03 Eddie Bauer center cap corrosion

[Fishski]

Howdy All.

First Post.

I have just bought an 03 Eddie Bauer. Had a 96 Sport and still have an 01 Sport. Love the Explorer's!

I noticed while at the dealer that all 4 of the center caps have noticeable corrosion all around them. Is this normal? Is it common?

I researched the warranty and appearently there is a 5 year warranty on corrosion.

Any thoughts, comments or info would be appreaciated.

TIA.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I remember something else having a similar problem. I believe the dealership replaced the wheels (the wheels were corroding), so I am sure they'll replace your caps

-Drew

 

[Fishski]

Ya, I hope. It's not the caps it's the rims....

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Oh, well it sounded like just thecenter caps hadcorrosion

-Drew

 

[rj998]

fishki, any luck? I too just bought an 03 eddie bauer, and saw the corrosion on the rims.. didn't think about there being a warranty though.

 

[Fishski]

Well, here is what is going on. My dealer is doing nothing so I need to get involved. Apperently this is a known problem and is classified as a defect. My truck has 36,132 miles. They are saying that becuase it is a defect and not corrosion that it is not covered under the 5 year corrosion warranty. The general truck has a 3 year/36k warranty. I'll start battling with them (Ford) in the am but I can't see how they could not take care of this. I have owned 3 explorers since 96, thats got to help me...if not they have an arbitration process which I will do if need be. I found a local source to fix the rims for $400 for all the rims...

 

[Aero540T]

Is this what you're talking about? Mine are the 17 inch (aluminum) wheels for the '03 XLT. It's dark out and that's the best shot I could get of it

I have it on all 4 wheels as well assuming this is what you're referring to...I'm not all that happy about it either, and if it CAN be covered under warranty that'd be great...then again all I have is powertrain right now.

 

[Fishski]

It's very similar and I have been battling with Ford, my dealer, etc. Bottom line is no one wants to know anything. They claim it's not documented...I have a headache over it.