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Ford Focus News

Summary

In 2002, Mehri & Skalet filed a class action against Ford Motor Company alleging defects in the front braking system of the 2000 and 2001 Ford Focus. Mehri & Skalet represents plaintiffs who allege that the braking system contains a systemic defect that causes the front brake pads and rotors to wear out prematurely, forcing unsuspecting owners to spend hundreds of dollars in repairs and maintenance on a recurring basis. In December 2005, Mehri & Skalet, together with co-counsel, filed a motion to certify a class of all persons who purchased or leased one of these vehicles in the State of California. The motion contained multiple reports from experts, hundreds of pages of documents and depositions, and statements from clients.

On Febuary 2, 2007, nearly five years after Mehri & Skalet filed its first complaint, Judge Victoria Chaney certified a class of all persons who bought or leased a new 2000 or 2001 Ford Focus in the state of California.  In its written opinion, the Court noted that "Plaintiffs present extensive evidence that the 2000 and 2001 Ford Focus exhibits excessive brake wear" and that a class action would benefit both the court and the litigants.

On July 28, 2008 the Court granted final approval of a settlement on all of Plaintiffs’ claims.  The deadline for claims was September 16, 2008.