Ford Faces Lawsuit Over 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine

Introduction

In late 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into reports of a defect in Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine. As a result, Ford issued a recall of nearly 140,000 cars in January of this year. However, a judge has recently allowed a class-action lawsuit regarding the potentially defective engines to proceed.

The Lawsuit

The class-action suit, filed in the District Court of Delaware, includes 13 plaintiffs who own Ford EcoSport vehicles equipped with the 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine. The lawsuit alleges that Ford failed to disclose a defect that could lead to engine destruction and costly repairs exceeding the engine’s value.

Expanding the Case

The lawsuit also includes Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta owners with the same engine, despite none of the current plaintiffs owning these models. The law firm handling the case is reaching out to other class members who purchased or leased Ford vehicles equipped with the 1.0L EcoBoost engine, including 2016-2017 Ford Fiesta, 2018-2021 Ford EcoSport, and 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles, to add their claims to the case.

Potential Consequences for Ford

If the case proceeds, Ford may face more than just repair or replacement costs for the engines in question. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for the diminished value of their vehicles, towing expenses, rental car costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. However, Ford may still have the opportunity to have the case dismissed if they can prove they are meeting their legal obligations to these customers under the recall. The judge has already dismissed claims regarding express warranty claims.