Ford Transit Trail Owners Can Claim $6,000 in Tire Settlement

Ford has agreed to pay $6,000 per vehicle to settle a class action over the Transit Trail. The suit said the van's tires do not have enough room in the wheel wells.

The Trail package turned the Transit into an outdoors-oriented camper van. It added a 3.5-inch lift, a track 2.5 inches wider, skid plates, tow hooks and cladding. Buyers paid $12,500 for it. The 30.5-inch all-terrain tires, however, could rub against the fender liners. The plaintiffs said this happened while turning, braking or carrying equipment or people.

The payment is almost half the price of the package.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of the problem. It issued a recall in March 2024 over "insufficient packaging allowance" for the front tires.

Who can claim

Eligible are original owners and lessees who got the van from an authorized dealer or from an outfitter, upfitter or other intermediary that acquired it for resale or conversion. Buyers of used vans are not covered. People who have already sued Ford over the same issue are also left out.

Someone who bought or leased a Transit Trail before June 1, 2024, and no longer has it may still belong to the settlement class.

Claims go through the settlement's website. A valid claim needs a form, documentation and proof of ownership or lease. The deadline is January 15, 2027. Payment will be made by check. A court hearing on final approval is set for March 16, 2027, and money will be available once approval is granted and any appeals are resolved.

Source: Autoblog