Defective Truck 120+ Days In Service Department

[Paul Neubauer]

Look up Timothy Abeel, mines a 2020, they jumped right on it.

I'll save their info for the next step. I'll give Ford a week to do the right thing by buying the truck back and providing a similar replacement before getting an attorney to go after them.

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[Hoppyhooper56]

I'll save their info for the next step. I'll give Ford a week to do the right thing buy buying the truck back and providing a similar replacement before getting an attorney to go after them.

I hate the whole process, I really love the truck but it's hard to drive if it goes to the shop all the time

 

[texski]

First of all, don't go to a website asking a bunch of keyboard warriors for legal advice. Here's Texas DMV page for Texas Lemon Law. Read it and see what applies to you.

Next, go to Martindale or Avvo to search for attorneys. Each should have a box that you can check for specialization or certification. Look at their areas of practice ... you probably don't want someone who does speeding tickets, oil and gas mineral rights, divorce and lemon law. Try to find some that the bulk of their practice is lemon law. It may not be necessary to find attorneys who office in Houston, just make sure they can practice in Texas. Call them and interview them. Let them know that you are looking for help with this and their name is on your list. Generally, the first talk is free. Write down main points that all attorneys will need to hear. Be brief and succinct, don't whine, be respectful of their time. Ask them how many cases they have worked with similar situations and what is their record. And it is fair to ask what can you expect to happen. Ask what happens if Ford says No, they will not buy back your truck. If they assure you of a win, thank them and move on. As you interview these attorneys, you will understand why you do not seek legal advice over interweb, even from attorneys! You will get many different answers. An attorney will present a case that is ARGUABLE, the judge or mediator will make the decision. Remember that attorneys may talk big and cite statues, but their control ends after closing arguments.

It is also fair to ask about fees, how and when they are to be paid. Ask about how you proceed with the dealership, do they recommend that you inform the dealership that you are interviewing attorneys, do you contact customer care and ask for a lemon law rep, or would communication cease and the attorney do all the talking. I would guess there are 2 primary options here, a mediated settlement or lawsuit.

IF lawsuit is an option, you need to ask the attorney who will try the case. Most attorneys are paper pushers and a small percentage of them actually argue cases (litigate). Hopefully the firm you chose has someone who has a solid track record with Ford. This will be an unspeakable advantage for you.

I am not an attorney, but I have fired many. It is one thing to know the law and be able to pass the bar, but quite another to know how to manage a case. You should get a sense of this as you conduct the interview.

And to note, this is advice about legal stuff ... not legal advice. ;-)
Find an attorney you feel confident working with, and understand your options. You need actionable information, develop a plan, and hang on. I haven't read all the responses, but you seem like a level headed guy. For others who read this and are not, don't puff your chest up, shake your finger and threaten legal action. You are paying an attorney to resolve this, let them.

I hope this is enough guidance. I am rarely here, busy with other things.
Best wishes,
Mike

 

[Paul Neubauer]

Ford is fighting with me and refusing a buyback and the dealership while being instructed by Fords engineering team still has no idea how to fix this truck so this will be the last Ford I ever own unless Ford steps up and replaces it in a goodwill gesture. I have bought 3 brand new Ford vehicles in a row since 2017 and all have had major problems. After yet another poor experience, I will be trading this truck in on anything other than a Ford in the next 12 months. My loyalty to the Ford brand has come to an end due to their poor quality control and lack of compassion towards their customers when problems arise.

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