A class action alleges that a defect in certain Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles makes them “dangerously defective and prone to complete and partial shut-down while driving,” and that Ford waited over a year after receiving warranty claims exposing the defect to issue a safety recall. And, the lawsuit further contends, Ford instituted a stop-delivery order to its dealers as of June 14, 2022, but has taken no steps to provide substitute transportation or reimbursement.
The vehicles named in the complaint are model year 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles manufactured between May 27, 2020 and May 24, 2022. The plaintiffs claim these vehicles contain a defect in that “[t]he design and part-to-part variation of the high voltage battery main contractor is not robust to the heat generated during DC fast charging and multiple wide open pedal events[.]” This alleged defect, the lawsuit argues, exposes class members, passengers, other drivers, and bystanders to an unreasonable risk of accident, injury, death, or property damage, should the vehicle partially or wholly lose power while in operation. The complaint claims Ford’s proposed fix—a software update—does not fix the defect, but instead downgrades the battery and vehicle’s power.
Plaintiff asserts claims including breach of warranty, fraudulent concealment unjust enrichment, and violation of consumer laws.
The lawsuit seeks remedies including restitution, damages, and interest.
The case is Amber Sulligan v. Ford Motor Co., case number 2:22-cv-11668-LVP-JJCG, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
