Ford Factory Warranty

[Bodo]

I need a little advice. My wife has a 2002 Ford Focus. She bought this car before we were married (I would never have bought this car...but that's neither here nor there). The car has always had transmission issues and has been taken to the dealer for service. It was never fixed to my satisfaction.

Here's the issue. The car stopped shifting into overdrive (bad shift solenoid). According to my paper work, the car is only slightly over the length of the warranty (by 2 months) but under the mileage restrictions. The local Ford dealer won't honor the warranty and wants me to shell out ~400 for repairs. I feel that since we had tranny issues that were never resolved Ford should handle this.

Has anyone run into a problem such as this and had a good outcome? Any words of wisdom?

Thanks for your time!

[dragonfly]

Has anyone run into a problem such as this and had a good outcome? Any words of wisdom?

My experience in a similar issue with a health insurance company is that if you don't mind going through the hassle, and keep contacting people up the chain, you may be able to get a satisfactory solution, but it will be time consuming and a pita. Needless to say, Ford will not voluntarily fix the car on their dime. The squeaky wheel sometimes gets the grease, though. Do you have all your receipts for previous repairs and service?

[cow pollinater]

Ford is pretty broke right now. I can't see them fixing much of anything for free if they have even the slightest chance of wiggling out of it. You might point out that it's been an ongoing problem and offer to pay only for the parts needed for the repair so that while they don't make anything, it isn't costing them anything but labor to fix it.

[Bodo]

The squeaky wheel sometimes gets the grease, though. Do you have all your receipts for previous repairs and service?

We've kept everything. When I go pick up the car I plan on talking to the service manager and/or owner. What have I got to lose?
I'll make sure the next car we buy isn't a Ford though (if it doesn't get fixed)..

[Bodo]

Ford is pretty broke right now. .... it isn't costing them anything but labor to fix it.

That's a good idea. I may have to take that route. Thanks

[Sundance]

Tell the dealer you want to speak directly to the factory
rep. It sounds like you have your paperwork in order.

Often the factory rep will resolve the issue when a
dealer will not.

[Bodo]

I like that even better Sundance. Thanks

[Sundance]

In a past life I was a service manager in a Toyota/Subaru
dealership. I was always amazed at the lengths the reps
would go to cover problems I would never, ever, thought
should have been covered.

[MapMan]

They might come back at you with: "If it wasn't repaired to your satisfaction, why didn't you bring it up after the last servicing of the vehicle?" They might say that the new problem is completely unrelated to the previous repair.

I've had a similar situation with another type of automobile. It is amazing how strict dealers are when it comes to just-out-of-warranty repairs. Let us know how it goes.

MM

[Sundance]

Dealers have small pockets, factory reps have much
bigger pockets.......... Hope it works out for you.

[J-Bees]

go for the gugler:

the last repair is still under waranity. then you can also go to the BBB with the lemon law

[Bodo]

Well after a week of going around and around with Ford, they will NOT cover the warranty. I can't describe how unhappy I am about this. If Ford won't stand be thier own word, how can I purchase a vehicle from them?

My wife wants to leave the car there, but I don't think the hit to our credit would be worth it. We'll be selling this car ASAP and buying something else. And Ford wonders why thier shares are at $3....

[iddee]

Before you give it up completely, go back and tell them that the local newspaper hotline wants you to get "in writing" why they won't fix it.

That statement alone got me a totally new engine in my 2002 suv.

[MapMan]

Well after a week of going around and around with Ford, they will NOT cover the warranty.

And, their reasoning/excuse? Sorry it didn't work out. As a victim of a similar out-of-warranty debacle, I know how frustrating it can be.

MM

[Bodo]

And, their reasoning/excuse? Sorry it didn't work out. As a victim of a similar out-of-warranty debacle, I know how frustrating it can be.

MM

The Service Manager said that since it's past the cutoff date, there's nothing he can do. He then informed me that if I had brought it in 10 days earlier he could have done something. (Some bull story about Ford cutting off that program or something)
I called Ford corp. and they said the same thing. They didn't seem to care that the car was in for service many times for tranny issues. Just that this time it wasn't covered. They just were not interested in doing anything..

[Sundance]

Then to heck with them! No wonder it is so hard to
buy American!!

[Bodo]

I hear ya, Sundance. I think when I go settle up with them I'm going to tell them I'm trading the Focus in on a Civic. Then go do it...

We like the Mazda3, but Mazda is owned by Ford. My right foot is itching for a WRX STI though...

[Eaglerock]

Trade the sucker in.

[beegee]

Isn't Ralph Nader still running for President?