Oh no, Ford Super Duty trucks might be in one expensive pickle. Allegedly, false claims for Ford Super Duty truck models like the F-350 and F-250 result in a $19.2 million fine. It will resolve allegations about falsely advertised fuel economy ratings. 

What are the false Ford Super Duty claims? 

According to Reuters, Ford faces a multi-state settlement to cover the 2013 – 2014 C-Max hybrids and 2011 – 2014 Ford Super Duty trucks. Reportedly, Ford advertised incorrect payload capacity and fuel economy ratings for some hybrids and pickup truck models.  

Ford lowered the advertised fuel economy ratings on the C-Max hybrid by up to seven miles per gallon and sent $550 checks to owners to make up for the difference in fuel costs. 

The settlement involves 40 states and the District of Columbia, which prohibit Ford from making false or misleading advertising claims related to the estimated fuel economy or payload capacity of new motor vehicles. However, Ford does not admit to wrongdoing. 

Iowa Attorney General, Tom Miller, shared that Ford advertised impressive fuel economy and payload capacity for its cars and trucks for years. But unfortunately, the figures are not based on reality, leaving customers with vehicles that don’t meet their standards. 

Are Super Duty trucks in trouble? 

Acting New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin explained that Ford Super Duty trucks misrepresented the distance customers could drive on a single tank of gas. Ford asserted that driving style would not influence real-world fuel economy. 

Ford also claimed superior real-world fuel economy compared to other hybrids. Deceptive advertisements called the ‘Hybrid Games’ depicted the Ford C-Max outperforming the Toyota Prius. 

Toyota declined to comment about the Hybrid Games. We’re not sure which vehicle would be the lead like Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games.

But so far, Ford is just getting a slap on the wrist with a $19.2 million settlement. Ford is pleased that the issue has been settled without any judicial finding of improper conduct. 

It worked with states to resolve concerns and, in the process, limited additional investigative costs and legal expenses for all parties. 

Super Duty trucks had false payload ratings 

The states also alleged that Ford Super Duty trucks used deceptive methodology for reclaiming the best in class payload capacity are rivals gained more power. 

The investigation found that in calculating maximum payload capacity, Ford used a truck configuration that wasn’t intended to be sold to customers. It omitted standard items like the spare tire, jack, and center console. 

So Ford was able to add additional pounds to the maximum advertisable payload capacity for Super Duty trucks. But it was only enough to go for the best in class title. 

Recently nearly 12,000 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty trucks were recalled because they listed incorrect payload values. Ford mentioned that a study it conducted may have overstated the payload capacity by 79 to 900 lbs. 

The Super Duty truck issues seem to be resolved for now. It’s unclear if Ford will face any more troubles related to false claims. However, we will keep tracking this story to provide the latest updates.