.

And now, I’ve had to bring it in again for recalls and more issues like rough idling, transmission problems, and issues with the trunk, backup camera, and radio. It’s only been a year and I feel like I’m constantly having to deal with car problems.

The dealer keeps telling me these issues are normal, but I don’t think it’s normal for my car to shake violently and misfire when I start it up. I’m at a loss and don’t know what to do. I also don’t know much about lemon laws, so any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

 
Embarrassed

2021 Ford Explorer FT Has Too Many Issues

Dear Embarrassed,

It sounds like you’ve been through a lot of frustration and embarrassment with your 2021 Ford Explorer FT. It’s understandable that you’re feeling uncertain about what to do and how to handle the situation, but the good news is that California’s lemon law may be able to help you get the justice you deserve.

REQUIRED REPAIR VISITS

To qualify for lemon law protection, your car must have been taken to the dealership at least twice for the same issue within the warranty period, or have had three or more repairs for different problems within the warranty period. It sounds like you’ve had to take your car in multiple times for a variety of issues, so it’s possible that you may be eligible for lemon law protection.

FORD BUYBACK

One option available to you is the “buyback,” where the manufacturer would buy back your car and pay you back everything you’ve spent on it, including your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and interest. The only deduction that might be taken is the “mileage offset,” which covers the time you drove the car without experiencing any issues. However, your attorney may be able to waive this fee or negotiate it down. You can read more about the Ford Lemon Law buyback settlement option here.

CASH SETTLEMENT

Another option is the “cash and keep,” where you receive cash compensation for your car’s issues but are able to keep the car. This option allows you to keep your warranty intact and sell the car later without labeling it as a lemon. However, the manufacturer may not guarantee that they will fix any issues with the car.

It’s important to keep up with your monthly payments while your case is ongoing, as the manufacturer may try to use this as an excuse to cancel the case. You should also keep documentation of any visits to the dealership for repairs, even if they are unable to replicate the issues you’re experiencing.

It’s worth noting that all lemon law cases in California are taken on contingency, so the manufacturer will be responsible for paying any legal fees. The total settlement you receive will be yours to keep.

If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced lemon law attorney. They can help you understand your options and guide you through the process of seeking justice for your faulty car.
 
Suzanne

Free Legal Advice About Your 2021 Ford Explorer FT Lemon Law Claim

Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about California’s lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (323) 553-7525 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 California Lemon Law or how to file a claim in California, please write to help@lemonlawyers.org. 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 California Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.

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Featured Image:

• 2021 Ford Explorer FT ©Dennis Elzinga (CC BY 2.0 License)