Hi,

I had purchased a new 2002 Ford F-150 in Dec 2001. Over the last 3 months I noticed rust on the underside (actually most of the parts). During a routine service I specifically asked about the nearest Ford service center to take a look at the rust. As per them the vehicle was in a flood and the manager also showed me some water line and as per him the vehicle was definitely under water for quite some time or there wouldn't be so much rust. This doesn't make sense to me since I am the only one driving the truck, its always in my driveway under a tree, I don't live in a flood area nor have I driven it anywhere near a lot of water.

Even though the truck is currently under warranty, the dealer said they cannot cover this and suggested I contact the dealer I purchased it through. I did that and this dealer also doesn't want anything to do with it. As per him, I probably had the car in a flood. Also he said that I don't drive the vehicle enough. Now even though I only have 9000 miles on the truck, I don't think that would be any reason for rust if the paint job is done correctly. He claims Ford needs to look and it and decide.

Now I am in a bind and not sure what to do. Any suggestions you can offer would be highly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sam

 

Not so much a suggestion...but sounds like the dealer knew about this and that's why they didn't want to deal with it.

You're at the point where if you yell loud enough and in the right amount of ears something will happen. The question you have to ask yourself is are you ready and willing to deal with the fight.

From what you described it sounds like they've staked their claim and are not willing to budge.

let us know what happens.

 

Many owners have commented on the large amount of rust on the undersides of their truck.

IMHO - While making these trucks Ford decided that surface rust from normal exposure on non-body panels like mounts, frame points, etc... was acceptable. This allows them to save cost by using cheaper materials. I'm not going to presume to be smarter than the guys who engineere the truck. Surface rust on a lot of parts is nothing to worrry about., but we'll have to wait and see if anyone really have any problems after 6 years or so.

On the other hand, it has really irritated a lot of owners, so maybe they'll re-think this decision.

My 02 has lots of surface rust on the frame mounts, shock mounts, etc..., but none on the body.

From your description, I'm not convinced your vehicle was in a flood. Do you have water lines or sediment inside the cab? I think the dealers is finding a way to make you go away. I don't think you have any recourse. Surface rust is not covered by warranty. It is, in their opinion, cosmetic.

 

When I was in the market for a Supercrew, I found this issue with many of the trucks I looked at. When I finally found "the one," it just so happened not to have ANY underbody surface rust at all. However, it's not an uncommon problem and I wouldn't get too worked up about it. You might as well stir up some stuff with the dealer while you still have the warranty. . . because some of us don't have that luxury anymore .