Consumer complaint received 2024-08-27
Product: Vehicle loan or lease — Loan
Issue: Struggling to pay your loan — Denied request to lower payments
Company: FORD MOTOR CREDIT CO. (PA)

Good morning, I'm responding to Ford 's letter dated XX/XX/XXXX, regarding my complaint about my XXXX Ford XXXX and its transmission issues. Please note, in Ford 's letter, they referenced " complaint XXXX, '' which is not the matter number by the CFPB ( evidence that Ford Motor Company is copying/pasting responding and pencil whipping responses, not giving actual consideration ). I disagree with Ford 's conclusions and the handling of my request for assistance.

Fords Inconsistent Handling of Transmission Issues Ford Motor Company has faced several class-action lawsuits over transmission defects, particularly in the
Ford XXXX and XXXX models. These lawsuits have shown that Ford knew about serious issues with the XXXX transmission, including jerking, hesitation, and sudden loss of power, posing significant safety risks. Ford has settled claims, extended warranties, or even bought back vehicles to address these concerns.

Ford 's assertion that my vehicle does not meet lemon law guidelines contradicts past settlements and legal actions, such as In re Ford Motor Co. XXXX XXXX  Transmission Products Liability Litigation, where numerous lawsuits were consolidated under multidistrict litigation ( MDL ). Consumers alleged defects in the Ford XXXX and XXXX models equipped with the XXXX XXXX transmission. The litigation revealed significant transmission issues, including jerking and hesitation, leading to several settlements by Ford to resolve the claims against them. Additionally, in XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX Ford Motor Company, a class-action lawsuit involved claims that Ford knowingly sold vehicles with defective transmissions and misrepresented their safety and reliability. The settlement provided compensation to affected consumers and extended warranties to cover transmission repairs. Furthermore, in a XXXX XXXX XXXX, Ford reached a {$19.00} XXXX settlement with 40 attorneys general over allegations of false advertising regarding the fuel economy of XXXX XXXX and the payload capacity of XXXX XXXX trucks. This case highlighted Fords misleading practices, resulting in a significant payout to affected consumers.

Fords Concealment of Defects and Potential Fraud Internal documents from previous lawsuits suggest Ford knew about these transmission issues but failed to inform consumers, instead claiming that these symptoms were normal driving conditions. This behavior appears deceptive under Pennsylvanias Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law ( UTPCPL ), which prohibits deceptive practices and misrepresentation. The lack of transparency may also violate federal consumer protection standards.

Warranty Coverage and Fords Duty to Inform The XXXX XXXX covers vehicles for 5 years or XXXX miles, but Ford has not extended any XXXX  coverage or remedy for my vehicle despite evidence of similar defects in other models leading to recalls, extended warranties, or buybacks. This selective approach to customer care and warranty coverage appears inconsistent and discriminatory, especially considering the severe safety risks these defects pose.

Applicability of State and Federal Lemon Laws Ford states that my vehicle does not qualify under lemon law guidelines. However, both Pennsylvanias state lemon laws and the federal XXXX XXXX XXXX protect consumers when a vehicle has persistent issues that impair its use, safety, or value, regardless of the warranty period. Given Fords awareness of these transmission issues and their potential to cause safety hazards, my case may still qualify under these laws, as the defects are part of a recognized pattern affecting multiple models. 

Legal Precedent and XXXX XXXX Ford has a legal and moral duty to provide me with a fair resolution, which could include covering repair costs, offering a buyback option, or providing other suitable compensation. If Ford does not address these concerns adequately, I am prepared to pursue further action through federal regulatory bodies, and potentially the courts under relevant consumer protection laws.

Ford must reconsider its position in light of ongoing transmission defects and the legal and ethical implications of not addressing them uniformly. I expect Ford 's prompt and favorable response to resolve this matter amicably.

Fords stance boils down to a cynical admission : that five or six years, even for a well-maintained car, is the best a Ford XXXX owner should expect. Ford is a financial predator, ruthlessly hunting profits at the expense of its customers, betraying the legacy of reliability and innovation that built its reputation. Ford has become a company that tells its customers to lower their expectations because they are selling vehicles that do not last. This is a profound betrayal of the trust placed in Ford by countless loyal customers who believed in the quality and durability of the brand. Its time for Ford to stop hiding behind legal jargon and excuses and face the reality that they owe their customerscustomers who once believed in Ford as a symbol of American ingenuity and reliabilitya far greater duty than they have shown.

And lets be clear : Fords so-called customer relations department is nothing more than a flimsy attempt to appease regulators while they deny, deflect, and dismiss legitimate consumer complaints like theyre running a claims department, not a consumer service division. By refusing to address known defects and brushing off well-founded claims, Ford tells its customers, Go to XXXX. They have no interest in fixing problems or maintaining their vehicles beyond a paltry five or six years, a timeline that still has me paying off the car they sold me. This isnt customer service ; its a blatant strategy to maximize profit margins while minimizing accountability. Ford is willing to sacrifice its customers safety, trust, and long-term satisfaction for a quick buck, betraying its legacy as a cornerstone of American automotive history. They have shown, through every denial and every evasion, that they dont give a XXXX about me, my Ford , or any reasonable expectation of quality and durability. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX, XXXX