“However, as an added safety precaution, Ford has asked customers to limit the charging to 80% and drive in auto EV mode only. This is not a ‘stop drive’ issue.”
Consumer NZ communications and campaign manager Jessica Walker said it was a frustrating time for people who owned the cars during a period of high petrol prices.
“Under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA), goods – including cars – must be of acceptable quality and fit for purpose. If Ford has advised [that] some of their hybrid cars should not be fully charged and should only be driven in auto EV mode, we think these guarantees will have been breached.
“This means consumers could be entitled to a remedy under the CGA. If the problem can be remedied, the retailer can choose whether to repair, replace or refund a customer and must do so within a reasonable time.”
If Ford failed to provide a solution soon, customers should be entitled to reject their cars and request a full refund or compensation to reflect the reduction in the car’s value.
“They can also claim back any additional costs they incur as a result of the defect. For example, if they incur additional fuel costs, they could ask the retailer to cover these costs.
“If Ford fails to assist, we recommend customers consider lodging a claim at the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.”
Ford said the estimated EV-only range of the Escape PHEVs affected was 52km, and reducing the charge to 80% would limit that to 41.6km.
“If using fuel for that 10.4km, they’d be using approximately 0.73 to 1.06 litres, depending on driving conditions. We haven’t yet offered compensation for the loss of 10.4km EV-only range.
“We do recognise and acknowledge how frustrating this can be for customers, and we know Ford’s global engineering team is working as fast as they can on a solution. It’s due very soon, just a few weeks, I’m told,” a spokesperson said.
“We’d recommend if customers are demanding compensation for the difference or have any concerns, they contact their local dealer.”
– RNZ
