Are you the owner of a Ford Expedition that’s having electrical problems? Have you taken your car in for repairs, but the dealership is unable to fix the issue? If so, you may be entitled to monetary compensation under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Commonly known as the California lemon law, this legislation protects consumers if they have been sold a vehicle with significant issues, like failures with the electrical system. Furthermore, the law has strict guidelines on the procedures that manufacturers must follow in order to protect consumers from being taken advantage of.
While an attorney is not required to pursue a lemon case, many claimants quickly discover that the legal process is more complicated than they had anticipated. Our goal as your legal advocate is to protect your interests and help you obtain the full value of your losses from Ford Motor Company. To learn more about the ways we can assist you, call us at our office and speak with a California lemon law attorney.
Can I Lemon my Car if my Ford Expedition has Electrical Issues?
The California lemon law gives you the right to seek compensation from the manufacturer if your vehicle has a warranty-covered defect that cannot be reasonably resolved. Thus, if the dealership is unable to fix your Ford Expedition electrical problems, you are entitled to payment through a lemon complaint. Common electrical issues with Ford Expeditions include, but are not limited to:
- Battery problems
- Underhood wiring issues
- Malfunctions with the alternator, generator, or regulator
- Failure with the starter system
- Car will not accelerate
- Software issues
- Headlights turning off while driving
- Anti-theft system failure
- Problems with the fuses and circuit breakers
- Issues with the ignition switch
Before you can proceed with a claim, you must allow the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts. This can mean different things based on the specific issue with your vehicle. For example, if it’s a problem that’s likely to cause an accident, 2 attempts is generally considered “reasonable.” With issues that are not an emergency, you should probably allow 4 attempts. However, it’s a good idea to discuss your legal options with an experienced lemon lawyer to ensure that you’ve taken all the proper steps.
If you continue to have electrical issues with your car, you can demand a manufacturer buyback of your vehicle, which will provide you with a refund of the lease or purchase price. Under the state’s lemon law, the manufacture must also cover any expenses if you choose to hire an attorney, which is highly recommended to ensure that you receive the highest possible settlement.
Can I get my Money Back for Other Problems with my Ford Expedition?
Yes, if there is a warranty-covered issue with your car that affects its value, safety, or usability, you can return your car and get your money back from the manufacturer. Examples of defects that are commonly found in Ford Expeditions include:
- Brake failure
- Airbags not deploying
- Backup camera malfunctions
- Death wobble – shaking when car exceeds 50 mph
- EcBoost engine issues – failing or stalling
- Bubbling paint / rusting
- Power steering issues
- Oil, fuel, or water leaks
- Poor construction (unstable frames)
How to get Your Lease Back if Your Car has a Significant Defect
If you’ve leased a defective Ford Expedition, California law provides you with protections that may allow you to return your lease. If your car is backed by a warranty and you’ve given the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts, you can file a lemon claim and demand compensation in the form of a refund or replacement vehicle. It’s not unusual to face resistance from the manufacturer, and overcoming their arguments can be difficult for the average claimant. That’s why it’s in your best interest to retain a California lemon lawyer as soon as possible.
Average Value of a Lemon Law Settlement
Aside from the value of your lease / purchase price or a replacement vehicle, you are entitled to out of pocket costs, like rental car and towing expenses. If you’ve suffered injuries due to your car’s electrical issues, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim, which will compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other qualifying damages. These factors are unique to each claimant, so there’s no way for us to provide an average lemon law settlement value. Based on the combined value of your damages, $30,000 to over $300,000 may be a reasonable settlement range. Our lawyers are happy to meet with you and help you figure out the approximate value of your claim, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.
How long do these Cases take to Settle?
Settling a California lemon law claim can take around 30 days to several months in the majority of cases. However, the timeline depends on various factors that we can’t predict ahead of time, so it’s possible that your case may take 1 or more years from start to finish. To get a better sense of the legal process and how long it may take to recover your payment, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Deadline to File a Lemon Lawsuit against Ford
In California, consumers have 4 years to bring a lawsuit against an auto manufacturer if they were sold a defective vehicle. The big question is: when does the 4-year period start? It’s important that you have the right answer to this question, since it’s very difficult to get an extension if you are past the normal statute of limitations. Our lawyers can verify the amount of time you have to sue the manufacturer and receive the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a Second Opinion
If you are have concerns about an active lemon claim, Guardian Lemon Law is happy to assist you with a free second opinion. This is your chance to have your case evaluated by one of our attorneys, who will alert you to any red flags or verify whether you are receiving the correct advice from your attorney. Then, we will discuss your available legal options, though you are under no obligation to follow any of our recommendations. For a free consultation with an experienced California lemon attorney, contact us at your earliest convenience.
Representation from a California Lemon Law Lawyer
If you’re struggling to find a remedy for the electrical issues with your Ford Expedition, please consider meeting with the attorneys of Guardian Lemon Law. Legal protections are available to help you if you’re the owner of a defective vehicle, but you must act right away to ensure that your claim is filed on time.
As for any attorney’s fees, the manufacturer pays the bills, so there is no cost to the client. That’s right – you can hire us for free and receive every penny of the damages you are entitled to from a California lemon law claim. What happens in the event we don’t win your case? The Zero Fee Guarantee is our promise to you that you won’t be responsible for any legal fees.
Contact Guardian Lemon Law to learn about your rights and legal options during a free case review.