Ford Oil Leak Recall Update 2025: Is There a Lawsuit?

Ford Motor Company is facing legal challenges over its recall of 2020-2023 Ford Escapes and 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sports with 1.5L engines.

The recall, initiated in March 2022, was intended to address cracked fuel injectors, which could cause fuel leaks and fire risks. However, investigations revealed that the issue was not related to oil separators, as originally thought.

In response to a class-action lawsuit, Ford argued that the recall rendered the case moot, claiming the recall efforts were sufficient.

The court dismissed the case, citing a lack of evidence linking fires to the cracked injectors. Judge Shalina D. Kumar noted that, given the rarity of cracked injectors, other factors might have caused the fires, making it impossible to directly attribute them to the defect.

Despite this, in April 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the recall, expressing concerns that Ford’s remedy did not involve replacing the defective injectors.

This prompted the plaintiffs to file a motion for relief, bringing the lawsuit back to court.

Ford Cracked Fuel Injector Lawsuit

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan granted a motion for relief of judgment filed by 12 Ford owners, allowing the case to move forward.

The Ford Cracked Fuel Injector Lawsuit, initially filed in February 2023 by three Ford customers, alleges that Ford knowingly sold 2020-2023 Ford Escapes and 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sports with defective fuel injectors. These injectors can crack, potentially causing fuel leaks and engine fires.

The plaintiffs expanded to include 12 vehicle owners who argue that Ford’s recall efforts failed to address the issue.

The lawsuit claims Ford was aware of at least 17 confirmed fires and two injuries linked to the cracked fuel injectors. These incidents were reported out of a total of 521,778 affected vehicles.

Ford has countered these claims by emphasizing that no fuel injector is entirely failure-proof. The automaker also notes the relatively small number of incidents compared to the total number of vehicles involved.

The revived class action, Letson, et al., v. Ford Motor Company, is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The plaintiffs are represented by Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP and The Miller Law Firm PC.

Overview of Ford Oil Leak Recalls

In November 2022, Ford announced a significant recall involving more than 500,000 vehicles due to defective fuel injectors that were linked to at least 20 reported fires.

Disturbingly, three of these incidents resulted in fires spreading to nearby structures, and Ford confirmed four injuries tied to the issue.

This recall followed an earlier effort in April 2022, which impacted over 300,000 Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport models equipped with 1.5L engines.

In filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford admitted it was aware of 15 incidents involving engine oil leaks or fires at the time of the initial recall.

In February 2023, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Ford, claiming that the recalls failed to resolve the underlying problems.

Originally initiated by three Ford customers, the lawsuit alleged that Ford knowingly sold vehicles with defective fuel injectors despite being aware of the risks.

The case eventually expanded to include 12 vehicle owners who argued that the 2020-2023 Ford Escapes and 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sports were equipped with fuel injectors prone to cracking and causing engine fires.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit pointed to at least 17 confirmed fires and two injuries directly linked to the defective fuel injectors.

Ford acknowledged these incidents but emphasized that they represented a small fraction of the 521,778 vehicles involved. The automaker also argued that no fuel injector is entirely immune to failure.

What causes the leak?

Ford has identified the primary issue as cracked fuel injectors, which can release fuel into the engine compartment.

Additionally, certain vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines may feature engine oil separator housings prone to cracking, resulting in oil leaks.

These defects present a significant hazard, as leaking fuel or oil can ignite upon contact with high-temperature ignition sources.

Ford has documented at least four incidents where vehicles caught fire within five minutes of being turned off.

In April, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an investigation into the Ford cracked fuel injector recalls, citing concerns that the “recall remedy does not include replacement of the cracked fuel injector.”

Following NHTSA’s announcement, plaintiffs in a previously dismissed lawsuit against Ford sought to reopen the case by filing a motion for relief of judgment. Judge Shalina D. Kumar ruled in their favor, reviving the class-action lawsuit before NHTSA had concluded its investigation.

2024 Ford Oil Leak Recall

Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for certain 2024-2025 vehicles equipped with the twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine.

This recall affects select models of the 2024 Ford F-150, 2024 Ford Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator. The issue stems from a misaligned engine cup plug that can result in rapid oil leaks.

This defect poses significant safety risks for affected vehicles. A rapid oil leak could cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, increasing the likelihood of a crash.

Additionally, if the leaking oil encounters an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, it could lead to an engine fire. These hazards make it critical for owners of impacted vehicles to address the issue promptly.

The 2024 recall affects 2,418 vehicles in total. To resolve the issue, Ford dealerships will inspect the alignment of the engine cup plug and replace it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge to vehicle owners.

Which models are included in the 2024 Ford oil leak recall?

The 2024 Ford oil leak recall affects the following models equipped with the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine:

• 2024-2025 Ford F-150 (produced between September 12, 2024, and October 8, 2024)
• 2024 Ford Expedition (built from September 24, 2024, to October 6, 2024)
• 2024 Lincoln Navigator (produced from September 24, 2024, to September 27, 2024)

The following vehicles are included previous Ford cracked fuel injector recalls:

• 2020-2023 Ford Escape
• 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport

Affected vehicles are equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L engines. Certain Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape vehicles were recalled for oil leak problems in April 2022, just months prior to the November recall.

Does Ford have a solution for the Ford Bronco Recall or Ford Escape Recall?

For 2021-2022 Ford Bronco models equipped with 1.5L EcoBoost engines, the recall addresses engine intake valve defects that could cause engine failure.

