Settlement for Ford Plastic Manifolds Hits Roadblock

DEARBORN, MI - While a proposed settlement between Ford Motor Co. and owners of vehicles regarding plastic manifolds was reached and filed this past October 7, final resolution remains in limbo.

According to Ford, on that date, "The United States District Court held a final Fairness Hearing on the proposed settlement. At the hearing, the court determined that the settlement is fair, adequate and reasonable, and entered a final order approving the settlement. However, one class member has filed an appeal challenging the judgment."

The proposed settlement involves certain Ford motor vehicles, specifically those with a 4.6L, two-valve V8 engine that were originally equipped with an all-nylon composite air intake manifold. Under the proposed settlement, Ford agreed to granting retroactive seven-year extended warranty coverage for fatigue cracking of the coolant crossover passage of the all nylon-composite intake manifold in affected vehicles and reimbursement, under certain conditions, if an owner paid for repairs to the manifold.

Ford spokesperson Kathleen Vokes, told Motor Age, "An appeal from the settlement agreement was filed on Nov. 7, 2005. This appeal will delay the implementation of the settlement until the appeal can be resolved." 

Vokes also said that Ford has established a Web site to provide notice and information to its customers of the affected vehicles. Vehicles affected, details of the settlement, answers to FAQs and other information can be viewed at www.fordmanifoldsettlement.com or by phoning toll-free (888) 826-3047.

(Source: Ford Motor Co.)