Ford vehicles account for some of the highest recall volumes in the U.S. If your Ford has persistent defects the dealer can't fix, you may be entitled to a full refund or replacement.
Ford Motor Company is one of the most recalled manufacturers in the United States, with thousands of safety recalls issued across its lineup of trucks, SUVs, and cars. Common issues include transmission failures in the Ford Focus and Fiesta (DPS6 PowerShift), engine fires in the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, and electronic system malfunctions across multiple model years.
If you've taken your Ford to the dealer multiple times for the same issue and it remains unfixed, your vehicle may qualify as a "lemon" under your state's lemon law. Most lemon law attorneys handle Ford cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you win — and in most states, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney fees.
Ford lemon law claims are among the most common in the country due to the brand's high sales volume and well-documented defect patterns. Whether you drive an F-150, Explorer, Bronco, or Mustang Mach-E, understanding your rights is the first step toward getting the resolution you deserve.
Ford has issued over 3,500 safety recalls since 2000, making it one of the most-recalled manufacturers in the NHTSA database. Major recall campaigns include the Takata airbag inflator replacement (affecting millions of Ford vehicles), the DPS6 transmission recall for Focus/Fiesta, multiple recalls for unintended door opening in F-150 and Super Duty trucks, and engine fire risks in the Escape and Bronco Sport.
In 2023 alone, Ford issued 67 recall campaigns covering over 7 million vehicles. The company has faced significant litigation including the $1.7 billion PowerShift transmission settlement and ongoing class actions related to the 10-speed transmission and Mustang Mach-E battery issues.
View all Ford vehicle recalls and NHTSA safety alerts
Even if your state's lemon law doesn't cover your situation (for example, if you're past the mileage limit or bought a used Ford), you may still have rights under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This federal law allows consumers to sue manufacturers for breach of warranty and can cover vehicles that state lemon laws exclude.
Under Magnuson-Moss, if Ford's warranty promised to repair defects and the company failed to do so after reasonable attempts, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or damages. Unlike some state laws, Magnuson-Moss has no mileage cap and can apply to used vehicles still under the manufacturer's original warranty.
Learn about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
Most states require 3-4 repair attempts for the same defect, or 30+ cumulative days out of service. Some states have a 'one bite' rule for safety defects like fires or brake failures. Check your state's specific requirements.
Yes. The F-150 is one of the most common vehicles in lemon law claims due to its high sales volume and documented issues with the 10-speed transmission, electrical systems, and engine components.
Yes. In most states, lemon laws protect both purchasers and lessees. If your leased Ford has recurring defects, you may be entitled to lease termination, refund of payments made, or a replacement vehicle.
In most states, the manufacturer (Ford) is required to pay your attorney fees if you win your lemon law case. Most lemon law attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.
Ford agreed to a $1.7 billion settlement in 2023 for owners of 2012-2016 Focus and Fiesta vehicles with the defective DPS6 dual-clutch transmission. If you weren't part of the class action, you may still have individual lemon law rights.