What is the lawsuit against the Ford water pump?

There isn't a single nationwide "Ford water pump" lawsuit; instead, multiple lawsuits and recall campaigns have arisen around defective water pumps in different Ford models and engines. These actions vary by case, model, and jurisdiction.

The issue is complex: water pumps can fail due to manufacturing defects, design issues, or component wear over time, potentially leading to coolant leaks, engine overheating, and costly repairs. Ford has both disputed liability in many cases and, in some instances, issued recalls or service campaigns to address reported failures. This article outlines the general landscape, notable actions, and practical steps for affected owners.

Understanding the Allegations

Owners and class-action plaintiffs have described several common threads across lawsuits involving Ford water pumps. The themes include the following:

• Claims that defective water pumps or associated components lead to coolant leaks, engine overheating, and potential engine damage.


• Allegations that the failures occur with relatively low mileage and can be costly to repair, including engine damage that exceeds typical repair costs.


• Assertions that Ford failed to disclose known defects, or did not warn customers promptly, and that in some cases recalls were delayed.


• Requests for relief such as reimbursements, repair coverage, or systemic recalls to address the defect across affected model years.

These cases span a range of Ford vehicles and engines and reflect concerns about the cooling system, maintenance needs, and the financial impact on owners.

Notable Actions and Outcomes

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of actions and outcomes reported in court filings and regulatory records. The specifics vary by case and jurisdiction.

• Multiple lawsuits have been filed in federal and state courts alleging defective water-pump designs or manufacturing flaws in Ford vehicles. Outcomes range from settlements to ongoing litigation, with some cases dismissed and others allowed to proceed.


• Regulatory agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, have opened investigations or issued recalls or service campaigns related to cooling-system components in certain Ford models.


• Ford has publicly stated that it stands by the safety and quality of its vehicles and has at times offered recalls, goodwill repairs, or other remedies in response to consumer complaints, depending on the specific case.

Owners should note that case results and recall statuses depend on model, year, and region, and may change as new information emerges.

Consulting these official sources will help verify current recall status, eligibility, and timelines for any actions related to water-pump issues.

What Owners Can Do

To navigate potential water-pump-related issues, owners can take several practical steps. The following list provides an actionable guide, preceded by context about what the list covers.

• Check whether your vehicle is affected by any Ford recall or service campaign related to the cooling system or water pump by entering your VIN on Ford’s official recall page or the NHTSA recall search.


• Review your existing warranties (including powertrain and extended warranties) and determine whether coolant or water-pump failures may be covered. Keep records of all service and repair receipts.


• Be alert for symptoms such as coolant puddles under the car, unexplained overheating, coolant smells, coolant loss without visible leaks, or unusual noises from the water-pump area.


• If you notice symptoms, contact a certified Ford dealer or a trusted mechanic promptly to diagnose and document the issue. Do not ignore overheating concerns, as continued operation can cause severe engine damage.


• Consider consulting a consumer-law attorney if you believe you have incurred out-of-pocket costs related to a water-pump failure or if you want to explore potential participation in a class-action or settlement program.

Staying informed through official channels and keeping thorough records can help owners determine eligibility for recalls, repairs, or compensation.

Where to Get Reliable Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult official sources:

• Ford Motor Company recall and service campaign pages


• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall and investigation database


• Approved consumer advocacy resources and trusted automotive press coverage

These sources provide official notices, VIN-specific eligibility, and timelines for any actions related to water-pump issues.

In addition to these sources, owners can sign up for updates from Ford and NHTSA and check for new classifications or resolutions as lawsuits progress.

Summary

In short, there is not a single "Ford water pump" lawsuit. The landscape consists of multiple lawsuits and recall actions tied to water-pump failures in specific Ford models and engines, with outcomes that vary by case. Owners should check recalls, review warranties, monitor for symptoms, and seek professional guidance if they believe they have been affected or incurred costs. Keeping informed through official channels is the best way to understand eligibility for remedies as cases progress.

Is there a Ford class action lawsuit for water pump failure?

This is a certified class action alleging that various models of Ford vehicles contain a dangerous water pump defect that can cause catastrophic engine failure.

How do I join the Ford class action lawsuit?

To join a Ford class action lawsuit, first verify your eligibility by checking the specific criteria for that case, such as your vehicle's model year and the defect it has. Then, contact the law firm representing the class or the settlement administrator directly to receive instructions on how to file a claim, which will likely involve providing documentation like repair records and proof of purchase. 
Steps to join a Ford class action lawsuit

• Determine if you're eligible: Review the specific class action's criteria to ensure your vehicle and situation qualify. This often involves the specific vehicle model, model year, and a documented problem. 
• Find the right firm: Identify the law firm that represents the class for the specific lawsuit you are interested in. Many law firms specializing in class action or automotive litigation advertise these cases online or are listed on settlement websites. 
• Contact the firm or settlement administrator: Reach out to the law firm or the settlement administrator as directed in the lawsuit notice. They will be able to provide specific instructions on how to formally join. 
• Gather and submit documents: Collect and be prepared to submit evidence to prove your eligibility and claim. This can include repair orders, receipts, and other relevant paperwork. 
• File the claim: Follow the instructions to file a claim. For some cases, this can be done online or through a downloadable form on the official settlement website. Be sure to do this before the deadline, as class actions have specific opt-in periods. 

This video explains how to join a Ford class action lawsuit: 1mCounty Office LawYouTube · Jul 22, 2024

How much is the Ford CP4 payout?

The settlement provides a $50 million fund, with $30 million specifically allocated to compensating class members who paid out of pocket for a repair of their high-pressure fuel pump (the CP4 pump).

Is there a recall on Ford water pumps?

There is no widespread, official Ford water pump recall in the U.S., but there is a class-action lawsuit alleging a defect in certain vehicles, and a Canadian recall for some Transit vans due to a fire risk from a separate, electronic water pump. Numerous owner complaints and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) exist for internal water pump failures on certain models, particularly those with 3.5L and 3.7L engines.
 
This video discusses a potential issue with water pumps in Ford vehicles, including the cost of repair: 46sC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE YouTube · Aug 13, 2022
Class-action lawsuit

• A class-action lawsuit in the U.S. alleges a defect in the internal water pumps of certain Ford vehicles, including the 2009-2019 Flex, 2008-2019 Taurus, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor (Taurus), 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer), 2010-2012 Fusion Sport, and 2011-2012 Fusion.
• The lawsuit claims this can lead to catastrophic engine failure. 

Canadian recall

• Ford Canada issued a recall for certain 2016-2019 Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans.
• The recall addresses a potential fire risk from a faulty electronic run-on water pump that could overheat and cause components and wiring to melt. 

Other issues and owner complaints

• Many Ford owners have reported issues with internal water pumps on models with the 3.5L and 3.7L V6 engines, notes Sage Law Group LLP and this Facebook post. 
• These water pumps are located inside the engine and are expensive to replace, with costs ranging from $2,000 to over $5,000, according to this YouTube video and a Facebook video. 
• A common failure symptom is a coolant leak from a weep hole, which is not always visible because the leak is contained within the engine compartment. 

What to do

• Check for recalls: While there is no U.S. recall for this specific issue, you can check if your vehicle is affected by other recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. 
• Check for class-action eligibility: If your vehicle is on the list for the class-action lawsuit, contact the law firms involved for more information. 
• Consult a mechanic: If you suspect a water pump issue, have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle to diagnose the problem and recommend a repair.