Ford has committed to replacing the faulty intake valves to mitigate this risk. Owners are urged to contact their local Ford dealer to schedule the necessary repairs promptly.

However, the plaintiffs in a recently revived class-action lawsuit argue that these recall remedies are insufficient to fully resolve the underlying issues.

For 2020-2022 Ford Escape models, the Ford fuel injector recall focuses on engine manufacturing defects that pose a risk of engine fires.

To address these concerns, Ford is modifying the under-engine shield and active grille shutter to reduce overheating and fire hazards.

Affected owners are advised to contact their Ford dealer to arrange for these recall repairs, which are currently available.

Despite these measures, plaintiffs assert that Ford’s recall remedies fail to adequately address the root causes of these defects, leaving vehicles potentially unsafe.

Is it OK to drive with an oil leak or cracked ford fuel injector?

No, driving with an oil leak or a cracked fuel injector is highly discouraged due to the serious risks these issues pose to your vehicle’s performance and your safety.

Oil leaks, whether minor or major, should never be ignored. While a small leak might seem manageable, it can escalate quickly.

You might be able to drive a short distance if you monitor the oil levels and top them off as needed, but even minor leaks can lead to engine overheating, severe damage, or potentially a fire.

A significant oil leak, on the other hand, is far more dangerous. Rapid loss of lubrication can cause catastrophic engine failure and increase the likelihood of a car fire, accidents, or injuries.

Driving with a cracked fuel injector presents a similarly hazardous situation. A cracked injector can leak fuel into the engine compartment, resulting in reduced engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine damage.

The leaking fuel also poses an immediate fire hazard, particularly if it meets an ignition source. Continuing to drive with a cracked fuel injector not only exacerbates engine problems but also significantly raises repair costs.

Addressing the issue as soon as possible is vital to prevent more severe complications and ensure your safety.

If you suspect an oil leak or a cracked fuel injector in your vehicle, you should take immediate action. Consult a certified mechanic to inspect and repair the problem before it worsens.

Prompt attention can help you avoid costly repairs, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect yourself and others on the road.

Can I file a lemon law claim?

If you purchased or leased a Ford vehicle and are dealing with unresolved issues related to cracked fuel injectors or persistent fuel leaks, you may have grounds for a Lemon Law claim.

Under California’s Lemon Law, you could be entitled to compensation if your vehicle has a defect that substantially impairs its safety, value, or use and the manufacturer or authorized dealer has failed to repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts.

This includes cases where repeated repairs have not resolved fuel injector-related defects, posing risks such as fire hazards or diminished engine performance.

Determining whether you qualify for a Lemon Law claim involves understanding the specifics of your situation, such as the number of repair attempts made and the severity of the defect.

Consulting with an experienced Lemon Law attorney can help you assess your case and navigate the legal process.

An attorney can guide you on how to proceed, whether by seeking a refund, vehicle replacement, or compensation for damages.

You should act promptly if you suspect your vehicle qualifies for a Lemon Law claim. There are strict deadlines for filing, and delaying action could jeopardize your ability to seek relief.

If your vehicle is among the models affected by the defective fuel injectors, now is the time to consult a legal expert to protect your rights and explore your options.

If your Ford vehicle is affected by the fuel injector issue, you may be entitled to compensation for damages and related costs through a Lemon Law claim.

Depending on your situation, filing an individual Lemon Law claim could also be more advantageous. Below is an estimate of the average settlements for Ford models affected by this issue:

Affected Vehicle	Average Lemon Law Settlement
2020-2023 Ford Escape	$56,304
2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport	$59,678
2024-2025 Ford F-150	$83,537
2024 Ford Expedition	$131,425
2024 Lincoln Navigator	$173,066

*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.

What should I do if my Ford has oil leak issues?

If your Ford is experiencing oil leak issues, you should take action to address the problem as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:

• Check your oil level: If you suspect that your Ford has an oil leak, check the oil level to see if it is low. If the oil level is low, it is likely that there is a leak. Make sure to top up the oil to the recommended level.
• Inspect the engine: Look under the hood and inspect the engine for any signs of oil leaks. Look for oil spots or stains on the engine, on the ground under the vehicle, and on the oil filter or oil pan.
• Take your vehicle to a certified mechanic: If you are unsure about how to inspect your vehicle or if you have identified an oil leak, take your Ford to a certified mechanic. They can diagnose the issue, identify the source of the leak, and provide you with an estimate for repairs.
• Keep a record of repairs: If your vehicle needs repairs, make sure to keep a record of all repairs performed. This information may be useful if you need to file a warranty claim or lemon law claim in the future.

If your Ford is still under warranty, contact your dealership to discuss your options. They may be able to repair the issue at no cost to you.

If you have concerns about the quality of the repairs or the dealership’s response, consider contacting a lemon law attorney for guidance.

How the Lemon Law Experts can help

If you have purchased or leased a Ford vehicle that has experienced persistent issues, such as engine oil leaks, cracked fuel injectors, or other recurring defects, and an authorized Ford dealer has been unable to repair the problem after a reasonable number of attempts, you may have a valid Lemon Law claim.

The Lemon Law Experts—one of California’s leading consumer protection law firms—can help you navigate the process of filing your claim and fight for your rights.

Our experienced team of Lemon Law attorneys will assess your situation, collect the necessary evidence, and handle all negotiations with Ford or the dealership on your behalf.

The Lemon Law Experts are dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about the next steps.

With our expertise, we can help you make an informed decision about filing a Lemon Law claim and work hard to achieve the best outcome possible. To get in touch, call us at 877-897-6105 or fill out a form on our website.