Front Bumper Fit Issue

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum LTC Ritt.:wavey:
I did a quick search using the forum's program and found this thread and merged yours with it. It would also be helpful in addressing future posts if you added the model of your Explorer to your profile so that it appears in the margin. If you wish, you can PM (Private Message) the Ford Service rep on this Forum. Her name is Crystal and you can use this link; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=157968
When you PM, be sure to include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership in your message.

Peter

 

[acouty]

New 2015 Ford Explorer Fender Popping Out!

I just read some of the threads about the fenders popping out! I had mine less than a week and noticed the issue. Ford is making me go through the warranty process to take pics of the issue. Get approval to have the bracket replaced - even though the body shop told me that this will not fix the issue! Then I will have to have them take pics of the issue again in order to get approval for Ford to replace the entire bumper! I am PO'd! Has anyone escalated this to the Ford CEO, GM of the dealerships via a certified letter? Has any action been taken? I'm also extremely upset at the fact that Ford does not care that I'm having to take days out of my busy work schedule (that they are not paying for) to have them 'attempt' to fix this issue that has been occurring since (from what I can tell) 2011?!?!? Can anyone explain this to me? Has anyone made any progress on escalating this issue up through the ranks of ford to address this? To add insult to injury, I had the body shop contact tell me that he went to the lot of the new/unsold fords (they have over 30/40) and he found at least 15 that had the problem but ford will not fix/repair?!?! I'm beside myself on this and I will not stop until I get this resolved and get compensated for my time.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum acouty.:wavey:
I don't recall anyone having the bumper replaced to address this issue although I do believe most had it fixed by replacing the clip that holds that part in place. There is no way that this will ever reach Ford's CEO. Dealerships are independently owned so if you are having a particular problem with a dealership you can address it yourself via the GM or you can try contacting Crystal, the Ford Service rep on this Forum via a PM. Since the repair hasn't yet been attempted, I think it would be premature to do anything else at this time, other than contacting Crystal. She can arrange to have the Regional Customer Service Manager contact you but I believe that is all. Believe me that there are many more serious issues that have also been outstanding since the 2011 model came out and are still happening today. Good luck.

Peter

 

[acouty]

Thank you!

Thanks for the feedback. Although you make many valid points my issue is in the fact that ford and the dealership knowingly and willingly are selling defective products. I will start with notifying crystal and the gm. The issue I have is where the two parts of the fender above the wheel come together, just under the head lamp. The corner keeps popping out. I was told that ultimately, the entire front bumper/fender will have to be replaced to correct the problem. Replacing a clip or bracket will not fix it. The rub is that they are following these 'warranty' steps at my expense because now I have to take additional time off of work for them to attempt to replace the bracket and then again to replace the entire piece. We'll see what crystal and/or the gm has to say. I mean, this is ludicrous that they are putting new customers through this. I know they have bigger problems but I just dropped 40/50K on a vehicle that is defective and 4 weeks out of my purchase I've invested a days worth of my vacation/personal time and now am anticipating at least another day or more. Unacceptable. Completely and utterly unacceptable.

 

[FordService]

...I will start with notifying crystal and the gm...

Hi acouty,

I got your PM this morning and sent a reply; I'll get this in front of your regional customer service manager so they can assist in getting your bumper repaired.

Crystal

 

[acouty]

Thanks crystal. I sent you the info that you need to escalate.

 

[FordService]

Thanks crystal. I sent you the info that you need to escalate.

Thanks for responding so quickly, acouty! I escalated this to your regional customer service manager; don't hesitate to let me know if there's anything else I can do to help.

Crystal

 

[mzodarg]

Thanks for the feedback. Although you make many valid points my issue is in the fact that ford and the dealership knowingly and willingly are selling defective products. I will start with notifying crystal and the gm. The issue I have is where the two parts of the fender above the wheel come together, just under the head lamp. The corner keeps popping out. I was told that ultimately, the entire front bumper/fender will have to be replaced to correct the problem. Replacing a clip or bracket will not fix it. The rub is that they are following these 'warranty' steps at my expense because now I have to take additional time off of work for them to attempt to replace the bracket and then again to replace the entire piece. We'll see what crystal and/or the gm has to say. I mean, this is ludicrous that they are putting new customers through this. I know they have bigger problems but I just dropped 40/50K on a vehicle that is defective and 4 weeks out of my purchase I've invested a days worth of my vacation/personal time and now am anticipating at least another day or more. Unacceptable. Completely and utterly unacceptable.

Good luck with a replacement. Eventually if not immediately, you will have the same problem. I know several owners in my city, who had there's replaced and the issue still exists.

It sucks but I had the plastic under the D/S headlight glued by dealership. As I stated earlier "Quality is not job one" I also had to have the hood and one door re-painted (scratched to the metal under the clear coat), all doors had to be re-aligned along with all the clad molding.

Quality control does not exist at Ford MOCO!

 

[acouty]

Great. Thanks for sharing your horror story. Question for those who've dealt with this. Has anyone done anything legally? Class action? Returned the vehicle? If so, what was done and what was the outcome? I'm going to contact my lending institution to see what my options are.

