Some year models of the Ford Super Duty F-series Pickup Trucks may be prone to collapsing roof which could result in serious injury or death and loss of the value of the vehicle. People who owned or leased a 1999 to 2016 Super Duty Ford F-series Pickup Truck may have been placed at risk of serious injury and property damage due to roof collapse and may be eligible for compensation.
Ford Super Duty Pickup Truck Roof Crush
Ford Motor Company is currently facing lawsuits over claims that certain models of its pickup trucks may have been manufactured with weak roof structure. Up to 5.2 million 1999 to 2016 Ford Super Duty Pickup Trucks may have been manufactured with inadequate roof strength which makes the vehicles prone to roof collapse during a rollover accident. Roof collapse may result in serious injury, permanent disability, and death.
Affected vehicles include 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty trucks:
- F-250
- F-350
- F-450
- F-550
Tragically, the roof defect has already been responsible for at least two deaths. During a 2014 rollover accident the roof of a 2002 Ford Super Duty pickup truck collapsed, crushing two occupants. At least 80 additional events have been reported involving crushing injuries including an estimated 38 deaths in rollover accidents. Other Ford trucks may also be affected.
One lawsuit has resulted in a jury award of $1.7 billion for the family of the victims and other private settlements may have been made. The problem may affect 5.2 million pick-up trucks however, and hundreds of lawsuits have been filed and more may be expected. Multiple federal lawsuits have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
People who owned or leased a 1999 to 2016 Ford F-series Super Duty Pickup Truck may be eligible for compensation.
Ford Downgraded Roof Strength to Reduce Costs
Ford Motor Company has been accused of producing heavy duty pickup trucks with roof structure that is too weak which may allow for crushing during a rollover. The affected vehicles are Ford F-series Super Duty Pickup Trucks year model 1999 to 2016. The roof structure on the vehicles intended for heavy use is weaker than some of its lower duty truck models.
In manufacturing its Super Duty F-series pickup trucks, Ford removed some of the vehicles’ weight by reducing the thickness of the roof and support pillars in the cab of the pickup, to increase truck performance and responsiveness. This resulted in trucks which are lighter in weight, potentially getting better gas milage, but being less durable and less safe than some of its lighter-duty trucks.
Ford Super Duty Truck Roof Strength Failed to Meet Specifications
Though Ford claims the trucks meet legal guidelines, the Super Duty Trucks reportedly failed to meet Ford’s own 10,500-pound strength specification for its pickup roofs and is less sturdy than smaller vehicles including the F-150 and Ford Ranger.
Though Ford’s own investigations of roof-crush accidents may have shown the vehicles were dangerous, Ford has denied that there are problems with the roof strength in its trucks. The company has refused to issue recalls or warn owners and operators of the dangers. Lawsuits claim that Ford knew of the dangers for as long as 20 years but chose to continueselling the vehicles.
Ford Super Duty Truck Owners Placed at Risk
At least 83 roof crush incidents have been reported including 38 deaths. One lawsuit filed by the sons of a couple killed in a 2014 roof crush accident, resulted in a $1.7 billion award for the plaintiffs in 2022. Ford has been sued dozens of times and has settled multiple cases for undisclosed amounts but failed to change the roof design until 2017.
In addition to risk of serious injury and death, Ford Super Duty Pickups are marketed as heavy duty, robust trucks. People who purchased or leased a Super Duty truck paid a premium for a vehicle which may now be considered less safe and less valuable.
Ford Super Duty Roof Crush Lawsuits
Ford Motor Company is currently facing hundreds of lawsuits filed by owners and operators of Ford Super Duty Pickup Trucks. Three separate lawsuits have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan as “In re ford Super Duty Roof-Crush Litigation”.
Previous settlements have included the $1.7 billion judgement, along with several cases in federal and state courts which resulted in confidential settlements.
People who owned or leased a 1999 to 2016 Ford F-series Super Duty Pickup Truck may be eligible for compensation.