The Case of the "Deathtrap" Ford Explorer

Just when it seemed like Ford would NEVER come through with a refund for her family's "Deathtrap" 1998 Ford Explorer XLT, Deanna Becker grabbed Ford's attention by speaking out at CARS' Capitol news conference. The Orange, California, mother of three blasted Ford for nearly killing her family. The Beckers' Explorer had a frightening, elusive defect. It intermittently died in traffic, losing power without warning -- also making it impossible to steer.

After a near-head-on-collision with a large SUV, the Beckers rejected the Explorer and returned it to the dealership -- where it sat since last November, while the Beckers continued to make payments on a lemon they did not dare to drive. Ford repeatedly failed to come through with the promised refund, but kept stalling. As the months passed, the Beckers continued to call Ford, and finally hired an attorney, but still got the run-around.

Until Deanna flew to Sacramento and spoke out to reporters. Her story was beamed via satellite to TV news stations throughout the state. Almost immediately afterward, the Beckers got a call from Ford, inviting them to go to the dealership to pick up their refund check. At last! (They are still waiting, however, for reimbursement for a rental car.)

CARS commends the Beckers for having the determination and fortitude to persist, in the face of enormous pressure."I think what kept us going was really wanting to make sure that our "deathtrap" Explorer does not just go back on the road," said Deanna Becker. "It should be crushed, or taken apart by tech students. No one should ever have to endanger their lives, or go through all we went through. I hope we can spare someone else the whole ordeal."

P.S. According to California's auto lemon law, Ford should brand the Explorer's title "Lemon Law Buyback," fix the vehicle, and provide full disclosure to prospective buyers, along with at least a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty, before reselling the lemon Explorer to another consumer. The title brand also means the Explorer's vehicle identification number should trigger a "Lemon Alert" in national electronic databases, such as the one offered by Carfax.