But Ford are saying we told Mr Khalid there may be a cost involved. Ford are sticking to their guns.
If Ford thought there may be a cost involved, they should have discussed it with Motability who own the car not you! As you only lease the car, you don’t have permission to authorise a repair, that may attract a bill. Ford know this and are just trying it on and know they have no legal grounds to come after you for payment and Motability aren’t obliged to pay, as authorisation was not granted, prior to any work being carried out.
Let Motability sort it and split the cost if they want to. Ford have no recourse agains’t you, so don’t go worrying yourself.