Feds Launch Fuel Economy Probe for Ford Hybrids

The new hybrids from Ford are under scrutiny by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following claims that the vehicles do not meet their advertised fuel economy ratings.

Fox News reports that the EPA review was initiated after several automotive media outlets found that the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid did not meet their 47 mpg rating after being tested on the road.

Consumer Reports found that the Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid delivered 39 mpg and 37 mpg respectively during its testing, which was way below the advertised economy rating of the cars.

Fuel efficiency is mostly self-certified by the automakers based on tests determined by the EPA. Fox News reports that only 15 percent of new cars are directly tested by the agency at its National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory.

Of late, the system has come under a lot of criticism after reports surfaced that Hyundai and Kia had overstated their fuel economy ratings due to an error in testing. The EPA’s investigation into this issue is still ongoing.

There is no confirmation from Ford or the EPA regarding whether the hybrids are self-certified or tested at the EPA laboratory. A Ford spokesperson told Fox News that the company would fully cooperate and review the EPA’s findings. Meanwhile, he also stated that the current models under scrutiny were praised earlier by consumers for fuel efficiency higher than the stated 47 mpg and noted that fuel economy could vary on different factors such as driving styles and conditions.

If you or a loved one has been wronged by consumer fraud, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a consumer fraud lawyer may be able to help you.

Tags: