Lemons & Class Action Lawsuits

Is there anything wrong with joining a class-action lawsuit? Absolutely not. They are an option available to you—and they are worth considering. We are discussing them because we want you to know the different ways you can seek out a resolution. For instance, people who have purchased a Ford F-150 for model years 2017-2020 discovered that these trucks had common transmission defects. Many vehicles involved in such cases become part of class actions, which consolidate multiple claims into one case.

They were built with the 10R80, which is a 10-speed automatic transmission. One of the biggest concerns wasn’t even that the transmission wasn’t reliable. When driving, the passengers inside the truck got whiplash from how quickly and aggressively the transmission shifted gears. Because of this, the owners brought them back to the dealerships to have the situation rectified. The transmissions caused the trucks to decelerate rapidly and would eventually make uncommon and concerning noises.

But these owners were not given a solution. Dealerships explained that the transmission’s noises were common to all the trucks, and they had no answer for how the transmissions were operating. Hence, the birth of a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of all plaintiffs who experienced similar defects, and some individual claims were dismissed before the class action was certified.

Introduction to Lemon Law

You can get stuck with a defective vehicle—what we call a “lemon”—and that’s where lemon law steps in to protect you. These laws change from state to state, but they’re designed to make sure that when your car, truck, or SUV keeps failing to meet basic standards, you have real options to get compensation, a replacement, or even your money back. Lemon law claims can be your lifeline when you’re dealing with serious problems that manufacturers or dealerships just won’t fix.

When a defect hits not just your vehicle, but a whole bunch of cars from the same manufacturer, that’s when class action lawsuits come into play. A class action lawsuit lets you team up with other consumers who have similar claims and take on the manufacturer as a group, instead of going it alone. This approach can pack some serious punch when a manufacturer is facing widespread complaints about a critical defect, like a faulty transmission or engine that keeps dying on you.

Take a recent class action lawsuit that went after a major automaker over vehicles with brake system failures that just kept happening. The plaintiffs said the manufacturer knew about the defect but didn’t tell consumers or offer fixes that actually worked. The class action settlement in that case brought significant compensation to affected clients, with many others getting extended warranties and money back for repair expenses. These big settlements can deliver justice to consumers who might never be able to take on a giant company by themselves.

But here’s the thing—joining a class action isn’t always your best move. Sometimes, a class action settlement might force you to give up certain benefits or accept less compensation than you could get by filing your own individual claim. That’s why you need to talk with experienced lemon law attorneys before you make any decisions.

A free consultation with a dedicated attorney can help you figure out whether jumping into a class action lawsuit or going after your own claim is what’s best for you. These lemon law attorneys know the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state lemon laws inside and out, and they can walk you through the whole process, from filing a complaint to gathering evidence and negotiating with the manufacturer.

Whether you’re dealing with a recent class action lawsuit or thinking about your options for a lemon law claim, getting the right legal advice can make all the difference in your case. Attorneys can help you understand what a class action notice really means, how much compensation you might be looking at, and why you need to act fast within legal deadlines.

With the right support, you can boost your chances of holding manufacturers accountable and getting the compensation you deserve.

In the next section, we’ll break down the real benefits and drawbacks of class action lawsuits, including what you might gain from a class action settlement and what you could be giving up. We’ll also dig into why talking to a qualified lemon law attorney is critical for anyone weighing their options, and how these attorneys help clients navigate the challenging world of lemon law claims.

What Next?

Anyone who has one of these trucks may wonder how they can find a resolution to these issues. Should I join the class-action lawsuit? Do I need an attorney? Do I just wait? These are all valid questions, and we will answer them. Whether you choose to be a part of the class-action lawsuit is up to you. However, you should consult with a lemon law attorney beforehand.

A lawyer can act on your behalf to handle negotiations, legal filings, and advocate for your rights throughout the process. San Diego Lemon Law, PC, for instance, offers free consultations—so you have everything to gain and nothing to lose by talking to one.

Another added benefit of meeting with an attorney is that you learn about the entirety of your options. A lawyer’s focus on your individual case helps determine if you qualify for a lemon law claim and can maximize the money you may recover. Many lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis, so clients do not have to pay fees or costs upfront.

If you learn about a class-action lawsuit that centers on a car you own, the only way to know whether being a part of the lawsuit is in your best interest is by knowing what you’re giving up by being a part of it. An attorney familiar with the case and your specific situation can advise you appropriately, helping clients understand the potential costs and benefits of joining a class action versus pursuing an individual claim.

Opting In, Opting Out

Here’s something you may not know or have overlooked: You do not need to opt into a class-action lawsuit. For example, if you own a 2017-2020 Ford F-150, you may already be a part of the lawsuit we are referencing. Class actions can be helpful for consumers whose vehicles are involved in widespread defects. Although you do not have to opt in, your attorney may advise you to opt out of it if it is in your best interest.

Don’t hesitate to contact us after learning that you and your vehicle are a part of a class-action lawsuit. Your window of opportunity to opt-out of a class-action lawsuit varies by case, and you don’t want to miss it. If you wish to pursue an individual claim, your attorney can help you file the necessary paperwork. Attorney Doug Sohn has been practicing law for more than four decades—and solely lemon law for the last twenty.