Ford sued over false Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid mpg estimates

Pennsylvania owners of Ford’s 2013 Fusion and C-Max Hybrids claim that their hybrid vehicles provide considerably less fuel economy than the advertised 47 mpg, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia. The owners also allege that Ford inaccurately represented the vehicles by incorrectly claiming that they outperformed competing hybrid models.

“Plaintiffs are some of the tens of thousands of consumers who purchased a Fusion Hybrid or C-Max Hybrid, only to be stuck with under-performing, less valuable vehicles that inflict higher fuel costs on their owners,” according to the complaint.

Plaintiffs cite a December study by Consumer Reports that criticized Ford’s official fuel efficiency ratings. In fact, the consumer watchdog’s test found that Fusion and C-Max models fell 17 percent to 21 percent shy of the promised 47 mpg.

According to Consumer Reports, Ford’s misleading fuel efficiency claims are the worst in the industry.

“In our tests, the Fusion Hybrid delivered 39 mpg overall and 35 and 41 in city and highway conditions, respectively,” said the magazine. “For the C-Max Hybrid, we got 37 mpg overall, with 35 and 38 for city and highway. These two vehicles have the largest discrepancy between our overall-mpg results and the estimates published by the EPA that we’ve seen among any current models.”

Complainants also reference estimates submitted by Ford owners to a fuel economy tracking website, which averaged 38.5 mpg. The 10-mpg difference equates to roughly $1,800 in additional fuel costs over five years, according to the complaint.

Additionally, the lawsuit takes issue with the method in which Ford mpg testing procedures. Known as “driveability” testing, Ford uses real-world simulations to estimate fuel economy ratings. The EPA is reportedly investigating Ford’s testing system to ensure compliance with federal standards.

A similar EPA investigation conducted last year found that Hyundai and Kia falsified mpg claims. The government agency concluded that 13 Hyundai and Kia models failed to meet their advertised fuel-economy ratings. The agency’s findings resulted in a lawsuit filed by Consumer Watchdog seeking unspecified damages and a separate class action lawsuit asking for $775 million in damages.

The current Ford lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages, accuses Ford of fraud and violating Pennsylvania’s unfair-trade practices and consumer protection laws.

Ford has not officially commented on the lawsuit, but did issue the following statement to Bloomberg News: “Ford’s fuel economy labels are generated in accordance with EPA procedures and protocols.”

Stay tuned for more information regarding this developing lawsuit, including an official response from Ford.