Ford Sued for Transit Trail Recall Fix That Owners Say Ruined Its Off-Road Capability

Ford wanted to capitalize on the popularity of overlanding with its off-road-oriented Transit Trail van, but it soon had to issue a recall because the tires were too beefy to clear the body. We’re now learning that some Transit Trail owners have filed a lawsuit against Ford, saying the automaker knew about the issue before selling the van and claiming that the fixes ruin the van’s off-road capabilities.

The Transit Trail’s 30.5-inch all-terrain tires rub the wheel wheels in tight turns and heavy braking, a problem that became more apparent when the van was loaded. That might be ok for a budget-built van from somebody’s garage, but it’s a little disappointing from a multi-billion-dollar automaker.

Ford’s recall fix involved swapping the 30.5-inch Goodyears for 28-inch tires, which cut the Trail’s ground clearance by more than an inch. While the van was never intended to be a rock crawler, that reduction seriously cuts into the Trail’s off-road capability, including approach and departure angles.

The plaintiffs in the suit are asking Ford to issue a “prompt, complete, and effective recall or free replacement/repair program,” rather than roll with the funky smaller-tire fix. That said, Ford discontinued the Transit Trail earlier this year, so a permanent fix that involves new springs and suspension components may not be in the cards.

[Images: Ford]

Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by   subscribing to our newsletter.