Is My Lincoln Considered A Lemon?

If you own a Lincoln Continental or a Ford Super Duty vehicle from model years 2017 to 2020, you might wonder whether issues with your car qualify it as a lemon under California law. Ford recently recalled 277,040 vehicles, including the Lincoln Continental, due to defective rearview cameras caused by the degradation of the anti-reflective lens coating. This problem can result in a foggy or cloudy image, potentially increasing the risk of an accident.

Understanding whether your Lincoln qualifies as a lemon depends on the frequency and severity of the defect, how it impacts your safety, and Ford’s ability—or inability—to repair the issue after a reasonable number of attempts. Here’s what you need to know about affected vehicles, common signs of a lemon, and your options.

Vehicles Affected by the Ford Recall

The recent Ford recall impacts a significant number of vehicles equipped with 360-degree camera systems. These systems are designed to improve visibility, but a defective camera can compromise this safety feature.

The specific impacted vehicles include:

• 2017–2020 Lincoln Continental; and
• 2017–2020 Ford F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450

Ford issued this recall after determining that the camera’s anti-reflective lens coating degrades over time, leading to blurred or cloudy rearview images. This issue is especially concerning for Lincoln Continental drivers, as rearview cameras are a critical safety feature in modern vehicles.

You may be eligible for remedies under California’s Lemon Law if your vehicle is among those listed. This law protects consumers from defective vehicles that manufacturers cannot adequately repair.

Common Signs Your Lincoln May Be a Lemon

While the recent recall addresses rearview camera defects, other signs may indicate that your Lincoln has additional issues that could qualify it as a lemon. California Lemon Law covers significant defects that impair a vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Some common warning signs include the following: 

• Persistent issues with visibility or camera functionality, such as foggy or blank screens;
• Frequent trips to the dealership for the same problem without a permanent fix;
• Recurring safety-related malfunctions, including issues with brakes, lights, or electronic systems; and
• Extended periods during which your vehicle is out of service for repairs.

For example, if you’ve taken your Lincoln to the dealership multiple times to address the camera issue and it remains unresolved, it could be classified as a lemon. Keep a record of all repair attempts, as this documentation will be critical when filing a claim.

Recognizing these signs early can help you take action to resolve the problem before it escalates further.

The Dangers of Defective Rearview Cameras

Rearview cameras are designed to reduce accidents by providing drivers with a clear view of what’s behind them. When these systems fail, the risk of collisions increases significantly.

Some potential safety hazards include: 

• Reduced visibility. A cloudy or foggy image may prevent you from seeing pedestrians, cyclists, or objects behind your vehicle.
• Increased risk of accidents. Drivers may misjudge distances or fail to notice obstacles due to unclear or blank screens.
• Liability issues. In the event of an accident, a malfunctioning camera could complicate insurance claims or legal proceedings.

For Lincoln Continental owners, this defect undermines safety and diminishes the vehicle’s overall value. California’s Lemon Law provides a remedy for consumers who encounter such issues.

What To Do If You Own An Affected Lincoln

If you suspect your Lincoln is a lemon or are dealing with unresolved defects, there are specific steps you should take to protect your rights under California Lemon Law.

Key Steps for Vehicle Owners

• Verify the recall. Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on Ford’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) site to confirm whether your Lincoln is included in the recall.
• Document the issues. Keep a detailed record of all defects, repair attempts, and communications with the dealership or manufacturer.
• Contact the dealer for repairs. You can take your vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership to have the camera replaced at no cost.
• Consult a Lemon Law attorney. If the defect persists after multiple repair attempts or your vehicle is out of service for an extended period, speak with a California Lemon Law attorney about your options.

California’s Lemon Law allows you to seek a refund, replacement, or cash compensation for defective vehicles that manufacturers fail to repair adequately. For instance, if the camera issue remains unresolved after reasonable repair attempts, you may qualify for legal remedies.

Your Legal Rights & The California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law, part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, protects consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles. If Ford cannot repair the defect within a reasonable number of attempts, you may be entitled to:

• A replacement vehicle; 
• A refund of the purchase price, including taxes and fees; and
• Compensation for incidental expenses, such as towing or rental car costs.

To qualify under California Lemon Law, your Lincoln’s defect must substantially impair its use, safety, or value, and the manufacturer must be given an opportunity to resolve the issue.

Have You Purchased a Ford or Lincoln That Turned Out to Be a Lemon?

If you bought a new Ford or Lincoln vehicle or one that was still under the original manufacturer’s warranty, and you’ve been experiencing repeated problems, you may have ended up with a lemon. At Wirtz Law, APC, we’ve assembled a dedicated team of Lemon Law attorneys who have an in-depth understanding of California and federal consumer protection laws. We offer all prospective clients free consultations and will not collect a fee for our services unless we’re able to recover compensation on your behalf. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give Wirtz Law APC a call at 858-259-5009. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.