Ford has settled a class action lawsuit brought by Transit Trail owners over a 2024 recall that downgraded their vans' off-road capability. The company will pay affected owners $6,000 each.
The Transit Trail, launched in 2022 as an all-wheel-drive variant with off-road upgrades, was recalled in early 2024. Ford replaced the original 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse all-terrain tires with 28.5-inch tires identical to those on standard Transits due to rubbing against the wheel wells. The change also reduced ground clearance from 6.7 inches to 5.5 inches, matching the standard Transit.
The $6,000 payout is less than half the original Trail package price of $12,500. Eligible claimants are original owners or lessees of 2023 or 2024 Transit Trail vehicles purchased or leased before June 1, 2024, for personal use, who have not received prior compensation from Ford related to the vehicle.
Ford marketed the Transit Trail with an "adventure-ready chassis" meeting durability standards and featuring upgraded underbody protection. The recall affected nearly 2,000 vehicles, though the total number of owners eligible for the settlement remains unclear.