Here We Go, Again
We told you when Hyundai and Kia downgraded their EPA mileage in November 2012 "Your Mileage May Vary", Nov. 2012. Now, not too surprisingly, it's Ford's turn, again. Unlike the blanket mess that was the Hyundai/Kia fiasco, Ford is downgrading only Fusion, C-Max and Fiesta models while Lincoln is downgrading MKZ Hybrids, only.
| Old | New | Change | |
| 2013-14 Ford C-Max Energi | 44 city/41 hwy | 40 city/36 hwy | -4 city/-5 hwy |
| 2013-14 Ford C-Max Energi (battery) | 100 MPGe | 88 MPGe | -12 MPGe |
| 2013-14 Ford C-Max Hybrid | 45 city/40 hwy | 42 city/37 hwy | -3 city/-3 hwy |
| 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Manual | 27 city/38 hwy | 28 city/36 hwy | +1 city/-2 hwy |
| 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0 3 cyl. SFE Manual | 32 city/45 hwy | 31 city/43 hwy | -1 city/-2 hwy |
| 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Auto | 29 city/39 hwy | 27 city/37 hwy | -2 city/-2 hwy |
| 2014 Ford Fiesta 1.6 SFE Auto | 30 city/41 hwy | 28 city/38 hwy | -2 city/-3 hwy |
| 2013-14 Ford Fusion Energi | 44 city/41 hwy | 40 city/36 hwy | -4 city/-5 hwy |
| 2013-14 Ford Fusion Energi (battery) | 100 MPGe | 88 MPGe | -12 MPGe |
| 2013-14 Ford Fusion Hybrid | 47 city/47 hwy | 44 city/41 hwy | -3 city/-6 hwy |
| 2013-14 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid | 45 city/45 hwy | 38 city/37 hwy | -7 city/-8 hwy |
Previously, the 2013 C-Max Hybrid had been rated at 47 city/47 highway, the same as the 2013 Fusion Hybrid. It was allowed to use the same rating by EPA rules since the two cars shared a platform, but there was such a large discrepancy between the two that Ford voluntarily changed its rating to 45 city/40 hwy in August 2013. This latest change overrides that one (see chart above, line 3). Therefore, the C-Max Hybrid has changed from its original rating by 5 city and 10 highway MPG overall.
What is Ford Doing for Owners?
Ford is offering good will payments, via its website to owners and leasers of the vehicles that have had their EPA fuel mileage ratings adjusted. Payments range from $125 to $525 for leasers and $200 to $850 for owners. (Check here.) 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid owner’s can get $1050, while leasers can get $625. (Check here.) People with these cars don’t have to make any claim: Ford will automatically send a letter to them along with a payment.