Liftgate dents

[pwrful4]

Just purchased a brand new 2014 Explorer Sport and after washing it for the first time I noticed two dents on the bottom portion of the liftgate. They are located right below the handle. They're a couple inches in size but not very deep, looks like they were caused from someone holding the liftgate open with their hands. Is the metal so thin on these that this is happening to other folks? Does Ford only recommend opening and closing the liftgate with the remote/button?

Leave it or have it fixed with PDR?

A little disappointed with the overal fit and finish of the car. This is my first American car I've owned in a LONG time and hoped it would be better, especially since it's the most expensive car I've owned ($50k). Noticed a scratch in the bumper from the factory, dealer said they would fix it, a couple of paint nipples in the roof and a couple other paint defects (clearcoat drip on the liftgate edge) along with poor fit and finish of the leather on the seats. Anyone else in the same boat?

Thanks in advance...

 

[LukerDooker]

..everyone here is awaiting comments and info from new 2014 owners.
you may be the 1st ?
(...not including any of the 2014 ordering/2014 build status posts)

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

PDR. Less than $200. Done.

Bring to the dealership's attention. Maybe they will claim responsibility. Worth a shot.

 

[peterk9]

Just purchased a brand new 2014 Explorer Sport and after washing it for the first time I noticed two dents on the bottom portion of the liftgate. They are located right below the handle. They're a couple inches in size but not very deep, looks like they were caused from someone holding the liftgate open with their hands. Is the metal so thin on these that this is happening to other folks? Does Ford only recommend opening and closing the liftgate with the remote/button?

Leave it or have it fixed with PDR?

A little disappointed with the overal fit and finish of the car. This is my first American car I've owned in a LONG time and hoped it would be better, especially since it's the most expensive car I've owned ($50k). Noticed a scratch in the bumper from the factory, dealer said they would fix it, a couple of paint nipples in the roof and a couple other paint defects (clearcoat drip on the liftgate edge) along with poor fit and finish of the leather on the seats. Anyone else in the same boat?

Thanks in advance...

As Bill #4 Explorer stated, I would definitely bring this to the dealer's attention and see what they have to say. There have been a few threads concerning the 'fit and finish' of the Explorer. It would appear that Ford still hasn't got it quite right yet. FYI, the hood is made of aluminum but I believe that is the only part.
I believe you purchased this 'off the lot' so to speak so it is quite possible the damage happened there.
Good luck.

Peter

 

[pwrful4]

We knew the car was coming in and I was very persistent that I didn't want the car washed, waxed, stickered, front license plate installed, etc. when it arrived. The double edge sword to that was that my wife wasn't able to see every imperfection. I'm very leery of dealers washing/waxing as it just creates more work for me in the long. I suppose I could have them take care of every little thing we found wrong, but they'll probably do more damage trying to fix them.

Overall we love the car, to include the ride, gas mileage, power, comfort, technology, etc., just wished the fit and finish matched.

 

[dco43054]

The metal in the liftgate is thick enough that it is not going to be dented by grasping it to close it.

A picture of the area would help.

 

[peterk9]

We knew the car was coming in and I was very persistent that I didn't want the car washed, waxed, stickered, front license plate installed, etc. when it arrived. The double edge sword to that was that my wife wasn't able to see every imperfection. I'm very leery of dealers washing/waxing as it just creates more work for me in the long. I suppose I could have them take care of every little thing we found wrong, but they'll probably do more damage trying to fix them.

Overall we love the car, to include the ride, gas mileage, power, comfort, technology, etc., just wished the fit and finish matched.

My dealer washes and dries my Explorer after every service. In the almost 2 1/2 years I've had it I'm guessing they must have washed it about 8 times now and I've never had an issue. I guess perhaps it depends on the individual dealer.
In your case, if they had washed it, they likely would have discovered the dents before you took delivery.

Peter

 

[broken strut]

It still amazes me that people don't take a more thorough inspection of vehicles. Check it over front to back and top to bottom.

 

[converted_21]

Did you notice the paint and leather at the dealer? I would have made them keep it to fix it. I have a few issues with fit and finish but I think it's just something that a lot of cars suffer from.

 

[jrzytrac]

I just waxed my 2014 Sport for the 1st time the other day. I only saw one minor paint defect that appeared to be a very small piece of something that got painted over. But it was really small like the head of a pin. It was smooth, not flaking or anything so it was no big deal. I didn't see any other issues with the paint.

As far as the liftgate I just went out and looked to see if there was anything like you describe on mine. I didn't see anything but I took note that the metal was strong with the exception to the right & left of the license plate area. That seemed soft. This liftgate is power so I only use the buttons.

Do the dents look like they could've been caused by the liftgate going up and striking something?

The only thing I don't like, but it's not just Ford, it's all the manufacturers, is the extensive use of plastic with the grainy finish by the tops & bottoms of the doors & sills including the inside of the liftgate. Once they get a good scuff, that's it. There's no fixing them.

Overall I really like it. I'd say to bring it to the dealer and have them do the dent repair.

 

[FordService]

Just purchased a brand new 2014 Explorer Sport and after washing it for the first time I noticed two dents on the bottom portion of the liftgate...

Hi pwrful4.

I'd like to look into this for you and see how I can help. Can you please PM me your name, phone number, VIN, mileage, and dealer info?

Ashley