Ford is revising fuel economy ratings for six models, including most of its 2013 and 2014 hybrid lineup, as well as 2014 Fiesta subcompacts.
The adjustments come after Ford discovered issues with its internal testing measures in March, citing a faulty dynamometer used. Following the discovery, the automaker informed the U.S. EPA, which then supervised the retesting process.
“We apologize to our customers and will provide goodwill payments to affected owners,” said Ford CEO Alan Mulallay in a press release. “We also are taking steps to improve our processes and prevent issues like this from happening again.”
Depending on the model, the fuel economy revisions vary. For example, the 2014 Ford Fiesta powered by the 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is now rated at a combined city/highway figure of 5.5L/100 km, up from 5.3. The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, on the other hand, sees the most drastic combined fuel economy adjustment at 5.2L/100 km, up from 4.2. In addition to the Fiesta and the MKZ Hybrid, the Fusion Hybrid and Energi, and the C-Max Hybrid and Energi are affected by the re-adjustment.
As a result, Ford is compensating approximately 215,000 customers, including 13,000 in Canada, anywhere between $125 and $1,800, again depending on the model and the reduction in fuel economy.
This isn’t the first time Ford has come under fire for fuel economy ratings — last year, the automaker revised ratings for the C-Max Hybrid after it was discovered Ford didn’t test the C-Max, instead using the posted ratings from the Fusion Hybrid, a mechanically similar model.
Raj Nair, vice president of Ford’s global product development, says no one within the company has been penalized for the hiccup.
“This is our error. When we see an issue, we address it,” Nair said. “That is why we notified the EPA and adjusted the fuel economy ratings for these vehicles.”
