I have been dealing with BIG BAD FORD for nearly 2 years. I have had numerous problems with my 5.4 Expy, I have started at the dealership and have been as far up the ladder as corporate in Detroit. Ford is going to get theres. They continue to deny ANY problems with ANY vehicles, and this has worked for them for a lot of years. They did not count on the power of the internet. These "enthusiast" sites (like this one) are plagued with complaints (identical ones) one vehicles and we get to compare notes. I like the way they make you feel (dealers, FSE's, the henchmen at corporate customer service) like your NUTS!! That you are hearing noises that aren't there and that loud pinging noise that sounds like an outboard motor is in your imagination. I filled out the Dispute settlement board stuff, but YOU GIVE UP THE RIGHT TO SUE THEM!!! This just isn't right. If you look at the logistics of the DSB you will see that it is a program actually sponsered by FORD. Now I am sure that they settle some in the favor of the consumer, however, you are playing poor odds. I am not a big fan of attorneys and the courts are clogged with alot of crap, but this is what they understand. Initally they act like, "now you will really get nothing from us" (ford) but the closer they get to a jury of 12 hard working americans, it is amazing what they can produce. But you are in it for the long haul. This is 2 years in the process. They voided my warranty at 14,000 miles because I refused to allow rhem to replace my piston slapping engine after they told me 4X there was nothing wrong with it. They only agreed there was something wrong with it after I hired an independent expert at $700, who presented them with a detailed report. When I refused, (I just wanted my money back since I returned to the dealership less then 8 days after purchasing a $34,000 auto with a serious engine problem.) they voided my warranty and told me that my continued driving of the vehicle would cause irrepariable damage to some other component of the vehicle. This was Novemember of 99. I have been driving this BEAST since. It gets <6 mpg and sounds like a VW bug. (we don't take it anywhere but local) The light at the end of the tunnel: We go to trial Jan 31st. Amazingly, they make about an offer a week since the second week in Dec, but I am holding out for the big dog. They are wrong and they know it and in light of their pattern of behavior (example Firestone tire scandal) they don't want to go in front of a jury. HOLD OUT. They net 1.3 million dollars every minute of every day ( a fact on who wants to be a millionaire) and not one dime is spend on customer service or on research and development on improving their vehicles. (yet they cost more and more) I have wanted to just give in and move on (because it has become a major aggravation on my family's life), however, when it starts to cost them more to fight lawsuits then it does to correct what is wrong to begin with, we'll be heading in the right direction. I feel your pain, but hang in there.

 

Good luck! I hope you win. I haven't had nearly as bad problems as you, but, I have had some issues and get the same BS from the dealerships in my area. I'm on my second Ford but after the caliber of service I have gotten I'm doubtful I'll get another.
Ford has forgotten what the term "customer service" means. Guess it comes from being #1. they dont have to make a customer happy there are plenty of others out there. They need to loose some market share to wake them up.

Hobbit

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99 XLT,4.6L Auto,4X4,tow pkge,Factory Side Steps and Mudflaps, K&N filter,BugflectorII, Amazon Green/Silver, Pace Edwards Rolltop Cover, I got my Superchip, waiting to get jumper problem fixed and chip installed.

 

In any corporate scenario, with great success comes the inevitable "acceptable loss" section of the pie chart. The losses are dealt with by the powerful corporate machine with precise calculation and manipulation because they're prepared for the inevitable; poorly manufactured products.

Unfortunately, all of the loss planning includes deeply affecting a select group of consumers who will be dealt these tainted goods and must suffer through the humilitation and degradation of the manufacturers calculated denials.

I have been a Ford Motor Company consumer for 16 years. Five years ago, I went to DSB on a Mustang that never should have left the assembly plant. Fortunately the arbitration was ruled in my favor and I threw Ford under a bus but came back two years later and bought ANOTHER Mustang! It ran fine during the time I had it.

I leased my 5.4 F-150 seven months ago and within 5 months, the problems began. I wish I'd known about this web page before I leased. Based on the chronic and unique problems outlined in these threads, I can safely say, I would not have signed the paper.

