Ford settles faulty parts lawsuit
Reuters / December 16, 2005
DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. said on Friday it has settled a class-action lawsuit over a defective plastic part on certain vehicles.
The lawsuit said that plastic intake manifolds, which routes air to the engine, on some Ford and Lincoln-Mercury vehicles from the 1996 through 2002 model years are prone to cracking and failure, according to San Francisco law firm Levy, Ram & Olson, which represents the plaintiffs.
Under terms of the settlement, owners who have already paid to have the manifolds replaced will receive full reimbursement from Ford, spokeswoman Kathleen Vokes said.
The company is also extending the new-vehicle warranty up to seven years, she added.
Levy, Ram & Olson said Ford has committed to reimburse $735 per vehicle for repairs without a receipt.
The law firm estimates that Ford is liable for more than $100 million in replacement costs of the manifolds, said attorney Mike Ram of Levy, Ram & Olson.
Ford, however, disputes the amount.
"We believe their speculation regarding cost is significantly inflated," Vokes said.