Well, folks, I've exhausted all possible remedies related to the noises in my 2020 Platinum. It has been in the shop for two weeks for three items. Harsh shifts, again, especially between first and second gears; the right rear window is inoperative, and I'm still plagued with the front end rumbles and rattles.
There were no transmission codes in OASIS so the tech reset the adaptive learning drive cycle. Again.
The window will continue to malfunction because there are no parts to fix it. They're back-ordered to late August.
I've complained about the front-end noises since late 2019. Every time I take in for any other issue or service I complain about the front-end issues. Each time I get it back the next day or two with the response that the noise is normal. This time the tech finally put some effort into isolating the problem. The dealer had the car for two weeks. So now I know for sure:
The tech's response..."Road test verified a noise at lower speeds. Unable to isolate source of noise. Checked OASIS, found no service messages related to concern. Submitted hotline contact, found previous vehicle contact message stating that the noise is normal operating characteristic and no further repairs should be attempted. Road test multiple similar vehicles and found same noise was present.
So, for now, we'll live with it until we can put enough cash together to dump one of the worst vehicles we've ever owned. I would strongly recommend that before buying any vehicle you insist on driving it for more than a test drive. It is my fault but we've owned numerous Ford SUVs dating back to a 69 Bronco and we've enjoyed every one of them. I read recently that Ford is highly dependent on ownership families buying only Ford and that they return time and again without ever questioning whether the vehicle they're buying is anything but Ford One. Ford can no longer live on reputation alone. I doubt we're the only Ford family planning to jump ship.
There is more to this than a terrible car. These issues squarely belong to Ford Motor Company. They've lost their Ford One quality. The dealer has been fair and done everything possible to satisfy us, but they can't do more than Ford will allow... or admit to.