Twice in five years I've been stung and however this one turns out, once it's over, I will never consider Ford again other than as a punchline to a very bad joke.

Good luck to those with concerns and God help anyone who considers Ford as an option.

 

You're bound to prevail in a jury trial. With all the F150s in GA probably 50% of folks showing up for jury duty got there in an F150, Exped. or Explorer. And you KNOW how they feel about Ford.....

If more owners would challenge Ford on the reliability of the biggest-selling vehicle on Earth, well they might change their ways.

 

50% of Ford owners dissatisfied? I don't think so! A few disgruntled people on this web page obviously does not mirror most Ford owners. Why would anyone keep driving a vehicle that was making them crazy? Trade the damn vehicle, and get some other brand. Be sure and read the recalls and TSB's on the other brands too, especially anything GM!

 

Sorry, but I can't see how Ford is so bad in this one. They offered to replace your bad motor, and YOU refused! How can you hold that against them? I don't think the warranty says anywhere that you can have a vehicle for 8 days, bring it back and get a refund, does it? And now you continue to drive it, knowing it's bad... and you're upset? I honestly don't get it!



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-JonC-
*Silver 2000 4x2 F150 Supercab
*4.6L Triton V8
*BFG 285/75/16 AT KO's
*16 x 8 Panther Custom 108's
*K&N GenII FIPK
*Custom Cat-back w/ Flowmaster 50 Series
*Fabtech 6.5" "Ultimate" suspension lift
*Smittybilt nerf bars
*Extang Black Max soft tonneau
*Stull billet grille
*Clear corners
*tint/vent visors/air deflector
(no, I did NOT get stuck in
the accessory dept. at K-Mart!)

 

To n99gt:

You are the consumer that perpetuates FORDS existence. I should trade my vehicle, (at a loss) because the vehicle drives me crazy? Its all about I DID NOT GET WHAT I PAID FOR!!!! No, Ford should stand behind a $34,000 Brand new item that had a problem when it left the mnfg plant in Windsor Canada. You are the reason they get away with this type of behavior. Lambs to slaughter, don't make waves, get it rammed up yours but I'm not taking it. Look through this message board Bucko, it is running about 50-50 or do you have trouble "looking at numbers and facts?" Chevy does not have a right to SCREW us either and I am sure that they are no better maybe even worse, but WAKE UP!!!! STOP Taking this crap from these mega-monsters and start fighting back. There is power in numbers. I will pray for you....

 

 

You don't see how Ford is the bad guy in this one? I buy a brand new vehicle Unbeknownst to me that has a major engine problem that Ford is aware of( yet they continue to sell) and eight days after purchase I bring it back, they keep my vehicle for 47 days while I drive a Ford Taurus and still pay my 1st $600 payment? This sounds ok to you? Maybe because you are one of those jerks that "modify" your trucks as soon as you get it by going into Pep Boys and Buy "all the really cool stuff" that VOIDS the mnfg warranty. THEY LOVE YOU!!!! Your what keeps them going. Are you some balding middle age man who gets off on his F-150? I think so. I can tell by your "list" that you have little in your life if you have to talk so much about your vehicle. GET A LIFE LOSER!!!! Or at least, get a girlfriend, you can at least post her stats and we would be impressed (but problably not)

 

Ah, thank you... I see your problem now. Someone doesn't agree with you and has the guts to say so, you react with name-calling and childish tirades. Very mature! If you can get any time off from your job with the POST OFFICE, please seek professional help.

