Ford owners sue over MPG claims, 'under-performing' hybrids

A group of Ford hybrid owners in Pennsylvania aren't feeling too fraternal with the Blue Oval, suing the automaker for allegedly overstating fuel-economy figures, Bloomberg News reports.

The claim, which was filed in a Philadelphia court, seeks at least $5 million in damages and calls the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid models "under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners." A Ford spokesman emailed a statement to Bloomberg that states the ratings are in accordance with protocols set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A similar claim was filed in California late last year, and two California law firms involved there have, more recently, combined claims. That followed a Consumer Reports study that found that the Fusion and C-Max Hybrids, both of which are rated at 47 miles per gallon combined, got about 39 mpg and 37 mpg, respectively, in the real world.

Ford isn't the only automaker with a fuel economy issue. Last year, Hyundai and its Kia affiliate ran into a similar issue with drivers alleging overstated fuel-economy figures. Earlier this year, the automakers agreed to set aside about $412 million to refund drivers claiming they've been overpaying for refueling costs.