Board jurisdiction to resolve a complaint is generally available whenever the concern is covered by a Ford-issued warranty at the time the consumer's complaint form is received by Joseph Marketing in Michigan. In most instances, any warranties on a given vehicle continue to apply for the originally specified time or mileage terms even after sale to another party. Board jurisdiction over a complaint is independent of whether the vehicle was bought new or used, or was leased. Some board members reportedly are working under the misimpression that they can only offer a replacement and not a refund. This is NOT the case.
All boards are specifically able to offer a refund to a consumer where appropriate.
Additionally, boards are also generally able to offer a replacement vehicle to consumers. From the standpoint of both the Company and the dealership, they would generally prefer a replacement, since the consumer thus remains in a Ford-manufactured product. However, both the Company and the dealership have already had the chance to replace the vehicle, prior to board consideration. The fact the case is before the board indicates they have not been able to agree on such a remedy. Subject to state law in a few states, board members are free in any given case to offer ONLY a replacement.