When you invest in a vehicle, you expect a smooth ride and a reliable performance. But what happens when your trusted ride starts to experience issues, disrupting your daily routine, and causing worry? This is exactly what many Ford owners have experienced due to a problem with their cam phasers, a key component in Ford’s 3.5L GTDI engine.
These problems have led to a wave of complaints, technical service bulletins, and extended warranty provisions. But is there more to it? This is where we begin our journey, exploring the issue in detail.
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Is There a Lawsuit Against Ford Cam Phaser?
You might be surprised to learn that there isn’t a specific class action lawsuit against Ford over cam phaser issues. Yes, you heard that right. There was a class action suit filed in the past, known as “Jason Schmidt et al. v. Ford Motor Co.” (Case No. 12-cv-07222), but it didn’t exclusively target the cam phaser problems. Instead, it was about engine defects in general and covered a span from 2005 to 2012. Interestingly, the case concluded in 2016 with a judgment in favor of Ford.
Does this mean Ford owners with cam phaser issues are left in the lurch? Not necessarily. While it’s true that there isn’t a specific legal action against the cam phaser issue right now, there are other legal avenues available to affected owners. More on that soon.
What is the Ford Cam Phaser Lawsuit About?
Though there isn’t a specific lawsuit about Ford’s cam phaser issues, it doesn’t mean the problem isn’t serious. To understand the gravity of the issue, we need to delve into what cam phasers are and why their malfunctioning has caused a stir among Ford owners.
Cam phasers are a part of Ford’s 3.5L GTDI engine, and they play a crucial role in the functioning of the engine. When they work correctly, you get a smooth ride. But when they don’t, the engine may experience noises, sticking, low oil pressure, and overheating, leading to engine damage or even failure.
Recognizing the issue, Ford has issued technical service bulletins and extended warranty coverage for cam phaser repairs until January 1, 2023. Sounds good, right? Well, it isn’t all rosy. Many Ford owners have reported that dealerships are not adequately addressing the problem, with some even asking owners to pay for repairs that should be covered under the recall.
While there isn’t a class action lawsuit at the moment, affected owners could potentially seek recourse under lemon laws or through individual legal action. The road ahead may not be easy, but it’s not a dead end, and we’ll explore these options in greater detail in the next sections of this article.
Ford Cam Phaser Overview
Cam phasers are vital components in Ford’s 3.5L GTDI engine. When functioning properly, they ensure a smooth and efficient ride. However, some Ford owners have faced unsettling issues with these components, leading to noisy engines, overheating, and even engine failure[3].
The problems revolve around specific Ford models such as the 2017-2020 F-150 and 2018-2020 Expedition and Navigator models with the 3.5L GTDI engine. The cam phaser issues can be particularly distressing, disrupting your day-to-day travel and often leading to hefty repair costs[3].
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Certainly, you might be wondering about the legal standpoint on this matter. While there is no current class action lawsuit specifically targeting the cam phaser issues, let’s not forget the previously filed case, *Jason Schmidt et al. v. Ford Motor Co.* (Case No. 12-cv-07222). This lawsuit addressed engine defects, including but not limited to cam phaser problems.
The case was filed on the grounds that Ford knew about and concealed engine defects from 2005 to 2012. The case concluded in August 2016, with the judgment favoring Ford[1]. While this may seem like a setback for disgruntled Ford owners, it’s not the end of the road.
Ford’s reaction to the cam phaser issue has been to issue technical service bulletins (TSBs) and extend warranty coverage for cam phaser repairs until January 1, 2023. This move seems to be a step in the right direction, but it has its fair share of criticism. There have been numerous complaints from Ford owners stating that the warranties and TSBs haven’t been as helpful as they should be[2][3].
Who Filed the Lawsuit?
The class action lawsuit that we talked about earlier was filed by Jason Schmidt and others against Ford Motor Co. The lawsuit addressed the broader issue of engine defects, not limiting itself to only the cam phaser problem. However, the court ruled in favor of Ford in 2016, dismissing the allegations made in the lawsuit[1].
As of now, there isn’t a specific lawsuit targeting the cam phaser issue. But this doesn’t mean that Ford owners are left stranded. There are still legal avenues that affected owners can explore. For instance, they might find recourse under lemon laws or could consider individual legal action. It’s important to remember that these could be potential ways to seek justice, although they may not be as straightforward as a class-action lawsuit[4].
Impact on Ford Cam Phaser
With the cam phaser problems cropping up in specific Ford models, the impact has been significant, affecting both the vehicle’s performance and the company’s reputation[3]. The models most affected by this issue are the 2017-2020 F-150 and the 2018-2020 Expedition and Navigator models, all equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine[3].
The problem with the cam phasers leads to disturbing noises, sticking, low oil pressure, and overheating. In worst-case scenarios, it can even result in engine damage or failure[3]. This is not just a minor inconvenience. It disrupts daily commutes, long drives, and can potentially leave you stranded by the side of the road.
What’s more, these car problems tend to lead to hefty repair costs. Many Ford owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the way Ford and its dealerships have handled the issue. Despite technical service bulletins (TSBs) and extended warranty coverage until January 1, 2023, many owners report that they are still required to pay out-of-pocket for repairs[2][3]. This situation has understandably led to a wave of frustration and disappointment among affected Ford owners.
What Will Happen Next?
Considering the ongoing complaints and dissatisfaction among Ford owners, the question of ‘what next?’ looms large. While there is no current class action lawsuit specifically targeting the cam phaser issue, it doesn’t mean that legal action is off the table[2][4].
One potential avenue for affected owners might be under lemon laws. These laws protect consumers who have purchased vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards. If your vehicle has spent considerable time in the repair shop for the same issue, or if the problem persists despite multiple repair attempts, you might have a case under the lemon law[4].
Another option could be individual legal action, although this might be a more challenging path. It would involve filing a lawsuit against Ford individually, which could be time-consuming and expensive. But if successful, it could result in compensation for your repair costs and possibly more[4].
It’s clear that the cam phaser issue is far from resolved and Ford owners are keenly looking for solutions. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds.
Conclusion
The issues surrounding the Ford cam phaser have created a storm of dissatisfaction among affected car owners. The problem is more than just a noisy engine. It affects the vehicle’s performance, potentially leads to engine failure, and results in unexpected repair costs[3].
While the response from Ford – issuing technical service bulletins and extending warranty coverage – is a step forward, it hasn’t been enough to quell the concerns of the impacted owners[2][3]. The possibility of legal action, either through lemon laws or individual lawsuits, still hangs in the balance[4].
What’s certain is that this issue is a significant concern for Ford owners affected by the cam phaser problem. It’s a situation that warrants close monitoring in the coming months. Whatever happens next, affected Ford owners are eagerly waiting for a resolution that addresses their concerns effectively and fairly.
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