I had a long chat with the service manager today, he was sympathetic to my situation and just told me to bring it in when there is an issue because that's what they are there for. I sent over two dozen cheeseburgers at lunch for his guys as a way to say thank you for putting up with me. And thank you IowaAndy for the idea.

 

I have to agree with you on this one. If you spend that kind of money on new vehicle, you shouldn't have these types of quality issues. You have every right to be upset. I would be to.

I drive about 45K/year and I don't really have time for a lot of breakdowns. If a service person knew me on a first name basis, then there is an issue. Especially with a new truck. If it has a 100k on it, then that is different, but that many trips in for service, I would be doing something different.

The reason you buy a new truck is to not have any issues. And from the sounds of it, these are quality issues. Things that shouldn't happen.

I had mine in last week for a strut bushing squeak, brakes groaning, and grabbing to much at slow speed, and a windshield that squeaks over bumps.
They fixed the strut bushing and said the other things were normal. Funny, I have never had a truck where those things were normal. This is elementary truck building stuff. These guys can't make brakes that don't groan when applied and snap your head going through a drive threw? Thats ridiculous. And a windshield that squeaks is normal? This is basic stuff that has been on trucks of 100 years, and they can't get it right? Disappointing.
I completely get where you are coming from. I think you should be calling Fords customer support and make your case. You have been plenty patient. 800-392-3673

 

I've found over the years that if a person needs to be bribed to perform their job, I don't want them doing the job. And they should be looking for another means of employment.

 

I'm not saying do these things all the time but I have seen it work. It's called greasin' palms. It's not so much bribery as it is making people be in a good mood. If your in a good mood wouldn't you be more apt to help? You have to realize these mechanics don't get paid near what its worth ESPECIALLY for WARRANTY WORK. A rattle ect can be worth only say 2 hours, that includes finding and fixing it!

Not long after I bought mine I noticed a spot on a wheel that was missing its paint...STX 18s (FX4 too). I took it up there and showed them. At first dudes talking about seeing about fixing it. Now first I was almost livid that they would try to "patch" this up. I held my cool and talked like a gentleman. "I'd really appreciate it if you would try and ask Ford to replace it instead." goes alot further than " YOU SOB REPLACE IT NOW ARGGGG!!!"

It doesn't have to be buying them something. But being a mechanic myself this makes sense to me. Sometimes you still have an A$$ no matter what you do....all you can do is try.

 

I had this issue in my 04 and it turned out to be a cracked heater core. It was replaced and all is fine now. I hope you get your issue resolved.