In 2022, Ford launched a version of its Transit van that delivered something unique in the market. The Ford Transit Trail was an off-road-ready van. A response to the growing outdoors vanlife segment.
In 2024, the vans were recalled because of an issue with their main feature. The recall fix was to take it away, without a solution. Now, owners are upset, and they’re looking to the courts to get some satisfaction.
Transit Trail Was Built For Off-Roading
Ford’s 2023 Transit Trail was based on the extended high-roof model. The one with the most space in the back for living. The major selling points were an extra 3.5 inches of ground clearance, thanks largely to 30.5-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires. It also came with a 2.75-inch wider track to add off-road stability, and it had marker lamps in the grille, big fender flares to cover the tires, and a few other cosmetic upgrades.
In March 2024, Ford recalled all 1,902 copies of the Transit Trail it had sold. The reason was that the taller tires didn’t fit. They could contact the wheel arch liner and the body under certain conditions. NHTSA recall documents show the front tires could touch with as little as 60 percent steering lock if the vans were heavily loaded. It could cause “rapid air loss and tread-belt separation, which can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash,” say the safety documents. Ford said it was not aware of accidents or injuries, but there were multiple warranty complaints.
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The fix was a swap for 28.5-inch-tall tires. That lowered the ground clearance of the vehicles, and, alleges the complainants in the suit, makes the Trail “closer to the less expensive Ford Transit base model than the Transit Trail.”
According to the complaint, the Trail offered a bundle that could cost “between $15,000 and $20,000” from the aftermarket for $12,500. Since it was from Ford directly, it would not void the warranty. Something aftermarket upgrades could do.
Suit Calls That A “False Promise”
The suit calls the Trail a “false promise,” saying that “Simply put, Ford marketed the 2023 to 2024 model year Ford Transit Trail class vehicles specifically for off-road driving, but the geometry of the wheel wells and the suspension cannot accommodate the 30.5-inch tires – a substantial part of what makes the “Ford Transit” the “Ford Transit Trail.” Due to this improper geometry, the standard 30.5-inch tires strike the wheel arch liners, which in turn leads to damage to both the wheel wells and the tires and poses a safety concern.”
While the repair fixes the safety concern, the suit alleges, “Although Ford promised off-road capable vehicles suitable for camping and other adventurous purposes, Ford’s recall removes the primary benefit of the Transit ‘Trail’ models – the superior, 30.5-inch tires and superior ground clearance. Accordingly, aside from their lifted frames and suspension, Class Members having the recall performed are left with vehicles closer to the less expensive Ford Transit base model than the Transit Trail.”
One owner learned of the recall one hour after buying her vehicle, and before taking delivery. She allegedly made payments for more than six months for a vehicle she had never driven, saying that “Had Ford disclosed the Defect, [the] Plaintiff would have been aware and would not have purchased her vehicle or would have paid less for it.”
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The suit’s claims end with the following: “Due to Ford’s misstatements and failure to disclose that the Defect rendered the Class Vehicles unsuitable for the specific purpose for which they were purchased, i.e. off-roading, Plaintiffs and Class Members were deprived of the benefit of their bargain in purchasing or leasing their Class Vehicles. These vehicles simply are not capable of the performance, namely offroading, that Ford promised and that Plaintiffs and Class Members paid for, Plaintiffs accordingly seek relief both for themselves and for other current and former owners.”
We’ve reached out to Ford for comment. While automakers do not normally comment on ongoing legal action, we’ll update if they do. The allegations in the suit have not been argued in court.
Source: Classaction.org via The Drive
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