Split Armrest Issue

[JarHead1833]

So you went to Dodge for higher build quality?

Check the resale values, not KBB, what the real world gives.

Resale value is higher in my area then 34K. Whats your point?
I'm not waiting around any longer to pay for new roof paint and for the steering to go out. So yeah, when the Dodge warranty is up, I will give Jeep a try. I'm sorry you just want to jerks off in a ford all day at work then at home but why do you care what I do!

 

[Sgt1411]

Resale value is higher in my area then 34K. Whats your point?
I'm not waiting around any longer to pay for new roof paint and for the steering to go out. So yeah, when the Dodge warranty is up, I will give Jeep a try. I'm sorry you just want to jerks off in a ford all day at work then at home but why do you care what I do!

Dont get me wrong Ford's got some issues with some of their products. These issues that linger through 3-4 model years without resolution are completely unacceptable.

Im one of the biggest critics of MFT or My Ford Disappointment as it's been nicknamed.

My comment is based on ratings from various sources on build quality, Dodge has lower ratings than Ford.

That said I have rented a newer Durango recently and its curb appeal and features are much improved. Value after you drive it off the lot is not the same as Ford.


We have Dodge Chargers at work, they squeak and rattle like a 10yr old vehicle, the interior trims are falling apart, brakes are being replaced at 2X the rate of the Ford Interceptors. Our shops says the chargers are off the road in the shop 3X the rate of the Ford products.

A batch of the them were delivered after passing factory QC with no gas in the rear shocks and Dodge didn't know about the issue until customers started to complain about noise and handling. Then they investigated the parts supplier. Thats where I get my opinions.

You're right though, to each their own.

 

[JarHead1833]

Dont get me wrong Ford's got some issues with some of their products. These issues that linger through 3-4 model years without resolution are completely unacceptable.

Im one of the biggest critics of MFT or My Ford Disappointment as it's been nicknamed.

My comment is based on ratings from various sources on build quality, Dodge has lower ratings than Ford.

That said I have rented a newer Durango recently and its curb appeal and features are much improved. Value after you drive it off the lot is not the same as Ford.


We have Dodge Chargers at work, they squeak and rattle like a 10yr old vehicle, the interior trims are falling apart, brakes are being replaced at 2X the rate of the Ford Interceptors. Our shops says the chargers are off the road in the shop 3X the rate of the Ford products.

A batch of the them were delivered after passing factory QC with no gas in the rear shocks and Dodge didn't know about the issue until customers started to complain about noise and handling. Then they investigated the parts supplier. Thats where I get my opinions.

You're right though, to each their own.

And this could go on all day, but you are talking about cars that are being driven hard all day long in your line of work vs. how I only drive 5K per year.

I also have a Ford F350 at work (Fire service) and that thing has 20K miles and sounds horrible. Leaks so much oil, has been in and out of the shop so much The Dealership doesn't want it in anymore so we take it to the city garage for repairs.
Just saying, I'm fed up with Ford products, their customer service and horrible design flaws. I will be the first to admit if I'm wrong later that Dodge hasn't changed their game and stepped it up, but I friends that drive their dodges into the ground as the Fords rust away next to them. Now Ford thinks aluminium is the answer, LOL! Just look at these hoods, whats next the whole body and paint bubbles?
I ordered my Sport before even production.... I was wrong in my eyes and should have went another direction...
Take care, Stay safe out there ***** getting stupid in this country.

 

[ocracokeBound]

I did the fishing line repair, seemed to work fine, the vinyl is heavier near the stitching. I did use a bit too heavy a line, 20 lb, would go with 8lb if I had it to do over again. Trick was to use needle nose to direct the needle through where you wanted it.

 

[Pilot04]

I have the same problem. With me buying this 2012 explorer used, what's my chances with having ford fix it since it's obviously a known problem?

 

[Pilot04]

I have the same problem on my 2012 ex. This was bought used at a dealer out of town, what are my options for me getting this fixed? Take it to my local dealer even though it's out of warranty? I sure would hate for this to continue splitting?

 

[ocracokeBound]

If you get a warranty repair I would run out and buy a lottery ticket because you are on a roll.

 

[new to ford]

mine split around ~35,000 miles and the replacement panel shows minor indication that it's starting to split at ~64,000 miles, what a piece of SH*&!

 

[blwnsmoke]

IF you are out of warranty, no point in going to your dealer for repair. IF you can't fix the seem, a replacement is going to run you about $500 plus shipping.

