Ford has faced its fair share of lawsuits over the years, including several related to fuel economy claims. Most recently, a fuel economy related false advertising lawsuit focusing on the Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger was dismissed in a Michigan court, though another filed back in 2013 relating to the Ford Fusion and C-Max Hybrid models has been in litigation ever since. Now, Reuters is reporting that Ford will be forced to pay out $19.2 million over false advertising claims related to the fuel economy and max payload capacity ratings of 2013–2014 C-Max Hybrid and 2011–2014 Ford Super Duty pickups.
The lawsuit involved 40 states and the District of Columbia, alleging that Ford overstated the distance the C-Max hybrid could travel on a tank of gas, as well as implying that driving style had no affect on fuel economy. Ford also ran advertisements that touted its hybrid vehicles as having superior fuel economy to rivals, even when that apparently wasn’t the case. In 2013, Ford lowered its fuel economy ratings for the C-Max hybrid by seven miles-per-gallon and sent owners a check for $550 to compensate. Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that Ford used a deceptive methodology to determine its payload capacity figures for the Super Duty.
“For years, Ford advertised impressive fuel economy and payload capacity for its cars and trucks,” Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said. “Unfortunately, these figures were not based in reality, leaving customers with vehicles that did not meet their standards.” “In calculating the maximum payload capacity of its vehicles, the investigation found, Ford employed a truck configuration it did not actually intend to sell to individual buyers – one that omitted such standard items as the spare wheel, tire and jack, radio, and center console (which was replaced by a mini-console),” added acting New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
In addition to the payout, the settlement for this lawsuit prohibits Ford from making false or misleading advertising claims concerning the estimated fuel economy or payload capacity of any new motor vehicle moving forward.
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Comments
Embarrassing.
Don’t leave G.M., Dodge and all the Corn Beef Tins,Etc. out of this.
Right You Are, Especially G.M. They Lied About Their 2016 Chevy Traverse.
NHTSA Don’t Give A Sh**. We the consumer have no one to look after our interest and protect us from the Car manufactures prey on the consumers.
I was one of main 50 plaintiffs of the F150 EPA lawsuit, representing Nebraska.
The attorneys didn’t bother to let me know by phone/mail/email that the case was
dismissed by Judge Cox. I had to read it here on FA. My 2018 averaged 12.6 mpg
and although I loved the truck, I just traded for a ’22 Timberline. Not looking back.
This fine was too small, should have been at least $100 million.
no big deal to ford. guess who will pay for it, and is already paying for it. the consumer.
$19 Million and where is it going? I certainly hope it’s not to our failed government. The owners of every Ford vehicle claimed in those suits should be compensated.
I still have my 2013 C-Max and love it. I get 40mpg and have started looking for a new vehicle but don’t want a plug in hybrid and can’t find anything that gives me such great mpg. I remember getting the $550 check and hope they send me some more mailbox money 🙂
2022 F150 Lariet sticker claim 19 city 23 hwy. Actual average over 3000 miles mostly hwy driving, 16mpg. Dealer claims the engine ratings are tested on the motor being out of the car, no hills, no wind and obviously no truck to pull either!!!