Skip to main content
Lion Lemon

2020-2024 · 3-Row SUV

Ford Explorer Lemon Law Attorney

Repeated problems with your Ford Explorer? See whether California lemon law may provide a buyback or refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

Tell us about your Explorer's repair history. We'll review whether a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement may be available.

Get Your Free Ford Explorer Case Review

Free 60-second check · no cost, no obligation.

1 of 5
How many times has it been in the shop for the same problem?
When you win, the manufacturer pays our fees — not you. That's California law, and your case review costs you nothing either way.

Trusted by California drivers · 5.0

Free consultation. No obligation. We don't charge unless you win.

A quick eligibility check

Your Explorer may qualify if…

These are common indicators under California's Song-Beverly Act. An attorney reviews the full repair and warranty history before determining whether the firm can take a case.

You bought or leased the vehicle in California.

The problem arose while a manufacturer warranty covered the vehicle.

The dealer has had repeated repair opportunities, or the vehicle has spent significant time in the shop.

The defect continues and substantially affects the vehicle's use, value, or safety.

What clients say

“I had an excellent experience working with this lawyer. They were incredibly prompt with every response, which made the entire process feel smooth and stress-free. I always felt heard, and they were genuinely helpful in making sure my needs were met every step of the way. What stood out most was how kind and approachable they were—never intimidating, always willing to explain things clearly and patiently.”
Yael S. · Google review

Individual results vary and depend on the facts of each case. Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.

What happens next

Three straightforward steps

  1. 1

    Share your repair history

    Tell us about the defect, dealer visits, warranty, and time your Explorer spent in the shop.

  2. 2

    An attorney reviews it

    A licensed California attorney reviews the submitted information within 24 hours. The review is free and carries no obligation.

  3. 3

    We explain your options

    If the firm accepts the case, our attorneys handle manufacturer communications and pursue the remedy supported by the facts.

Why Ford Explorer Owners Choose Lion Lemon

Attorney-Led Review

Every case is reviewed by a licensed California attorney within 24 hours — not a call center.

$0 Cost to You

Under California Civil Code §1794(d), the manufacturer pays our attorney fees when we win — not you.

California Focus

We only practice California lemon law. Every attorney on our team works on Song-Beverly Act cases daily.

We Handle the Paperwork

We draft your demand letter, negotiate with Ford, and handle the filing — you focus on driving.

Why a warranty isn't enough

Your warranty vs. the lemon law

A warranty is a promise to attempt repairs. The lemon law is what protects you when those repairs never stick.

The manufacturer's warranty

  • The manufacturer decides which repairs to attempt.
  • It only obligates them to keep trying — not to actually fix the problem.
  • When the warranty ends, the manufacturer's repair obligation ends.

California's lemon law

  • Kicks in when repeated repairs don't fix a substantial defect.
  • Can require a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
  • Your legal claim can survive after the warranty ends — if the defect was reported while it was in force.
  • When you win, the manufacturer pays your attorney fees — not you.
Explore Explorer defects, rights & FAQs

Common Ford Explorer Problems

The rear-wheel-drive-based CD6 platform exhibits a persistent driveshaft clunk and vibration at low speeds during acceleration from a stop, traced to defective universal joints and insufficient driveshaft damping.
The 10R60 ten-speed automatic transmission suffers from erratic shifting, extended gear hunts on highway grades, and intermittent loss of reverse gear, often requiring torque converter or valve body replacement.
The rear suspension toe link and trailing arm bushings wear prematurely, causing rear-end wander, uneven tire wear, and vague steering feel, sometimes requiring replacement before 25,000 miles.
The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder engine experiences coolant intrusion into the cylinders due to cracked cylinder head castings, resulting in white exhaust smoke and potential hydrolock conditions.
The power liftgate struts lose pressure and the latch mechanism fails intermittently, causing the liftgate to drop unexpectedly or refuse to open, posing a head-strike injury hazard.

Your California Lemon Law Rights

Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, if your Ford Explorer has a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:

  • Full refund of the purchase price
  • Replacement vehicle of comparable value
  • Cash compensation (cash-and-keep settlement)
  • Attorney's fees paid by the manufacturer

Ford Explorer Lemon Law FAQ

My Explorer's transmission slips between gears and Ford has attempted repairs three times. What are my options under California Lemon Law?

With three failed repair attempts for the same transmission defect, you have a strong case under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. California law presumes the vehicle is a lemon after two repair attempts for defects that could cause death or serious injury, or four attempts for other warranty defects. Transmission failure is a safety concern, so your three attempts likely exceed the threshold. You may be entitled to a full refund or replacement vehicle plus incidental damages.

The Explorer's rear suspension keeps needing alignment and new parts. Is this covered under California's lemon law?

Premature rear suspension component failure that impairs handling and tire wear is a substantial defect under the Song-Beverly Act. If Ford has replaced toe links, bushings, or trailing arms multiple times and the issue persists, the repeated failures demonstrate the manufacturer's inability to conform the vehicle to warranty. Each replacement counts as a separate repair attempt toward the lemon law presumption threshold.

Ford claims the driveshaft clunk in my Explorer is a normal characteristic. Can I still pursue a lemon law claim?

Manufacturers often dismiss known defects as normal characteristics, but California law looks at whether the condition substantially impairs use, value, or safety. A noticeable driveshaft clunk that affects ride quality and resale value can qualify. If you have documentation showing multiple complaints and repair attempts, a lemon law attorney can challenge Ford's characterization. The Song-Beverly Act also covers defects that impair the vehicle's value, not just safety.

My Explorer's engine has coolant loss and white smoke from the exhaust. How quickly should I act on a California lemon law claim?

You should act immediately, as coolant intrusion into the cylinders can cause catastrophic engine failure. California's Song-Beverly Act requires that claims be filed within the warranty period or a reasonable time thereafter. Document the white exhaust smoke, coolant level drops, and any dealer diagnosis referencing the cylinder head. A single repair attempt for a safety-related defect like potential engine failure carries significant weight in a lemon law case.

Other Ford Models We Cover

View all Ford models →

Latest Articles

Ready to see what your Explorer is worth?

Free 60-second check — no cost, no obligation.

Start my free case review →
Free Case Review