The engine is often considered the “heart” of a vehicle, so it’s essential to have it maintained on a regular basis. But engine problems are sometimes caused by the manufacturer, long before the car is purchased by the new owner. Perhaps that’s the situation you’ve found yourself in as the owner of a Ford Explorer with engine issues. What are my rights if my car keeps having the same problem with its engine? Can I return my car and get a refund? These are just some of the concerns that are probably on your mind right now.
Consumers in California are protected by the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, often referred to as the California lemon law. If you bought or leased your vehicle from an authorized dealer, you have the right to demand that all warranty-covered issues are resolved in a timely manner. If the manufacturer can’t fulfill their end of the bargain, you can seek compensation by filing a lemon law claim.
Succeeding in a lemon law case requires extensive knowledge of the state’s lemon law, as well as the legal procedures that may be involved. Our lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way, so please take a moment to schedule a free case evaluation.
Ford Explorer Engine Problems
Ford promises their customers a solid and reliable vehicle, but engine problems are very common with the Explorer. In fact the company issued a recall on December 16, 2020 for all 2021 models because of components in the engine that can come loose over time. However, owners of Ford Explorers continue to report engine issues, including sudden loss of engine power and a loud, rattling sound inside the engine when they try to start the car. This is a classic sign of defective internal components, which must be addressed right away.
Ford Explorer powertrain issues are another problem that we hear about often, which is the system that creates power from your engine and propels your vehicle forward. In many cases, malfunctioning components in the engine are to blame for powertrain failure, but it can also be caused by a faulty transmission, drive shaft, axles, or the differential.
The point is, you have the right to receive a fully functioning, defect-free vehicle when you purchase a new or used Ford. Contact Guardian Lemon Law if you have a Ford Explorer that keeps breaking down from the same issue.
Can I Lemon my Ford Explorer under California Law?
Yes, you may have the right to seek protection under the California lemon law if you have a warrantable issue with your car that impacts its safety, operability, or value. Before you can proceed with a claim, you have to allow enough opportunities for the manufacturer to fix the problem. But how many repair attempts is reasonable under the law?
This largely depends on the type of issue your car is having, especially if it’s a problem that can cause injuries or death. In that case, it’s reasonable to expect that the issue if fixed in one or two attempts. However, the dealership should be given more chances to resolve less serious defects, like bubbling paint or a stereo system malfunction.
Our lawyers can help you determine the correct number of repair attempts to allow. As soon as you’ve taken the necessary steps, we will proceed with a lemon law complaint and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. If you’re worried about paying for legal services, please note that under California law, the manufacturer pays the bills, meaning there is no cost to the client for hiring an attorney.
What if I Leased my Car – Can I get my Money Back?
You may have wondered if it’s possible to return your lease in the event your car is continuing to suffer from the safe defect. Fortunately, the lemon law applies to both purchased and leased cars, so yes, you can lemon your car and demand restitution from the manufacturer. That doesn’t mean the manufacturer will make it easy for you to obtain payment, so it’s in your best interest to hire a lawyer right away if you suspect that you were sold a lemon. Contact our office and speak to a lemon law lawyer, who can advise you on how to get your lease back for a Ford Explorer with engine or powertrain issues.
Average Case Value of a Lemon Lawsuit against Ford
The biggest part of your settlement is based on the purchase or lease price of your Ford Explorer, since you are entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. But you can also ask to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses like towing fees and car services. In addition, you may have a claim for personal injury if you had an accident due to your car’s engine issues. In total, lawsuits for these cases may be worth around $25,000 to $300,000, though what you can receive from a successful claim may be less or more based on your personal circumstances.
Time Limit to File a Ford Defective Engine Lemon Claim
In California, you are given 4 years to file a lemon lawsuit, though when that period of time begins is the real question. For many consumers, the 4-year window starts from the day they first noticed the defect with their vehicle. However, you should not take it for granted that this is the correct statute of limitations for you. There are various circumstances that can shorten the amount of time you have to pursue a lemon complaint, so contact us right away to confirm this information with one of our attorneys.
Legal Advice on Active Lemon Law Cases
If you’re in the middle of an active lemon lawsuit, you may not be happy with the way your case is being handled. You may also have questions about your lawyer’s advice and want to verify your legal options with an attorney that’s experienced in California’s lemon law. If there are any issues you’d like to discuss with our experts, don’t hesitate to schedule a free second opinion. This is a 100% free, no-obligation meeting to discuss your case and confirm that everything is headed in the right direction. If not, we can provide alternatives, like switching your lawyer and continuing your lemon claim with us.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide the best course of action, but we hope you’ll take the chance of calling us for a free second opinion.
How Long Does it Take to get Paid on these Cases?
How long it takes to achieve a fair settlement depends on many factors, including the manufacturer’s cooperation, the damages you are owed, and if your car’s engine problems led to an accident. Based on the legal issues we will need to work through, a lemon law complaint can take anywhere from 30 days to one or more years from start to finish. To learn more about the process of settling a California lemon law claim, contact us for a free case review.
Contact Guardian Lemon Law
As someone who has found themselves with a lemon car, we know how frustrating it can be to hold the manufacturer accountable for a defective product. Thankfully, consumers of warranty-covered vehicles have the right to demand compensation under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. The hardest part is navigating the legal system and ensuring that you are not taken advantage of by Ford Motor Company.
To ensure that you receive every penny you’re entitled to, please consult an experienced lemon law attorney as soon as possible. Guardian Lemon Law has decades of experience representing lemon claimants, and we know what it takes to achieve the results you’re looking for. Best of all, there is no cost to you since the state’s lemon law requires the manufacturer to pay your legal fees. On top of that, we provide you with a Zero Fee Guarantee, so you’ll be freed from any legal fees if we don’t win your case.
Our lawyers are available to speak with you 24/7, so please give us a call to learn about your rights and legal options.