 

[cdnpont]

15 Sport, front bumper cover to fender defect.

15 sport, 3 weeks old.

Front bumper cover where it meets the metal fender, drivers side is popping open. I can tap in back in with my hand, but it comes open in about 3 days. To my eye, the fender should have a little tab that hooks the cover in place, but I see nothing. I know I could come up with a way to make it work, but I'm reluctant to try to play with it seeing it's so new.

Not really a biggie, and I realize she'll have to go in for a fix, but is this defect common?

Mark

 

[LukerDooker]

It is on here, exactly as you describe.
Time for a dealer appt.

 

[FordServiceCA]

15 sport, 3 weeks old.

Front bumper cover where it meets the metal fender, drivers side is popping open. I can tap in back in with my hand, but it comes open in about 3 days. To my eye, the fender should have a little tab that hooks the cover in place, but I see nothing. I know I could come up with a way to make it work, but I'm reluctant to try to play with it seeing it's so new.

Not really a biggie, and I realize she'll have to go in for a fix, but is this defect common?

Mark

Hey Mark,

I recommend taking your Explorer Sport to the dealer to get this checked out. I'll see how to best assist on my end. Please send over a PM with your current odometer reading and VIN.

Mariel

 

[peterk9]

15 sport, 3 weeks old.

Front bumper cover where it meets the metal fender, drivers side is popping open. I can tap in back in with my hand, but it comes open in about 3 days. To my eye, the fender should have a little tab that hooks the cover in place, but I see nothing. I know I could come up with a way to make it work, but I'm reluctant to try to play with it seeing it's so new.

Not really a biggie, and I realize she'll have to go in for a fix, but is this defect common?

Mark

Using the Forum's 'Search' program this thread came up and yours has been merged with it.

Peter

 

[explosportguy]

same problem on 2015 ex sport

I had exactly the same problem (driver's side front facade popout under headlight) a few weeks ago with my new 2015 Sport. Pressed it in until it latched and no further problems so far. I've never come close to hitting a curb, leaving it where it could have been backed into, etc.. It is obviously a design defect (that has been around since 2011???). Very disappointing for a 49K+ (list price) vehicle.

After reading the comments here, if it happens again, I'm just going to secure it with a spot of super glue and/or replace the bracket myself. Not worth the effort to get into the 'endless dealer loop', jump through loops or have them screw it up worse than it is, not to mention the waste of my time.

4,000+ miles and I haven't had any other issues with the explo (knock on wood). I'm back to Ford after a long run with German and Japanese makes. The jury is still out on whether I made a bad decision or not, but I'm hoping the explo will prove over the long run that it was a good choice.

Rgds, Fred

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum explosportguy.:wavey:
Nice to have you onboard. Happy motoring Fred.

Peter

 

[cdnpont]

Thanks peterK9 for merging my post with this thread.

 

[18handicap]

Acouty, where did you buy your Explorer from. I bought mine from Helfman Ford at the beginning of April.

I'm having the same issue with my front bumper panel and it was bad enough for others to notice. I took it to Helfman on Monday and the body shop lady was not very pleasant and had a supervisor there. He said that it was a design issue and I must have parked and drug it over a curb. Nope, haven't done that and they took pictures, acted like it would take an act of Congress to get Ford to approve this, and basically made me feel like crap when I left. If this isn't fixed and its a problem, I will contact my lender as well and walk right next door and buy that Pathfinder that I liked, but chose the Explorer instead. It's now Thursday and I haven't head a word and wanted to take a trip, but am scared to drive it far, so I've cancelled my vacation.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum 18handicap.:wavey:
I have a feeling that you are not having the same issue as acouty. From what you describe and because of the question the shop asked, I get the feeling that you are referring to the black air deflector that runs the length of the bumper. Would that be correct? The issue acouty has is that the fender body panel keeps popping out up on the side near the headlight, if I understand his post correctly. That issue would not be any reason to cancel a road trip.

Peter

 

[FordService]

...I'm having the same issue with my front bumper panel and it was bad enough for others to notice...

Hi 18handicap,

I'm Crystal, the Ford Service rep here. Welcome! I'd like to see what I can do to turn this situation around for you. Send me your information in a private message (PM) and I'll get to work. Be sure to include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership.

Crystal

 

[18handicap]

Welcome to the Forum 18handicap.:wavey:
I have a feeling that you are not having the same issue as acouty. From what you describe and because of the question the shop asked, I get the feeling that you are referring to the black air deflector that runs the length of the bumper. Would that be correct? The issue acouty has is that the fender body panel keeps popping out up on the side near the headlight, if I understand his post correctly. That issue would not be any reason to cancel a road trip.

Peter

No, maybe I worded it wrong, but it's the same part separating as shown on the pictures posted previously -- right under the amber turn signal on both sides. But the body shop people were the ones who started taking pictures underneath the front bumper saying that I had parked over a curb or parking lot wheel stop.

I'll take a picture, but they pushed it back in sorta, so it's not near as bad looking as it was Sunday when I got back into town.