 

I was going to ask if I could jump in but frankly, I'm going to despite what anyone thinks!
Lemonford - I honestly, truly feel for you. You've had more problems than ANYONE should experience with ANY vehicle. I understand your frustration, aggravation & feeling abandoned by FMC. BUT - name calling solves nothing, makes you LOOK wrong when you have a LEGIT complaint & demeans YOU - NOT your truck or FMC.
I have had no major problems & hope I don't. I also love my truck & there has not been a SINGLE modification done to it, no aftermarket goodies, no performance boosting measures - YET! If I choose to do any mods then I will. For now, I want to know my truck thoroughly before I change anything.
Please re-think your feelings toward the PEOPLE here. We all feel for you - none of us are happy that you have had these problems. Maybe some of us can even give you suggestions to resolve this. But, if you put anyone down then the amount of understanding dwindles as does patience.
That being said, let's all go to separate corners, take a deep breath & cool down & put our heads together to see if there are any other HELPFUL suggestions we can pass along. Let's face it - we're ALL adults & I hope we can all work together here. Thanks for listening - I want to feel like we can all pull together for lemonford.

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If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

 

To lemonford: I say that this board represents an EXTREMELY small amount of Ford owners, probably less than 500 out of MILLIONS. Those are the REAL numbers, and MOST, but surely not all, are satisfied Ford owners.
To JonC: I have worked for the last 19 years with the United States Postal Service, and I am not sure what that has to do with Ford F-150's. Perhaps you could enlighten me. BTW, if you could help ME get some time off I would appreciate it as I am usually mandated to work everyday except Sundays

 

I forgot to point out a few things - I don't 'get off" on my truck - I "get off" on my faith & life itself! But I DO love my truck. I am not balding - I have long hair. I am not middle aged (unless I live to be 92) & as for having a significant other I am holding out for a guy mature enough to accept me & my truck & the things in life I enjoy. If you check my profile I didn't list all the things I enjoy because the list would be too long but here's a sample: counted cross stitch, gardening, ceramics, reading, WORKING on cars, decorating - want me to continue? I could tell you about all my collections but the page isn't long enough!
I just wanted you to see how the accusations you made don't fit.

------------------
If you can't beat 'em, you're NOT driving a FORD!
Shovies PROVE that FORD'S are #1!!
'97 Black F150 XLT ORP 4X4
4.6L/auto/3.55 LS/power EVERYTHING,
nerf bars, 17" wheels, fog lights, trailer hitch w/electrical connector, front tow hooks, bed rail caps,
6 CD changer, lumbar support & 3 cow license plates - so far!

 

These issues have frustrated me for a long time too, but I have learned not to take it personally over the years. I have to weigh in...

I have learned that it is absolutely true that Ford (and other companies) builds in just enough perceived quality to suit the price and expectations of its target market. Nothing more. On the margin, there will be products that fall through the thin line. Ford's method of dealing with these issues is the long established warranty process, which isn't perfect, but to them (and us) it takes care of 99% of the issues. As another poster pointed out, its just a quantifiable risk (statistical likelihood of bad product) that has a mitigation strategy (warranty process, ultimately litigation).

$34K is a lot to pay for an Expedition, but its at that level because people pay it. It doesn't mean that Ford has set the price based on its cost. In fact, Ford makes about $10K+ profit, which is unbelievable in the car market.

It's miserable when we get one of the lemon's. That's why it pays not to buy based on loyalty but on the merits of the product. Companies change - just because the last Ford you bought was problem fee doesn't necessarily mean the next one will be. I have to always research, and assess the risk of buying some company's product. Still, I get burnt occaisionally.

Over time, good ol' free market principles will get rid of this shoddy stuff. It works - remember how Chrysler went bankrupt in the '70s after their quality issues became well known? In the meantime, if you want to buy a car with less probability of defects and better warranty support, then buy a premium SUV such as BMW or Lexus.


Good luck with your suit, in the meantime the rest of us will either take our chances given the information we have on Ford or buy elsewhere.

 

Anyone who thinks these are problems limited to a handful of F150 owners are fooling themselves. The more I talk to people "on the street", the more dislike and agitation I'm starting to hear. Just this morning while talking to a co-worker "My grandfather was a Ford freak for years until he bought a 98 F150..Oil leak/Piston slap/blown head gasked..he traded it and swore he'll never touch a Ford Again"

[This message has been edited by Dondo7 (edited 01-07-2001).]