By Ashley Robinson Ford Motor Company is facing a proposed class action lawsuit over the flat-towing capability of certain Lincoln Corsair SUVs. The case, Rogge v. Ford Motor Co., was filed in federal court in California on July 30, 2026.
The lawsuit alleges that Ford represented 2021 through 2025 Lincoln Corsair vehicles as capable of being safely flat towed behind recreational vehicles. Flat towing, also known as four-wheel-down or dinghy towing, allows an SUV to be connected directly to the back of a motorhome with all four wheels on the ground.
The plaintiff claims that owners later learned the vehicles could suffer powertrain damage if the flat-towing procedure was used. The allegations have not been proven, and Ford has not been found liable by a court.
Why flat towing matters to owners
Flat towing is especially important to many motorhome owners because it allows them to bring a second vehicle without using a trailer or tow dolly. A properly designed vehicle can follow the RV through turns while reducing storage, weight and setup problems.
The complaint describes flat-towing capability as a rare and valuable feature that can influence a buyer’s decision. According to the lawsuit, consumers who purchased or leased the affected Corsair models paid for a vehicle they believed could be used for this purpose.
The complaint also says the plaintiff, Michael Rogge, owns a recreational vehicle and purchased a new 2023 Lincoln Corsair after reviewing Ford’s representations about its flat-towing capability.
The February 2025 service campaign
The lawsuit focuses on a corrective service campaign issued around February 2025. According to the complaint, Ford notified owners that the digital owner’s manual stated the Corsair had flat-towing capability but warned that using the procedure could damage the powertrain.
The alleged remedy was a software update that removes the flat-towing function from the vehicle. The complaint says Ford did not offer a repair that restores the promised capability while making the vehicle safe to tow.
That situation, according to the plaintiff, leaves owners with two choices. They can accept the software update and lose a feature they believed was part of the vehicle, or decline the update and risk serious damage if they continue to flat tow the SUV.
What the lawsuit alleges Ford advertised
The complaint refers to Lincoln owner’s manuals, marketing materials and other representations. It alleges that Ford instructed owners to use a “Neutral Tow” mode and provided conditions for flat towing, including keeping the vehicle facing forward, releasing the parking brake and staying within stated speed and distance limits.
The lawsuit argues that these detailed instructions gave consumers the impression that the Corsair had been intentionally engineered for safe four-wheel-down towing. It also claims that Ford’s towing guides and online materials promoted the vehicle to recreational vehicle users.
The plaintiff alleges that the representations became misleading because the vehicles could not safely perform the advertised function under the manufacturer’s own instructions.
Financial losses claimed by owners
The proposed class action says affected consumers may have suffered several types of financial harm. Owners may have paid more for the Corsair because of its advertised towing capability, while the vehicles may now be worth less because that function has been removed or placed under a powertrain-damage warning.
Many RV owners also purchase specialized equipment, including base plates, tow bars, supplemental braking systems, wiring harnesses and safety cables. The lawsuit estimates that equipment and installation can cost approximately $1,500 to more than $4,000, depending on the vehicle and setup.
The complaint argues that these expenses become wasted or substantially devalued if the Corsair can no longer be safely flat towed. Owners may also need to buy a tow dolly or trailer as an alternative.
Claims and proposed class definition
The lawsuit asserts claims under California consumer-protection and warranty laws. It accuses Ford of false or misleading representations, breach of express warranty and unjust enrichment.
The proposed class generally includes people or entities that bought or leased a 2021–2025 Lincoln Corsair in California, as well as certain California residents who purchased or leased the vehicles elsewhere. The proposed class would cover Corsairs marketed or represented as capable of flat towing.
The court has not yet decided whether the case may proceed as a class action. No settlement, payment program or official claim form is currently available.
What affected owners should do
Owners who believe they may be affected should keep their purchase or lease documents, owner’s manuals, service notices and records of communications with Ford or a Lincoln dealer. Receipts for tow bars, base plates, braking systems and installation may also be important.
Owners should not flat tow a Corsair in a way that conflicts with Ford’s current safety notice or dealer instructions. They should first confirm the vehicle’s model year, powertrain and current towing guidance with an authorized Lincoln dealer.
The case is still at an early stage. Ford will have the opportunity to respond to the complaint and challenge the allegations. Until a court rules, the claims remain allegations rather than established facts.