Ford lowers fuel economy ratings on six vehicles

2013-14 model year Ford hybrids and plug-ins among those getting lower EPA mileage

 Ford 
2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid is one of the vehicles with re-evaluated economy ratings. 

Ford is lowering EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings on six vehicles, and will be making goodwill payments to customers who purchased the mis-rated cars.

The vehicles receiving revised EPA labels include all versions of the 2014 Fiesta (except ST variants), 2013-14 C-Max, Fusion and MKZ Hybrids, and C-Max and Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrids.

2014 Fiesta models will see losses of either 1 or 2 mpg in the combined category depending on the trim level and engine variant. 2013-14 C-Max Hybrids will see a decrease of 3 mpg combined -- though this is the second time that Ford has had to revise the car's mpg ratings from the original 47/47/47 (city, highway, combined) claim. Meanwhile, the Fusion Hybrid will see a decrease of 5 mpg combined and the MKZ Hybrid will lose 7 mpg in the combined cycle.

Ford's plug-in hybrids won't be spared either, as the C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi will both lose 5 mpg combined and 2 miles of EV range.

Ford attributes its error to a specific test factor called “Total Road Load Horsepower.” TRLHP, according to Ford, is dependent upon vehicle type, and is a level of resistance levied against cars during dyno testing to determine fuel economy. Ford also insists that the error was a result of misinterpreted data from wind-tunnel tests involving the TRLHP model.

Per Ford's assessment, the company believes that these changes affect nearly 200,000 vehicles, and has instructed dealers that new fuel economy labels will be available within six days.