Ford builds some of the most popular cars and trucks in California, but it has also become one of the most recalled automakers in the country. In 2025, Ford issued a record number of safety recalls, and 2026 is shaping up much the same way. If your Ford keeps going back to the dealership for the same problem, you are not imagining it, and you may not be stuck with it.
Take our quick ‘Is My Car a Lemon?’ quiz, then contact The Barry Law Firm for a FREE consultation. Our California Ford lemon law attorneys are ready to help.
Is Your Ford A Lemon?
For your Ford to qualify as a lemon under California law, you must have bought or leased it with a written warranty from a dealership — not from a private party. You also need to have brought your new, leased, or certified pre-owned vehicle to a dealership for repair attempts while it was under warranty.
As a general benchmark under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, your Ford may qualify as a lemon if:
- The same defect isn’t fixed after four or more repair attempts, or
- Your vehicle is out of service for 30 or more cumulative days, and
- The problem generally arose within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.
Serious safety defects can qualify with fewer repair attempts. Every case is different, so the best way to know is a free case review.
Defects In Ford Vehicles That Can Warrant A Lemon Law Claim
Any material defect that can’t be fixed in a reasonable number of attempts can qualify your Ford as a lemon. Common defects include:
- Transmission problems
- Engine surging / stalling / loss of power
- Electrical problems / warning light errors
- Driveshaft fractures
- Defective start / stop system
- Wiring and electrical problems including shorts
- Seatbelt detachment from anchor
- Windows / sunroof shattering
- Brake problems
- Airbag and curtain airbag problems including detachment
- Fuel pump defects
- Excessive oil consumption
Defects behind recent Ford recalls, and lawsuits include:
- 10-speed (10R80) transmission — harsh or delayed shifting, gear hunting, shuddering, and unintended lunging (F-150, Ranger, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, Expedition)
- EcoBoost coolant intrusion — coolant leaking into the cylinders, causing power loss, overheating, and engine failure
- Fuel-injector fire risk — cracked injectors that can leak fuel and cause underhood fires (Bronco Sport and Escape with 1.5L engines)
- Front-suspension ball joint — a 2026 “do not drive” advisory over a joint that can cause loss of control (Bronco Sport and Maverick)
- EV battery and park-system defects — high-voltage battery and rollaway/”failure to hold in Park” risks (F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, Maverick)
Ford Models That Could Be Lemons
The following Ford models that could be lemons include:
- Bronco / Bronco Sport
- EcoSport
- Edge
- Escape
- Expedition
- Explorer
- F-Series Trucks (F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450)
- F-150 Lightning
- Fiesta
- Flex
- Focus
- Fusion
- Maverick
- Mustang
- Mustang Mach-E
- Ranger
- Taurus
- Transit series (150, 250, 350)
What To Do If Your Ford Is A Lemon
To bring a Ford lemon law case, you’ll want to gather key documents and take a few steps:
- Contact The Barry Law Firm for a FREE consultation.
- Collect all repair orders (request them from a certified dealership if needed).
- Gather your warranty, purchase or lease agreement, and registration.
- Save all communication with the dealership and manufacturer.
- Document every problem with your vehicle, including dates and symptoms.
- Keep receipts for related costs, such as towing or rental cars.
Not sure whether to act yet? Here’s what to do when your car is recalled.
How California’s 2025 Lemon Law Changes Affect Ford Owners
California updated its lemon law for vehicles delivered new on or after January 1, 2025, through AB 1755 and SB 26. Ford has opted in to the new system, which means Ford owners now have to follow specific steps — including a written pre-suit notice — before filing certain claims.
A few things to know:
- You generally must file within one year after your written warranty expires, or six years from the vehicle’s delivery date, whichever is later.
- If you request a buyback or replacement, an opted-in manufacturer must respond within 30 days.
- Because Ford is opted in, timing matters — missing a deadline or a required step can delay or complicate your claim.
Learn more about the time limits for filing a California lemon law claim, and don’t wait to get your case reviewed.
Ford Lemon Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Ford recall mean my car is a lemon? No. A recall by itself does not make your Ford a lemon. But if the repairs keep failing, the fix takes too long, or the same problem never goes away, your vehicle may qualify under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
What Ford models are being recalled in 2025 and 2026? Recent Ford recalls span the F-150 and F-Series trucks, Explorer, Bronco and Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick, Mustang Mach-E, and F-150 Lightning, covering issues such as transmission defects, EcoBoost coolant intrusion, fuel-injector fire risk, front-suspension ball joints, and EV battery and park-system problems.
How many repair attempts before my Ford qualifies as a lemon in California? As a general benchmark, a Ford may qualify after four or more repair attempts for the same defect, or after 30 or more cumulative days out of service, typically within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles. Serious safety defects can qualify with fewer attempts.
What if my Ford warranty ran out after my first repair? You may still have rights if the problem first appeared while the vehicle was under warranty. Good documentation showing when the defect began is important to support your claim.
Do I have to pay a Ford lemon law attorney? No. Under California’s lemon law, the manufacturer pays the attorney fees if the claim succeeds. The Barry Law Firm does not charge you fees for a Ford lemon law case.
Ford Lemon Law Resources
- Ford’s record recalls and what they mean for California owners in 2026
- Ford Explorer transmission failures
- Ford EcoBoost engine failures and the 10-year warranty
- Ford’s fuel-injector recall on Bronco Sport and Escape
- Ford Mustang Mach-E 12-volt battery lockout recall
- Ford backup-camera recall
- Common issues found in Ford models
Talk to California’s Premier Lemon Law Firm Today
Contact The Barry Law Firm today if you believe your Ford has turned out to be a lemon. Our experienced team understands exactly what you’re going through and will support you at every step.
We’ve helped thousands of consumers across California, and you won’t pay us out of pocket — when you win, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees. Don’t wait: call or contact us online today for a FREE consultation to find out if your new, certified pre-owned, or used Ford qualifies.
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