Ford Transit Trail Vehicle Defect Settlement

The settlement is for qualifying original owners and lessees, not every current owner. Someone who originally qualified may still be included even if they later sold the vehicle.

• You must have bought or leased a new 2023 or 2024 Ford Transit Trail before June 1, 2024, for personal, family, or household use.
• You must be the first owner or lessee. A vehicle bought from a private owner does not qualify.
• The notice says there can be only one Original Owner or Lessee for each Class Vehicle. People who bought for business or commercial use, received certain prior Ford compensation, released related claims, or validly opt out are excluded.

A signature or VIN alone is not enough. The notice requires documentary proof of membership as well as the W-9 and signed certifications.

• A completed IRS Form W-9.
• The vehicle identification number (VIN).
• A signed claim certification confirming you were the Original Owner or Lessee, used the vehicle for personal, family, or household purposes, have not already received specified Ford compensation, and have not transferred or assigned a related legal claim.
• A copy of the original purchase or lease agreement. If that is unavailable, you can use another reliable document showing your identity, the VIN, and the first retail purchase or lease date. Examples include a buyer’s order, title, registration, financing or lease record, or dealer or intermediary invoice.

The notice says a claim form is available online, by calling 1-877-525-1779, or by writing to the mailing address. It warns that mail may receive a postmark after the day it is dropped off.

• Submit online by January 15, 2027.
• Or mail a completed claim so it is postmarked by January 15, 2027, to Ford Transit Trail Settlement, Settlement Administrator, PO Box 5470, Portland, OR 97228-5470.

A payment is not automatic. The notice also says that valid, timely claims will be paid only after court approval and after the settlement becomes final; it does not give a specific payment date.

• The Settlement Administrator reviews claims for timeliness, completeness, proof of class membership, and duplication.
• If a timely claim is rejected because information or documents are missing, you have 30 days to resubmit with the requested material.
• If the Administrator finally finds the claim invalid, you may appeal to the Court within 45 days after the final determination is mailed to you.

You must submit a valid claim to receive the payment. Remaining in the settlement has legal consequences even if you do not file one.

• If you do nothing, you will not receive a payment.
• If you stay in the settlement and do not opt out, you give up covered legal claims against Ford concerning alleged Transit Trail package defects and related economic losses.
• The settlement does not take away free recall remedies, New Vehicle Limited Warranty rights, or claims for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage other than to a Class Vehicle.

Opting out means leaving the settlement. You will not receive the $6,000 payment, but you will not be bound by the settlement and may pursue your own covered claims if you choose. You cannot opt out by phone or email.

• Mail a written exclusion request by first-class U.S. mail, postmarked by January 13, 2027.
• Include your name, mailing address, telephone number, vehicle model and model year, purchase or lease date, VIN, a clear request to be excluded, and your physical signature.
• Mail it to Ford Transit Trail Settlement, Opt-Out, PO Box 5470, Portland, OR 97228-5470.

The fairness hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time in Wilmington, Delaware. The Court may change the time, date, location, or format.

• A written objection must be filed with the Court by January 13, 2027.
• You must also send it to Class Counsel, Ford’s counsel, and the Settlement Administrator so they receive it by January 13, 2027.
• You cannot object if you opt out. The objection must contain the detailed information and supporting materials listed in the notice.