Ford Settles Transit Trail Tire Lawsuit for $6,000

Owners of the all-wheel-drive Transit Trail van will receive $6,000 under a settlement tied to a 2024 recall that swapped out its tires.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Car Types

Ford Settles Transit Trail Tire Lawsuit for $6,000

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Ford agreed to a class action settlement paying eligible Transit Trail owners $6,000 after the company recalled the vehicles in early 2024 and replaced their 30.5-inch all-terrain tires with 28.5-inch tires. The settlement covers original owners and lessees of 2023 and 2024 model year Transit Trails bought or leased before June 1, 2024.

Why it matters

The recall changed the stock tire size on a full-size van sold at a $12,500 package price, reducing its advertised ground clearance from 6.7 inches to 5.5 inches. The settlement gives affected buyers a direct financial remedy for the change to the vehicle's off-road configuration.

Nearly 2,000 Transit Trails were recalled after the 30.5-inch tires were replaced with 28.5-inch tires, lowering ground clearance from 6.7 inches to 5.5 inches. Eligible owners receive a $6,000 payout against a $12,500 original package price.

The players

Ford Motor Company

Ford is a major American automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, which builds the Transit van line and the Transit Trail variant.

The details

Ford introduced the all-wheel-drive Transit Trail in 2022 and recalled all units in early 2024 after the 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse tires rubbed against the wheel wells. Ford replaced them with 28.5-inch tires matching standard Transits, and owners later filed a class action that ended in the settlement.

2022: Ford introduces the Transit Trail van.
Early 2024: Ford recalls all Transit Trail vehicles and begins tire replacements.
June 1, 2024: Purchase or lease cutoff date for settlement eligibility.
Last week: Ford reaches the class action settlement with plaintiffs.

Roadmap

The Transit Trail was a factory off-road variant of the standard Ford Transit, and the recall reversed its tire setup to match the base van. The settlement marks a consumer-facing consequence of modifying a production van's stock wheel and tire fitment.

Original owners or lessees of eligible 2023 or 2024 Transit Trails bought or leased before June 1, 2024 may claim the $6,000 payout by proving class membership through the settlement administrator. Owners who lost ground clearance from the tire swap should check their eligibility status.

The takeaway

Owners of modified or recalled vehicles should review class action notices carefully, since settlement payouts often require documentation and timely claims. Keep records of purchase or lease dates to confirm eligibility.