Ford Manufacturing Defect!
Ford Manufacturing Defect!
I have a troubling story to tell about a manufacturing
problem with the Ford Expedition and the quality "today" they are building in American Made Cars. Fords continues to put a part in their cars that are failing in "all models."
The story begins here! In 2003 I purchased a 2003 Ford Expedition and for the most part things went well until I hit right around 48,000 which is the end of the vehicle warranty.
The real problem is Ford manufactured the actuator part with plastic gears instead of steel gears because they save 10 cents per manufactured part.
Shown below is a picture of the part.
Gears are inside and not visible without opening.
Gears are inside and not visible without opening.
After extensive conversation one of the service managers told me
“name withheld” because he still
works for dealership, that if Ford can save 10 cents off millions of cars
that is a lot of money.
Now Ford is aware the plastic gear in the rear air blend door
actuator continues to strip in all Ford models, and has to be
replaced, but Ford does nothing to improve this defective
part!
My first failure came at 51,422 miles in 2007 which
is right past the warranty period. Labor to fix $170 and part $76.36! The
dealer recommended since the major cost is labor they suggested that I also
replace the actuator that controls the heat since it is the same area behind panels and also has plastic
gears. Not wanting to go through this
again I did.Another $93.52 added to the bill. That brings the bill up to $339.88.
Since I made substantial noise, the dealer reduced bill to $217.51. Dealers intent was to have a happy customer even though the dealer does not manufacture the car.
When the car had 86,100 miles in 2009, the rear air blend actuator, controlling the air conditioning went out again. Another $170 in labor and $76.36 for the part!
This time prior to letting the dealer complete the repair I called and
complained to Ford Motor Company to see if they would cover repair. Ford would not...! This second repair cost another $246.30 plus tax bringing the bill to $266.30
Ford indicated since they had no recall and since the car was past
the warranty period, it is not covered! Ford claimed that part is good for one
year or 12,000 miles whichever comes first.In 2012 the rear air blend door actuator controlling air conditioning went out again. That is over three times, and it is not even covered under the lemon law because, it is past the warranty period.
I called directly to Ford Motor Company and complained but
again they only took my complaint and did nothing again.
I am looking at
another $266 to fix!
I am living with the clicking right now and it is 2013 as I
still have not repaired but with summer coming on will need to, as I live in
California it is about to get hot.
What is really sad and the point I am trying to make is, if
Ford Motor Company had spent just 10 cents more in manufacturing the part, it
could have saved Ford from having an unsatisfied customer, and saved me over $750. Ten cents would have made the part with steel
gears that would not strip…!
This gets worse – I need
to point out they have the same problem with the front control blend actuator…!
Plastic gears and
failure in all ford models made in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
I have provided multiple links below to demonstrate this is
major problem that Ford Motor Company knows about but, does nothing to take
corrective action, which results in many customers having continued repairs costs to
their vehicles, "all makes and models."
I just happen to own an Expedition.
Look on the internet and you will see this problem is wide spread.
I just happen to own an Expedition.
Look on the internet and you will see this problem is wide spread.
#FordMotorCompany
You have to ask yourself what the cost to get a customer; it is definitely costs more than 10 cents…!
I always purchase American cars to keep American
families in the US employed. The
unfortunate thing is, I will never by a
Ford again!
Give the customer a quality product and you will have
them for life. When driving down the
highway you rarely see a Honda pulled off the side broken down. You do see many other manufactures vehicles stranded
or being towed.Please share...!
Respectfully,
805-768-4393 Cell phone
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletesave yourself some money and do it yourself part is $50.00 an you can actually modify the gears with metal ones
ReplyDeleteMike, thanks for the comment. Where would you purchase the gears? I have to get this fixed. Summer approaches.
DeleteYes, Mike, where can i get the gear(s)?
DeleteThis is completely ridiculous of Ford. I've just had to pull apart the whole interior of my 2010 F-150; seats, center console, complete dashboard. Just to get at this actuator. When the part is this buried, it needs to be made to last!
ReplyDeleteMike, unfortunately Ford does not care. I have spoken direct to corporate office and their feeling is if over 12 months, they will not warranty. It is 2014 and I now have clicking again. Buy a Dodge next time. Ford will not get any future business from me.
DeleteBought my explorer at 45,000. Replaced actuator at 75,000 under extended warranty now needs another at 95,000. I think it's time for a Toyota (which is built in the US)
ReplyDeleteBest thing you can do is share. Hit them in the pocket and we might be heard. When I contacted Ford Motor company direct, the only answer Ford provided is part failed after the warranty period.
ReplyDeleteHave the same 2003 Expedition. Overall its been a pretty reliable and capable vehicle. Yes, the rear actuators are a bad design. I've replaced both, twice. Lately after they broke again I just unplugged them to stop the clicking. It's stuck on AC mode, no heat, for the rear. I might just leave it at that.
ReplyDelete6 years later and they're still putting this POS part in their vehicles.
ReplyDelete2014 Edge, heat on one side, max AC on the other.
2006 Explorer (my second year with it) and its winter here in Canada and I have a zip tie holding my blend door open for heat. would love to replace plastic gears with metal. Actuator is $150 here. Labour is to replace is probably something outrageous. Blend door itself seems to stick so replacement is a limited thing. It will break again. Actuator that broke is not factory original... A/C doesn't blow cold in summer. Have to figure that out sometime. First North American Vehicle not completely disappointed yet.. Big Toyota/Honda fan, but parts are twice the price here in Canada as in the US. Vehicles are also priced at a premium. and they have their problems as well. Hoped ford parts would be better priced, maybe not... Cars are a pain.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to rebuild someone's actuator free of charge if they ship it to me! I have a source for new parts and I need testing done.
ReplyDeleteContact me via google plus or reply back and we can get in contact. I have enough for one actuator, so first come first serve!
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