UPDATE: just got a call from the service manager and the first level Ford rep said they would go as far as covering 30% of the cost. The SM didn't like that and asked for the second level rep. That's the response he's waiting for now. He said if that doesn't work he'll give me a number at Ford that I can call to file a complaint.

He said the rep told him since it's aluminum it's not covered under the rust and corrosion warranty. So why she would even offer 30% doesn't make sense.

 

Are you out of warranty? I'm just trying to figure out why they are giving you the run around.
To me corrosion is corrosion whether it's on aluminum or sheet metal. They messed it up, so they should fix it.

 

My mileage is at 46k so I'm out of the 3/36k bumper-bumper warranty. But certainly within the 5/60k powertrain and rust/corrosion warranty.

The SM told me Ford's definition of corrosion is basically a hole that you can stick a pencil through caused by rust and since aluminum doesn't rust this is not corrosion. That's the way it was explained to me. I'm not buying though but I'm going to have a battle defending it.

 

Tell them if it's not corrosion then why does the TSB say in plain English that it is corrosion? They are just trying to get out of paying for the work to be done and won't admit they screwed up at the factory. Don't give up, keep that copy of the TSB handy.

 

I haven't heard anything so I ended up calling just now and spoke with the SM. He said he has been speaking with a Customer Care Specialist and he opened a "cuddle report" (whatever that is...spelling???) and he said since I'm out of the 3/36 B2B warranty that they are looking at covering it as if it was an extended warranty claim meaning I would have a $100 deductible. I brought up the corrosion terminology again and he said again Ford defines corrosion as something that is basically a hole you can stick a pencil or something through and isn't covered under the "rust" warranty. The SM came from a GM dealership where he did this same job and he told me that with this exact situation there he would have had total authority to get this done and would have. He's completely on my side he said and everything he's been telling me is that he's fighting for me to have Ford cover it with 0 deductible. He doesn't agree with Ford either and can't believe they are taking this approach.

Anyway, he just submitted the claim amount/quote today and that either today or tomorrow he expects to hear back from Ford with their decision.

 

I hope they get it fixed for you at their expense.

 

I think mine is doing it too.. I'll try and take some pics next week, probably Monday and see what you guys think. I'm out of warranty on 01/12/10.

 

I hope so too. I'm still fighting!


Trust me, if you don't want a hassle, get it into the dealership before your warranty expires.

 

I agree with Red07Pony, get it taken care of now before you run out. Once you take it down to have them look at it, it could take 2-3 weeks to get back in touch with you. They have to take pictures and send them to Ford to get permission to do the work.
Make sure you copy the TSB and show the dealer.
It usually takes any where from 2-5 days to do the job and they should give you a rental car for free.

 

SHAT.
I just had matte black stripes put on the damn car about 6 mo. ago and now this?

I have it too under my hood. It does look like a weld right at that under edge.
nothing on any other part of the hood though.
Mine is a 2006 with 42k and I am a good 5 mo. OUT of warranty.
(when I bought it it had a 3 yr, 36k mi warranty)

So basically I am SOL?
Anything I can do about it besides buy a new hood?
Also.... what is this supposed to do in the long run to the hood and how long
is it supposed to take to do it? (Meaning how long until I am going to HAVE to get this fixed with my own cash or replace the damn hood.)

One more thing..... what other body panels may be affected?
The TSB mentions cross contamination... wtf? Does this mean?