Plaintiffs are suing Ford Motor Company for using defective lug nuts on the wheels of their vehicles. While they might look nice, the two-piece lug nuts on the wheels of millions of Ford automobiles can become swollen and nearly impossible to remove with a standard lug wrench.
According to the firm that filed the lawsuit, Hagens Berman, millions of vehicles from many makes and models could be affected, but only Ford’s Fusion, Escape, Flex, Focus, F-150, and F-350 vehicles from the early to mid-2010s are affected.
The problem lies in the fact that the lug nuts weren’t entirely made of steel; instead, they were made with a steel core and a chrome, aluminum, or stainless steel cap to match the wheels of the vehicle. The lug nuts could swell and delaminate after changes in temperature and exposure to moisture.
Plaintiffs complained about being stranded with flat tires and taking the vehicles to Ford to be fixed, only to have the company refuse to pay for the replaced lug nuts even when the cars were still under warranty. Trying to replace the lug nuts through the company could cost consumers as much as $120 to $160 in addition to labor.
Those suing the company are seeking individual damages that would be determined in court and claim the Ford vehicles have lost value. The suit, which seeks national class-action status, spans across seven states, including California, Arizona, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.
If you think you or a loved one are affected by this issue, talk to one of our skilled Denver auto defect attorneys about your case as soon as possible. You shouldn’t be forced to replace a defective part the manufacturer is responsible creating incorrectly. Let The Gilbert Law Group® see what it can do for you.
Contact usat (888) 711-5947 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today.
