Defective spark plug suit against Ford filed in Beaumont court

A class action has been filed against Ford accusing the motor company of profiting off of defective spark plugs.

Joshua Brewer filed a class action against Ford Motor Co. on May 6 in the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

According to court documents, Brewer purchased a 2006 Ford F150, which had defective spark plugs that could not be readily removed when they need to be replaced.

The suit claims that when the defective spark plug is removed, there is damage to the spark plug and to the engine because part of the plug remains in the cylinder head.

Brewer alleges that the defect has resulted in class members spending excessive amounts to change out spark plugs. Brewer states he was charged $800 to change out five spark plugs, several times the normal cost.

The vehicles at issue include 2005-2008 Ford Mustang, 2004-2008 Ford F-150, 2005-2008 Ford F-Super Duty Expedition, 2006-2008 Ford Explorer, F-53 Ford Motorhome Chassis, 2007-2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 2005-2008 Lincoln Navigator, 2006-2008 Lincoln Mark LT and 2006-2008 Mercury Mountaineer, according to the lawsuit.

Ford is accused of not conducting sufficient recalls, failing to disclose known defects in the engines, failing to effectively repair or replace the engines or parts and failing to reimburse. Causes of action filed against Ford include negligence, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, breach of express warranty and unjust enrichment.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for out of pocket expenses related to the cost to replace the spark plugs, deductibles paid when repairs were covered by warranty, diminution in value of the subject vehicles, economic losses, attorney's fees, interest and court costs.

Brewer is represented by Mitchell A. Toups of Weller, Green, Toups & Terrell in Beaumont and Michael A. Caddell, Cynthia B. Chapman and Cory S. Fein of Caddell & Chapman in Houston.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:11-cv-00222