888 536 6628 
review my case
The owner alleged recurring defect and warranty repair issues with a 2016 Ford Explorer serviced in Yucaipa and at other California Ford dealerships. Over time, records reflect concerns including harsh transmission shifting/slamming and repeated engine oil-leak repairs. California Lemon Law protections apply statewide.
Free Case Review – See If Your Vehicle Qualifies
Repair History
The visits below summarize what the service records show (dates, mileage, complaint, diagnosis/repair, and result).
| Date | Mileage | Dealership/Shop | Complaint | Diagnosis | Repair Performed | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-02-29–2016-03-02 | 2,089 | Redlands Ford | Parking sensors alert without objects nearby | System check | Checked/verified operation (service visit documented) | — |
| 2016-11-07 | 18,180 | Gosch Ford Temecula | Key fob/button issues | — | Replaced key(s)/fob components | — |
| 2017-05-19–2017-05-23 | 28,139 | Gosch Ford Temecula | Rear camera image inoperative / blue screen | Rear camera concern | Replaced rear camera | Verified operation |
| 2018-01-26 | 41,713 | Gosch Ford Hemet | Battery dead / power-saving mode after sitting | Battery failed testing | Replaced battery (field service action noted on record) | — |
| 2018-09-17–2018-09-29 | 54,488 | Redlands Ford | Transmission slams into gear on downshift | Metal found; torque converter/internal transmission damage | Transmission overhaul; torque converter replacement; related internal repairs; flushed cooler/lines | Road tested OK |
| 2018-10-01–2018-10-02 | 54,624 | Redlands Ford | Fluid leak | Oil leak at oil filter/drain plug | Oil and filter change; replaced drain plug | — |
| 2018-10-08–2018-10-22 | 55,014 | Redlands Ford | Possible transmission leak | Oil leak at oil housing gasket | Replaced oil housing gasket | Test drove |
| 2019-03-04–2019-03-07 | 62,842 | Redlands Ford | Engine oil leak; noise when turning; hard shift/clunk concern | Oil leak addressed; shift/noise concern evaluated | Front cover gasket reseal; inspection/road test for drivability concerns | Leak repair completed; shift concern not duplicated on road test |
Pattern Summary
- Harsh shifting/slamming was reported and led to major transmission work, including a teardown and overhaul.
- Oil-leak concerns recurred over multiple visits (oil filter/drain plug, oil housing gasket, front cover gasket reseal).
- Additional electrical/visibility and convenience issues were documented (rear camera inoperative; parking sensor alerts; battery failure).
- The vehicle returned to Ford dealerships over a multi-year period for continued warranty-style repair efforts.
- Drivability and reliability concerns were implicated by harsh shifting and repeat leak repairs.
Free Case Review – See If Your Vehicle Qualifies
Settlement Outcome
Without admitting liability or wrongdoing, the case ended in a California Lemon Law repurchase (buyback): the manufacturer repurchased the vehicle and paid the owner $26,201.85 to resolve the dispute under California’s Lemon Law. The repurchase also included addressing the lender payoff as part of closing out the account.
California Lemon Law & Auto Fraud Rights
California’s Lemon Law can apply when a vehicle has a substantial defect that isn’t repaired after reasonable opportunities, or when the vehicle spends extensive time out of service for warranty repairs. These protections apply statewide, regardless of where in California the repairs occurred.
- Repurchase or replacement: Depending on the facts, a qualifying claim can lead to a buyback or replacement vehicle.
- Incidental losses: Certain out-of-pocket losses tied to qualifying warranty repairs may be recoverable.
- Attorney’s fees and costs: Fees and costs can be available in appropriate cases under California law.
- Potential civil penalties: In qualifying circumstances, additional penalties may be available.
California Lemon Law – Common Questions
How many repair attempts are “enough” in California?
There is no single magic number, but repeated attempts for the same defect—or major component repairs that don’t resolve the issue—can support a Lemon Law claim.
Do oil leaks and harsh shifting qualify under California Lemon Law?
They can, when the condition substantially affects use, value, or safety and persists after reasonable repair opportunities, especially when the records show repeat leak repairs or major transmission work.
Does Yucaipa matter for a California Lemon Law claim?
No. Lemon Law protections are statewide; Yucaipa is simply the city associated with the owner in the records for this matter.
What if the warranty period is over now?
In many cases, what matters is when the problems and repair attempts occurred and how the warranty repair history developed—timelines and documentation are key.
Next Steps
If your Ford Explorer has repeat repairs, harsh shifting, or ongoing oil leaks, the fastest way to evaluate a claim is to line up your repair orders in date/mileage order and compare what was reported to what was actually fixed. Deadlines can apply under California law, so it’s worth getting a document review sooner rather than later. In most cases, there are no fees unless there’s a recovery.