
Ford Issues Recall for 2024–2025 Models Over Oil Leak Concerns
Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for 2,418 vehicles, including the 2024 Ford Expedition, 2024–2025 Ford F-150, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator, due to a manufacturing defect that may lead to an oil leak. The issue involves a misaligned engine cup plug that could cause rapid oil loss, posing safety risks and potential engine damage.
For California drivers, understanding your rights under California Lemon Law is essential, especially if the recall fails to resolve the issue. This blog explains the details of the recall, steps owners should take, and how California Lemon Law can protect you.
What’s Behind the Recall?
Ford identified a defect in the 3.5-liter V6 engines found in these vehicles. The issue stems from a factory machine misalignment in September 2024, which caused the engine cup plug to be improperly installed.
This defect can lead to:
- Rapid Oil Leaks: The misaligned plug can allow oil to escape quickly, leading to significant engine damage if not addressed.
- Warning Signs:
- A low oil pressure light on the dashboard.
- A burning smell emanating from the engine.
- White smoke coming from the exhaust.
While no incidents have been reported in customer vehicles, the defect was discovered during routine factory inspections. However, the risks remain significant if left unresolved.
Which Models Are Affected?
The recall applies to the following vehicles equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine:
- 2024 Ford Expedition
- 2024–2025 Ford F-150
- 2024 Lincoln Navigator
If you own one of these models, checking your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using Ford’s recall lookup tool or contacting your dealership is important.
What Should You Do If Your Vehicle Is Affected?
If your vehicle is part of this recall, follow these steps to ensure your safety and minimize risks:
- Verify Your VIN: Check if your vehicle is included in the recall by using Ford’s recall lookup tool or contacting your local dealership.
- Schedule Repairs: Visit your dealership for a free inspection and repair. Ford will replace the misaligned engine cup plug if necessary.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Keep an eye out for low oil pressure warnings, burning smells, or white smoke until the repair is completed.
- Drive with Caution: If you notice any warning signs, limit your driving and avoid long trips until the issue is resolved.
What Happens if Recalls Don’t Solve the Problem
Recalls are intended to fix manufacturing defects, but they don’t always address the issue entirely. If your Ford Expedition, Ford F-150 oil leak, or Lincoln Navigator continues to experience oil leaks or related problems after recall repairs, California Lemon Law can offer a solution.
What is California Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles in California with recurring defects that significantly impair their safety, value, or use. This law ensures manufacturers are held accountable if they cannot fix these issues after a reasonable number of attempts.
What Lemon Law Covers
California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles, but it is important to note that used vehicle purchases, unless certified pre-owned vehicles, are no longer covered under this law. The protections apply exclusively to vehicles purchased or leased in California.
If your vehicle qualifies under California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to:
- A Replacement Vehicle: Receive a comparable vehicle to replace the defective one.
- A Full Refund: Get reimbursed for your down payment, monthly payments, and other associated costs.
- Compensation for Additional Costs: Recover expenses such as towing fees, rental cars, and other incidental expenses caused by the defect.
California Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to cover all attorney fees, meaning you won’t pay out-of-pocket to pursue your claim.
By limiting the law to newly purchased or leased vehicles, California Lemon Law ensures that manufacturers deliver vehicles meeting promised safety and reliability standards. If unresolved issues such as Ford F-150 oil leaks persist, this law provides a pathway for resolution.
- Multiple Repair Attempts: The defect remains unresolved after several attempts to fix it.
- Safety and Reliability Impact: The issue significantly affects your vehicle’s performance or safety.
- Extended Time in the Shop: The car has been in the repair shop for an extended period due to the same problem.
If your vehicle meets these criteria, you have legal grounds to file a claim and seek compensation or replacement.
How Lemon Law Protects Ford Owners During Recalls
This recall highlights the importance of consumer protection laws like California Lemon Law. Vehicles like the Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator are essential to everyday life, especially for families and businesses relying on their durability and performance. When a defect undermines this reliability, owners deserve remedies to regain confidence in their vehicle.
The law also reinforces the significance of addressing vehicle recalls in California, ensuring automakers are held accountable when defects persist despite recall efforts.
How Gayle Law Group PC Can Help
Facing the Lemon Law process can be overwhelming, but Gayle Law Group PC specializes in helping California consumers with defective vehicles. Our experienced team provides personalized support, ensuring you get the resolution you deserve.
Our Approach:
- Case Evaluation: We’ll have an initial discussion with you about your situation and California Lemon Law.
- Documentation Support: If, after our initial discussion with you, we believe you may have a case, our team will gather repair records, sales or lease documents, and other necessary documents to determine whether you currently have a case.
- Aggressive Advocacy: If we represent you, whether through an informal claim or court filing, we’ll fight to secure your rights.
Get Your Ford Protected by Lemon Law Today
Are you dealing with ongoing problems in your 2024 Ford Expedition, 2024–2025 Ford F-150, or 2024 Lincoln Navigator? Don’t let a defective vehicle disrupt your life any longer. California Lemon Law is here to protect you, ensuring that automakers are held accountable for providing safe and reliable vehicles.
At Gayle Law Group PC, we specialize in helping California consumers car owners with their defective vehicles. Our team has extensive experience handling Lemon Law claims, and we are dedicated to securing the resolution you deserve, whether it’s a replacement vehicle, a full refund, or compensation for your troubles.
Don’t wait! Reach out now for a free consultation and let our team fight for your rights. Take control of your vehicle’s future with Gayle Law Group PC by your side.