Ford Explorer class action lawsuit settlement has been filed by vehicle owners of the 2016 and 2017 models of Ford Explorer which incurred exhaust problems. As per the lawsuit, fumes entered the vehicle’s passenger compartments. Ford is a popular name in the automobile industry that manufactures various vehicles like the Bronco, Mustang, and Ranger in addition to the Explorer. Though Ford has declined all claims of vehicle defects, it has decided to honor the terms of the class action settlement.
Class Members can select amongst various benefits under the Ford Explorer exhaust settlement. They can claim repairs under the Field Service Actions 17N03 and 19N05 (FSA repairs) that shall be undertaken by an authorized Ford dealer free of cost. Irrespective of the warranty status or mileage, all issues of exhaust odor shall be addressed until July 31st, 2022. Customers can type their VIN here to check whether the FSA repairs have been performed already on their vehicle.
Additional repairs will be undertaken by an authorized dealer if the FSA repairs do not cater to the Ford Explorer exhaust odor problem. This shall include repairs performed under the TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) 17-0044. This comprises of examination and sealing of gaps in the passenger compartment or installation of a modified exhaust system in vehicles having a normally aspirated 3.5-liter Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) engine (TSB repairs). In-warranty vehicles can avail of TSB repairs absolutely for free. Out-of-warranty vehicles can get TSB repairs by paying for the services.
Class Members will be eligible for partial reimbursement on the TSB repair undertaken by them post the warranty period wherein they paid an authorized dealer for both parts and labor. This reimbursement can be claimed if it took place within the later of the following periods:
- Repairs within 48000 miles or four years (whichever comes first) since the vehicle was placed in service.
- Repairs that occur either on or before 11th November 2021.
Class Members shall be reimbursed for TSB repairs as per the following schedule:
- Maximum of $400 of post-warranty repair expenses incurred on inspection and sealing of gaps in the passenger compartment.
- Maximum of $400 of post-warranty repair expenses incurred on installing a modified exhaust system in vehicles that were originally equipped with a normally aspirated 3.5-liter TiVCT.
Class Members can combine all these amounts for a single Class Vehicle wherein both types of repairs were performed even if they took place in multiple visits provided, they occur within the mileage requirements and/or time frame. The last date for opting out of or objecting to this settlement has passed.
Eligibility For Making Claim: All the natural persons and entities residing in the United States, its territories and the District of Columbia who either currently or priorly owned or leased the Ford Explorer of 2016 and 2017 model-year leased or sold in the United States constitute class members under the Ford Explorer exhaust settlement. However, this excludes the 2016 and 2017 Police Interceptor Utility Ford Explorers from its purview.
Proof of Purchase:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the Class vehicle.
- Ownership proof of the Class vehicle at the time of a qualified TSB repair against which a claim is being made.
- Adequate evidence which establishes that a TSB repair was obtained by Class Members to a Class Vehicle qualifying for partial reimbursement of post-warranty repair costs under the settlement terms including:
- The TSB repair dates
- Information proving that TSB repair was conducted on the Class Vehicle
- The Class Vehicle’s mileage as on the date of the TSB repair.
- Proof of the post-warranty repair costs incurred by the Class Members for the TSB repair.
Potential Claim Amount: $525
Claim Form: https://kccsecure.com/ExplorerExhaustSettlement/Claimant
Deadline for Submitting Claim: Whichever comes later among six months post the settlement effective date of 30th December 2021 (30th June 2022) or 120 days after the date when the TSB repair was undertaken for which partial reimbursement is sought.
Final Hearing Date: 15th November 2021
Settlement Website: ExplorerExhaustSettlement.net