Ford Lowers MPG Ratings On Six New Models - Refunds 200,000 Owners For Difference

Ford Motor Co. is revising downward the fuel economy ratings on six new cars, including cutting the combined rating on the Lincoln MKZ hybrid by 7 mpg, and will make payments to 200,000 owners to make up for the difference.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the Dearborn automaker self-reported the mistakes after an internal audit and will revised downward the rating on four versions of the 2014 Ford Fiesta, the hybrid and Energi versions of the 2013-14 Ford Fusion, the C-Max Hybrid and Energi, and the 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The EPA said most labels will change between 1-5 mpg. Ford must correct the labels within 15 days, EPA said.

The move is a significant embarrassment to the automaker that has emphasized the efficiency of its vehicle lineup. Payments will range from $125 to $1,050 depending on which vehicle and if it was leased or purchased.

MattDarringer - 6/12/2014 3:47:16 PM

+2 Boost

I find it hilarious that anyone believes the estimates of any car by any brand in the first place. Pick your vehicle because you want to drive it not because it gets 3mpg more than the competition.

internationalmanofmystery - 6/13/2014 10:13:44 AM

0 Boost

The issue is not what you BELIEVE. It is what THEY put on the STICKER! That is a very significant (legal) difference!

Evander - 6/13/2014 1:38:23 AM

+1 Boost

I know I'm shocked. This is.......I mean.......who could have seen this coming!

chewy - 6/13/2014 4:20:06 AM

+1 Boost

The Fusion hybrid always seemed to be about 7 mpg too high compared to the competition. It never made sense that it had nearly Prius like ratings without the Prius aerodynamics and sacrifices.

skytop - 6/13/2014 7:30:15 AM

+1 Boost

I remember back in the late 70's and 1980 ALL the lying America car makers posting seriously inflated MPG number on the winder stickers.

After you bought the car, you found it was a giant gas hog. Never mind that cars drove like pigs, they also ate fuel like hogs. The public quickly learned NEVER to believe what car manufacturers stated.

leej - 6/15/2014 11:01:58 AM

+1 Boost

Odd that MattDarringer finds it 'hilarious' that one of the products his consortium of investors pushes is actually lying to the public. Perhaps when we see info in print from the manufacturer about its product, we tend to believe it because that info is being used to promote that product for sale. So, from now on, I will be sure to tell the dealership that I believe the gas mileage numbers as much as I believe the manufacturer's suggested retail price...it's all total BS. Does this go for the HP and torque numbers too? I am just wondering what on that window sticker I am really supposed to believe.