Ford's emissions issues prompt DoJ criminal investigation

The potential legal problems do not relate to defeat devices.

Ford apparently faces a Department of Justice criminal investigation into the emissions certification issues that the company self-reported in February.

An internal inquiry, prompted by employee concerns raised through ford's Speak Up program, found that the company may have been using incorrect mathematical models to establish fuel consumption and mpg estimates.

"We voluntarily disclosed this matter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board," the company wrote in an SEC filing. "Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into the matter."

The Blue Oval has also notified other state and federal agencies, suggesting more investigations may be forthcoming. The automaker promises to continue cooperating with all agencies.

"Because this matter is still in the preliminary stages, we cannot predict the outcome, and we cannot provide assurance that it will not have a material adverse effect on us," the filing concluded.