Ford faces $1.2B lawsuit over F-150 fuel efficiency

Attorneys claim the misrepresented mpg equates to more than $2,000 over the life of the vehicle.

Ford is reportedly facing a lawsuit over alleged falsification of pickup fuel-efficiency tests.

The company earlier this year disclosed an internal investigation after discovering that incorrect mathematical figures may have been used to estimate fuel efficiency figures submitted to the EPA and California Air Resources Board.

"In September, a handful of employees raised a concern through our Speak Up employee reporting channel regarding the analytical modeling that is part of our US fuel economy and emissions compliance process," the company said at the time.

Law firm Hagens Berman claims to have completed its own tests, starting with the 2018-2019 F-150, and determined that buyers may end up paying more than $2,000 more in fuel over the life of the vehicle.

"Ford's lies about the F-150 are masking the truth: Consumers are paying far more for these trucks than meets the eye," said Hagans Berman managing partner Steve Berman, as quoted by the Detroit Free Press.

Ford spokesman TR Reid said that the automaker has not yet been served in the apparent lawsuit but the law firm's announcement "appears to be similar to two other filings by the same law firm in the same court."

"I'd ask you not to confuse claims with merit," he added.

The plaintiff lawyers are seeking class-action status and damages worth $1.2 billion or more. The law firm suggests it is looking into potential mpg discrepancies across additional models and model years.