Automotive dealerships, in general, have long enjoyed a bit of an unsavory reputation caused by the actions of a few – but not all. Certain dealers have become known for jacking up prices well over sticker price on desirable models, tacking on unnecessary fees and extras, and even engaging in straight up illegal practices, oftentimes, in an effort to swindle customers out of as much money as possible. That was allegedly the case with a Missouri-based Ford dealer recently, which is now facing a lawsuit after a customer accused it of engaging in deceptive practices.
That Ford dealer is Sikeston Ford Lincoln, in Sikeston, Missouri, according to Automotive News. It’s facing a lawsuit filed by Frederick and Sara Evans, customers of the dealership who purchased and financed a used Volkswagen ID.4 from the Ford dealer some time ago, but now, are accusing it of “predatory and deceptive practices,” including “unauthorized credit pulls, falsified income statements, and forced contract renegotiation.”
“What should have been a straightforward transaction to purchase a vehicle instead spiraled into months of manipulation financial harm and emotional distress,” the lawsuit claims. The Evans were reportedly pre-approved for a loan before they visited the Ford dealer to purchase it in January 2024, which was supposed to have a 7.59 percent interest rate and come with a 150k-mile warranty. However, the contract changed after that, with the interest rate increasing to 7.79 percent while the warranty dropped to 100k miles.
Sikeston Ford also allegedly inflated the income of the Evans on loan applications, didn’t provide them with the paperwork needed to register the vehicle, and submitted unauthorized applications to lenders without the couple’s knowledge. The Ford dealer denies these claims, saying that they “lack the necessary factual and legal basis to proceed,” and it’s also asking to have the dispute moved to arbitration.
Comments
I ran into a sleazy Ford dealer when looking to purchase a 2024 Bronco Sport.
I also have dealt with bad ford dealerships when purchasing a vehicle. I too am considering a lawsuit against them for it. If you are looking to buy a vehicle from any ford dealership, be smart about it and dont trust anything they say. Always ask for proof in document form and be sure they hand it directly to you.
Sounds like a regular dealership tbh
I am currently having to deal with ford service department and my ecosport had engine replaced because it was under recall. Less than 30 days ago and my vehicle is going back to the service department because its broken again. Im beyond pissed.
I got a bad deal from ford dealership in Wilson nc overcharged on my car robbed me blind and still paying
Rocky Top Ford in Sevierville, TN ripped me off in a repair job. A normally $300 single fromt brake line replacement cost me $1232.00 there! They added a $189 “diagnostic” fee, for absolutely nothing and $950 labor fee! And with that they didn’t even perform the oil change and tire rotation I instructed them to do! BIG RIP OFF, ROCKY TOP FORD!!!
Absolutely shocking I can’t believe it, how dare they! And they wonder why they all get lumped together in a category shall we name it scumbags!
Not just Ford they all do the same thing
My Ford dealer removed an exterior A pillar trim piece 1 year ago because of a Ford recall and the part is still not available. No one with Ford has any idea if or when the part will be available. Now I get to listen to excessive wind noise and it looks like hell. I couldn’t be any more disappointed.