Bad Door Alignment

[Mark Ibanez]

Hi Guys,
I just purchased my 2002 4 door Explorer XLT at S & C Ford - San Francisco last 09/07. It took six weeks delivery due to some customization that I requested. The following day I noticed that the rear door panel (where the lift-gate is) is not properly aligned. The door is not centered and pushed further to the right side. The left side of the door is also about 1/2 inch higher than the right side. I went to their service department today and showed them the defect. There were two service advisors that looked at my car. I asked them this question: "Why would Ford ignore to check such a
simple thing as door alignment? " Considering this is a special order and I did not even rush order it. The other service guy said: "Well, Ford is in such a hurry this time to ship as much unit as they can and they leave it up
to us to do the small fixes when the cars arrive". The other service guy tried to stop the other guy from making further comments because I'm already getting upset. In the end, they suggested that I send the unit back to their body repair shop. Just imagine! A brand new car that needs body repair...sigh!

I was so happy and excited when I saw my first Ford SUV but it immediately turned to disappointment! How can I have the peace of mind that there are no other defects in this SUV as a result of their NEGLECT. I cannot reconcile the fact that FORD will sacrifice QUALITY to meet their production quantity.

Thanks for taking time to read my unfortunate experience.

Mark

 

[Perry]

First of all welcome to the board. We hope you will enjoy yourself here as much as we have.

Just be careful because the bug WELL BITE YOU, just not sure when.

As for your problem, we work on a lot of cars that have been in fender benders that are less then a year old. You would be surprised how many times we find little things such as your door being off just a little.
I can't say there are other problems with your vehicle, but I am just saying just because it's new doesn't mean the factory doesn't make mistakes.
This isn't what you wanted to hear, but I would say your new vehicle should be a good one. Just take it back in and have them re ajust your door.

Good luck and again welcome

 

[Mark Ibanez]

Hi Perry

Thanks Perry for the welcome greeting. I really appreciate this group since it gives me as much knowledge as I require about Ford Explorer. Believe me, I love my new Explorer. It has the things that I need plus more. I decided to purchase the vehicle after comparing them to Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Isn't it obvious, I'm partial to Japanese cars...lol But anyway, the reason that I'm disapointed is because I previously owned 5 cars and 1 SUV (all Japanese made, some assembled here in US) and I never had bad experience with them. This is my first time to purchase an American car and unfortunately with a slight "out of the box" defect. And the comments made by the Ford service advisor didn't exactly help curve my disappointment. But anyway, I'm bringing my car this week for repair and hopefully they will do a good job.

Thanks and more power to this group.

Mark

 

[Perry]

I'm not sure how far you live from other Ford dealers, but if you aren't happy with the first one you might want to try another.

I know we have one here and one 20 miles away and just because they are both Ford dealers that doesn't mean they both have good service. In fact I don't buy parts from either one since it seems like they never have what I want.

Good luck on getting your new family member working like you want it to.