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebea...engine/body-cat/interior-trim-front-door-scat

Replacing a panel is under 10 minutes to do.

 

[gatzdon]

Add me to the list. Just got back from a road trip and I guess when it rain, it pours. The arm rest split while on the road trip, a P144C fault code, and numerous Tire Pressure Monitoring System Fault Messages.

The most unbelievable part is that the arm rest sees no use because it's too low to be practical.

 

[cheapjeep2]

I did the fishing line repair, seemed to work fine, the vinyl is heavier near the stitching. I did use a bit too heavy a line, 20 lb, would go with 8lb if I had it to do over again. Trick was to use needle nose to direct the needle through where you wanted it.

:ttiwwp:

We need pictures of this repair, please post up.

 

[TTerrific]

I'm trying to contact Crystal. I, too, have the same problem with my door panel splitting. It looks like 4Buckster only mine is on the short edge that closes into the door pocket. I noticed the problem on Monday and it is on both the front doors in the same place. There is no wear/tear on my Explorer, I'm the only one driving it and rarely have any passengers. I immediately scheduled an appointment with my dealer and took it in today (Friday). They took pictures, sent it to Ford for authorization, and called me back this afternoon with results. The case is closed - no help and no replacement. Warranty is up and mileage (bought 5/2012 & mileage 49,913) is too high.
This is obviously a quality issue and design flaw. I find it amazing that Ford isn't doing something about this, I've had the car for 3 years!

It is a 2013 Explorer Limited

 

[sparky23]

Both the passenger and driver side split on my 2012 Explorer, and the interesting thing is the service guy says he never seen it before??? Since I had 120k, I was told there is nothing they could do about it. Got both panels for just under $800 and changed them myself (1 hr). Hope it doesn't happen again. Very disappointed!

P.S. Two used panels for sale...

 

[TAT]

I have the same issue with my 2012 Explorer that i've had a year and it started within a month of having it. also paint chipping off the bumper. When you buy a 32k dollar vehicle these aren't things you should be dealing with.

 

[HughCares]

I have the same issue with my 2012 Explorer that i've had a year and it started within a month of having it. also paint chipping off the bumper. When you buy a 32k dollar vehicle these aren't things you should be dealing with.

Paint doesn't start to suddenly or magically "chip off" on a 3 year old vehicle. One has to conclude that the road conditions of where you are driving it since you've owned it is to blame. The bumpers on my 2012 are still spotless....

 

[TTerrific]

I also asked the service guy if this problem was common. He replied that this was the first one he's seen...ummm???....which is why I immediately started searching on line and discovered that just isn't the case. I think I might try the super glue solution.
Very disappointed that my Explorer is literally falling apart at the seams after 3 years.

 

[mayher]

I also asked the service guy if this problem was common. He replied that this was the first one he's seen...ummm???....which is why I immediately started searching on line and discovered that just isn't the case. I think I might try the super glue solution.
Very disappointed that my Explorer is literally falling apart at the seams after 3 years.

I have the same issue with the drivers door on my Ex. and am out of warranty. I escalated this through Ford and the best they would do is split the cost with me. This translated into about $150 out of pocket for me.

I went the super glue route about 6 months ago figuring that if it didn't work I would replace. Six months later it is holding perfectly and the repair cannot be seen. When I first did this there was a very small area that was a little shiny, but it has dulled done and you cannot even see it. Would be great if Ford would just fix known issues like these.

 

[drumvan]

just discovered my 2012 explorer has the ripped drivers armrest seam issue. just over 50k miles. taking it to gene buttman in ypsilanti today. is crystal still available for consultation on this board?

 

[peterk9]

just discovered my 2012 explorer has the ripped drivers armrest seam issue. just over 50k miles. taking it to gene buttman in ypsilanti today. is crystal still available for consultation on this board?

Welcome to the Forum.:wavey:
Tricia has taken over for Crystal but she is on holidays I believe. Troy is helping her out. Just send a PM to FordService and someone should reply. If your looking for assistance in having the repair covered, I pretty sure you're out of luck.

Peter

 

[drumvan]

just heard back from the service dept at gene butman ford. they will replace the entire door panel for $100 (my cost). they said that ford and the dealership will take the rest of the cost. he said it was a $400 panel. not sure about that but it's better than nothing since it's way past warranty at 57k miles and i don't feel like driving around with a super glued armrest.