Reuters reports that a lawsuit has been brought against Ford Motor Co. in a New Jersey Federal Court for allegedly selling trucks with defective fuel tank linings and hiding the problem from consumers over a 10 year period.
The lawsuit said that fuel tank linings on 10 E- and F- series truck models made from 1999 to 2008 would “separate and flake off.” The lawsuit stated that this would clog fuel systems and cause sudden loss of power to the engine, causing potential for the trucks to suddenly stall or “buck or kick.”
According to the complaint, in 2007 Ford issued a “secret” technical service bulletin that advised dealers of the problem, but did not recall the affected trucks or offer to repair the defect for free.
Reuters goes on to say that, “The complaint seeks class-action status on behalf of the vehicle owners, and alleges fraud, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment, among other charges. It seeks compensatory, punitive and triple damages, and other remedies.”
A Ford spokesperson declined to comment, saying the automaker has yet to be served with the complaint.
Reuters identifies the plaintiffs as Chester, New Jersey based Cobra Landscaping and Construction Inc. and its principal Galo Coba. Layers for both companies were not available for comment.
The case is Coba et al v. Ford Motor Co, U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey.
