Stop-Stop System
Start-stop features are a staple in most modern cars, and while annoying, they can save you a few dollars on every drive by turning the engine off and then back on at a temporary stop. However, Ford Maverick and Bronco owners got the short end of the stick when a recent recall was issued over the potential loss of power when the stop-start system fails to hold up its end of the bargain.
Up to 456,000 Maverick and Bronco Sport SUVs have been recalled by Ford due to a failure of the auto start-stop feature to restart the engine. Year models 2021 to 2024 Ford Bronco Sports and 2022 to 2023 Mavericks were cited in the recall, which was covered in 2024. However, two years later, it appears that things did not go as planned, and Ford is now facing a proposed class action lawsuit over an “inadequate repair,” Classaction.org reports.
Ford
Inadequate Repair
To remedy the situation and restore power, Ford offered a free repair service in the form of a software update. However, upon further investigation, the issue was traced to hardware rather than software.
According to the class action lawsuit, Ford and Camel Group (USA) Battery, Inc., actively “concealed and omitted” the defective 12-volt batteries’ issues in the affected SUVs and pickups. The cells contain an internal weld and a cast-on strap that are “susceptible to failure.”
Ford’s free repair failed to address the cause of the issue. Instead of replacing the defective batteries, a software update was sent to the car, and without a “more comprehensive” repair in line for recalled cars, the lawsuit argues that vehicle batteries will continue to fail, resulting in dangerous situations.
Kristen Brown
Unneeded Charges and a Devalued Vehicle
Customers who’ve experienced a power outage and been unable to restart have resorted to having their vehicles towed back to the dealer, costing them hundreds of dollars in transportation fees and a free headache. Apart from that, the plaintiff has also claimed that she has been left with a devalued vehicle, which is also worth less than one with an actual working battery.
The proposed Ford Motor Company class-action lawsuit looks to cover individuals in the United States who have purchased a 2021 to 2024 Ford Bronco Sport or a 2022 to 2023 Ford Maverick. The defective 12-volt battery, with an internal weld and a cast-on strap, manufactured by Camel Group (USA) Battery, Inc., is the ticket.
Ford
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Earl Lee
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