Ford Lemon Law

If you’ve purchased or leased a Ford in Washington State and it’s spent more time in the repair shop than on the road, you may have rights under Washington’s Lemon Law.

This consumer protection law may entitle you to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement if your Ford experiences repeated defects that impact its use, value, or safety. Even leased vehicles can qualify, and many Ford owners don’t realize they’re eligible. Washington even offers a free state-run arbitration process, but many drivers choose to work with a lemon law attorney to make the process faster and easier.

Think your Ford might be a lemon? Click here to see if you qualify.

Ford Lemon Law Rights in Washington

Washington State’s Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that experience repeated problems early in ownership. If you’ve leased or bought a Ford and it’s been in the shop multiple times for the same issue, or it’s been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days, you may be eligible for protection.

The vehicle must typically meet the following conditions:

• The issue must occur within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first.

• The manufacturer or authorized dealer must have had a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defect.

• The issue must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Ford Lemon Law Remedies

If your Ford qualifies under Washington’s Lemon Law, you may be entitled to one of these remedies:

• A repurchase of your vehicle: you get a refund for your payments, minus a small deduction for mileage.

• A replacement vehicle: The manufacturer replaces your Ford with a comparable model.

• A cash settlement: In many cases, the manufacturer may agree to a payout without requiring you to return the vehicle.

You may qualify for lemon law protection if you’ve recently purchased or leased a Ford model like the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Escape, Edge, Expedition, Bronco, Maverick, Ranger, Super Duty (F-250 / F-350), Transit, or EcoSport,  as long as the vehicle is still within the qualifying time and mileage limits.

Even if your specific model isn’t listed, your vehicle may still qualify based on its repair history and service record.

Learn more about how to qualify for Ford lemon law protection in Washington.

Is My Ford a Lemon?

Ford owners report a range of issues that may qualify for lemon law relief under Washington State law. There are a wide variety of car issues that may indicate your car is a lemon. Common defects include:

• Transmission problems

  • Jerking, hesitation, or gear slipping

  • Hard shifts or sudden loss of power

  • Clutch failures in dual-clutch systems like the Ford PowerShift

• Engine issues

  • Stalling, knocking, or misfires

  • Loss of power while driving

  • Overheating or recurring check engine lights

• Electrical system malfunctions

  • Dead battery or frequent battery drains

  • Faulty dashboard displays or warning lights

  • Infotainment system freezing or shutting down

• Brake and suspension issues

  • Squeaking or grinding brakes

  • Brake pedal sinking or soft feel

  • Noisy suspension or uneven tire wear

• Steering or alignment problems

  • Steering wheel vibration or stiffness

  • Lane-keeping assist malfunctions

  • Vehicle pulling to one side

• Interior and comfort defects

  • Air conditioning or heating failures

  • Water leaks from sunroof or doors

  • Power windows, locks, or seats not working

• Safety system concerns

  • Airbag light illuminated

  • Backup camera failure

  • Lane assist, collision warning, or adaptive cruise not functioning

If your Ford has experienced any of these issues repeatedly, and the dealership has been unable to repair them after several visits, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon under Washington State law. Documentation matters, so make sure you’ve saved service records and communication with the dealership.

Lemon Law Case Study

After purchasing a new Ford Explorer in Tacoma, Marcus noticed ongoing transmission hesitation and loss of power when accelerating. Over the next 10 months, the vehicle went back to the dealership five times, but the issue was never fully resolved. After finding an experienced lemon law attorney through FixMyLemon.com, Marcus filed a claim and ultimately received a cash settlement and had his remaining loan paid off. He was able to move on from the vehicle and into a more reliable replacement, without having to deal with Ford directly.

When Should I Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney?

To get a successful lemon law claim, it’s highly recommended for consumers to work with an experienced lemon law attorney. By hiring an attorney, you will get the best chance to receive maximum compensation, which may even extend beyond the value of the vehicle.

Here’s what a lawyer can do for you:

• Evaluate your case for free – A qualified attorney can quickly determine whether your situation meets the requirements of Washington’s Lemon Law, often in a single phone call or form submission.

• Handle the paperwork and documentation – No need to figure out which repair invoices or records you need. Your lawyer will know exactly what evidence is needed and how to present it in a way that strengthens your case.

• Communicate directly with the manufacturer – You won’t have to go back and forth with Ford or a dealership. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf and fight for the maximum compensation you're entitled to.

• Pursue a buyback, replacement, or settlement – Whether you want a refund, a new vehicle, or just to be done with the headache, your attorney will tailor the strategy to your needs.

• No out-of-pocket costs – Lemon law attorneys in Washington usually work on contingency. That means you pay nothing unless your case is successful, and the manufacturer typically covers legal fees as part of the resolution.

If you’re tired of repeated repairs, breakdowns, and lost time, don’t go it alone. A lemon law attorney can take the pressure off your shoulders and help you get the compensation you deserve, without the stress or guesswork.

The best part? You can get a free case review today, with no obligation.

Ford Lemon Law - FAQ

Can leased vehicles qualify under the Lemon Law? Yes. Leased vehicles have the same protections as purchased ones under Washington’s Lemon Law, as long as the lease was for personal use and the defect meets the required criteria. Many drivers don’t realize they’re still protected under the law even if they don’t own the car.

Do I need a lawyer to file a Lemon Law claim?  While Washington offers a free state-run arbitration program, many people choose to hire a lemon law attorney to handle the process. An attorney can help streamline your claim, deal directly with the manufacturer, and push for the highest possible compensation, often without any upfront cost.

What kind of compensation can I receive? If your vehicle qualifies, you may be entitled to a refund (buyback), a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. The type of remedy depends on the specific circumstances of your case, and working with an attorney can help you pursue the option that works best for you.

How much does it cost to hire a lemon law attorney? Most lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. In many successful cases, the manufacturer is required to cover your legal fees, not you. That means there's very little risk in getting legal help.