DETROIT (AP) ? Ford (F) has agreed to a settlement that requires the automaker to pay at least $735 each to car owners who had to replace an intake manifold, attorneys for the plaintiffs said Friday.
Ford also is extending warranty coverage on the nylon composite part to seven years to cover vehicle owners who haven't yet replaced the manifold. The class-action lawsuit covered 1.8 million vehicle owners, according to Morrow Cater, a spokeswoman for the plaintiffs.
A spokeswoman for the automaker, Kathleen Vokes, said Ford doesn't know how much the settlement will cost because it's unclear how many people will seek reimbursement.
An intake manifold is a pipe that supplies a mixture of fuel and air to the engine's cylinders. Vehicles included in the settlement are the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car from the 1996-2001 model years; 1997 Mercury Cougar, Ford Thunderbird and Ford Mustang; some Mustangs from 1998-2001; some Ford Explorers from 2002.
Plaintiffs claimed the intake manifolds are prone to premature cracking, which could lead to coolant leakage and expensive damage to the engine.
"Until this settlement, those who owned or leased these cars had to bear the brunt of the manufacturer's mistake," Mike Ram, one of the plaintiffs attorneys, said.
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