Auto Lemon Law Upheld

Arnold Dempsey bought a new Mercury Grand Marquis from Dimension Ford, Fort Wayne. The recent retiree had researched manufacturers and models and chose the Grand Marquis, one of Ford/Lincoln/Mercury's flagship cars, based on its reputation for quality and dependability. Four months after purchasing his new car, Dempsey felt the vehicle begin pulling to the left towards oncoming traffic. In a matter of seconds, the vehicle could literally change lanes and cross the center line unless corrective measures were taken. He took the car back to the Ford dealer. Over a five-month period, four different Ford dealers tried several alignments, numerous brake repairs and replacement of the steering gear box, yet the condition continued. Dempsey called Ford Customer Assistance, using their 800 number listed in the warranty booklet that came with his car. They told him to go back to another authorized dealer. After seven attempted repairs, Dempsey contacted the "lemon" law firm of Krohn & Moss, Ltd. June 19, after a one-day jury trial in Kosciusko County Super Court, a judgment was rendered awarding Dempsey a refund for the Grand Marquis, which required Ford Motor Co. to pay him $19,132.46 and pay off the remainder of his loan on the car. The jury found that Ford Motor Co. had violated the Indiana "lemon law" and breached its warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.