Ford Motor Company is currently facing a class action lawsuit related to its Transit Trail van, with plaintiffs alleging that the vehicle no longer meets the performance and design standards promised by the automaker. Central to the legal dispute is a recall issued in early 2024, which stemmed from a potentially hazardous design issue involving the Transit Trail’s 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse tires. These all-terrain tires, which were a key part of the vehicle’s rugged appeal, were found to potentially rub against the wheel well liners under specific conditions. As a response, Ford implemented a fix that involved replacing the original tires with smaller 28.5-inch versions.
However, this solution has sparked significant criticism from affected customers, leading to the class action suit. Plaintiffs argue that the smaller tires reduce the Transit Trail’s ground clearance, undermining one of the vehicle’s most prominent features. According to the legal complaint, this change essentially downgrades the Transit Trail to something more akin to the standard, less expensive Transit base model. The recall, the lawsuit claims, "removes the primary benefit of the Transit Trail models," stripping the vehicle of its off-road advantage and defeating the purpose of purchasing the specialized trim.
Ford originally launched the Transit Trail in November 2022, promoting it as a more adventure-ready version of its popular van. Key selling points included an additional 3.5 inches of ride height and the inclusion of large, 30.5-inch all-terrain tires meant to enhance off-road capability. Priced from \$65,975 for the 2023 model year, the Transit Trail targeted customers interested in van-life conversions and rugged travel. One plaintiff noted in the lawsuit that she would not have purchased the vehicle had she been aware of the tire clearance issue. The suit further alleges that Ford was aware of the defect but chose not to disclose it at the time of sale.
The issue began gaining official attention in late January 2024, when Ford initiated an internal investigation. By March 2024, the automaker had issued a formal recall notice through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the NHTSA report, Ford engineers identified that when the vehicle was fully loaded near its Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGWAR), and the wheels were turned to 60 percent of their full range while braking, the front tire shoulders could come into contact with the wheel arch liners—raising concerns of wear and safety.
At this time, Ford has not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit, and as is typical in such cases, companies often refrain from commenting on ongoing litigation. Media outlet Motor1 has reached out to Ford for clarification and will update the story should the company provide a response.