Ford Motor Co. DPS6 PowerShift Transmission Products Liability Litigation
The causation theory is rooted in the systemic design flaws of the dry clutch system employed in the DPS6 PowerShift transmission. The dry clutch's susceptibility to overheating and uneven wear leads to slipping, bucking, and jerking. Electronic control modules (TCMs) are prone to failure or miscalibration, further impairing transmission performance. Manufacturing inconsistencies exacerbate these issues, resulting in a defective product that poses safety risks such as sudden loss of power and unintended acceleration, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
136
Pending actions
1,313
Total actions filed
Active
Status
02/02/2018
Established
Filing deadline
Claims should be submitted promptly following the settlement's effective date, with the primary deadline likely within a year or two of April 7, 2020, based on typical settlement procedures. Exact deadlines are available on the settlement website (https://fordtransmissionsettlement.com).
Who qualifies
Plaintiffs must demonstrate that their vehicle was equipped with the defective DPS6 PowerShift transmission and experienced specific malfunctions such as slipping, bucking, jerking, hesitation, or delayed acceleration within the affected model years (primarily 2011-2016). Symptoms include shuddering when accelerating from a stop, harsh engagement, and sudden vehicle jerks. Vehicle mileage at malfunction varies, often within the first 50,000 miles, with some cases after multiple repairs. Plaintiffs must have experienced these symptoms within the applicable statute of limitations, and their vehicle must be part of the affected model years.
Products involved
- Ford Fiesta (2012-2016)
- Ford Focus (2012-2016)
Alleged injuries
- Slipping, bucking, jerking, hesitation, delayed acceleration, sudden vehicle movements
Bellwether trials
The bellwether trial schedule is ongoing with no specific dates publicly listed. Recent verdicts include a notable $58,000 jury verdict against Ford, indicating active bellwether proceedings. The MDL has a high resolution rate (~90%), with many cases resolved through verdicts or settlements. The process involves multiple pending cases, with procedural history documented in court dockets and JPML orders.
Settlement landscape
The overall settlement value is estimated at approximately $35 million, with Ford agreeing to pay claims related to the defective DPS6 PowerShift transmission. Settlement benefits include buyback options, cash payments up to $2,325, and discount certificates of up to $4,650 toward a new vehicle. The settlement became effective on April 7, 2020, with claims submission instructions available on the official settlement website. Specific claim submission deadlines are not explicitly listed but are to be followed as per the settlement administrator's instructions.
Lead counsel
- Keller Rohrback LLP
- Gibbs Law Group LLP
- Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
