Driver says company wouldn’t pay for damage despite recall

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — Scott Soorus has his own business: cabinets and granite.

He relies on Ford Transits. He says he bought a 2016 model new.

Ford issued a recall in 2019, saying, “The driveshaft flexible coupling may crack,” which could lead to “separation of the driveshaft,” which could “damage surrounding components, including brake and fuel lines.”

>>CLICK HERE for more Action 9 reports

But Soorus says he didn’t know that he never got a notice, probably because he moved often.

“I was on the highway. I heard something that just didn’t sound right,” he told Action 9 attorney Jason Stoogenke. “Like an explosion and, underneath, and I literally jumped up out of my seat. I thought something was coming up through the floor. Parts were flying all over the highway.”

He says he was able to pull over safely. He says the dealer told him his issue was the same as the recall issue, but not in writing. “And when that happened, It cracked the transmission, ripped the fuel lines. It destroyed the underside of the van,” he said. Soorus says a mechanic gave him this paperwork, saying pretty much the same thing.

He says -- at first -- Ford told him they’d fix the recall, but not the other damage. But then wouldn’t fix the recall either because that was only for vehicles with 40,000 miles or fewer. His had more than 100,000. “Upset. Upset. I’ve been a Ford customer for years,” he said.

He says he eventually gave up.

Action 9 reached out to Ford for their side of the story, but didn’t heard back in time for this report.

Stoogenke says these cases can be difficult. If you feel a recall caused other damage, the company may not cover the collateral damage. You may end up wanting to talk to a lawyer. In the meantime, Soorus will be the first to tell you: check recalls on your own. Don’t rely on notices.

Check your vehicle here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

©2026 Cox Media Group