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Ford Settles Class Action Over Plastic Manifolds

December 16, 2005
Ford has settled a class-action lawsuit over the troublesome plastic intake manifolds on certain Ford and Lincoln-Mercury models from the 1996 through 2002 model years. The settlement was reached in June but needed final approval by the court.

Ford Manifold Suit • Ford Finalizes Plastic Manifold Settlement • Ford Agrees to Settle Plastic Manifold Lawsuit • Consumer Complaints about Ford Plastic Manifolds --- • More about Ford

Owners who have already replaced the manifolds will receive full reimbursement. Owners without a receipt will receive $735 for repairs, according to attorneys handling the case.

The company is also extending the new-vehicle warranty on the nylon composite part to seven years to cover vehicle owners who haven't yet replaced the manifold.

The class-action lawsuit covers about 1.8 million vehicle owners. The settlement is expected to cost Ford more than $100 million.

Vehicles included in the settlement are the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car from the 1996-2001 model years; 1997 Mercury Cougar, Ford Thunderbird and Ford Mustang; some Mustangs from 1998-2001; and some Ford Explorers from 2002.

Plaintiffs in the case claimed the intake manifolds are prone to premature cracking, which could lead to coolant leakage and expensive damage to the engine.

The San Francisco law firm Levy, Ram & Olson represented consumers in the case.

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