John Michael Alvares has filed a lawsuit against Ford Motor Company, alleging multiple violations related to the purchase of a defective vehicle. The complaint was submitted on October 8, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara. Alvares claims that Ford failed to uphold both express and implied warranties under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and engaged in unfair business practices.
The case revolves around a 2024 Ford Ranger acquired by Alvares on June 28, 2024. According to the complaint, the vehicle suffered from numerous defects that impaired its use, value, and safety. Despite multiple repair attempts at authorized facilities, Ford allegedly failed to rectify these issues or offer restitution. "Defendants violated the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act by failing to conform the Vehicle to the express written warranties within a reasonable number of repair attempts," states the complaint. Furthermore, Alvares accuses Ford of willfully ignoring their legal obligations under warranty laws by not making necessary repairs or compensating him for his losses.
Alvares is seeking various forms of relief from the court. He demands actual damages amounting to $53,588.12 and civil penalties under the Song-Beverly Act totaling twice his actual damages. Additionally, he requests restitution for all payments made towards the vehicle and compensation for consequential and incidental damages incurred due to Ford's alleged negligence. The plaintiff also seeks attorney's fees and expenses as well as prejudgment interest at the highest legal rate.
The lawsuit extends beyond warranty breaches into accusations of unfair competition under California Business & Professions Code § 17200. Alvares argues that Ford engaged in unlawful business practices by knowingly selling defective vehicles without adequately informing consumers about their rights or addressing known defects. He claims these actions constitute fraudulent business practices likely to deceive consumers.
Representing John Michael Alvares are attorneys Neal F. Morrow III from MES Legal Inc., based in Long Beach, CA, and Ryan K. Marden from Marden Law Inc., located in Irvine, CA. The case is identified as Case No.: 24CV449069 and is being reviewed by Judge M. Arechiga at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County.