Split Armrest Issue

[FordService]

I have not. I have ~46K miles on my Explorer. I bought it CPO in April and noticed it a couple months after purchase.

Thanks for the response, red1420! I'd recommend making an appointment so your dealership can check this out. Once you have a diagnosis, I'll be able to escalate you to your regional customer service manager.

Crystal

 

[nlopez2518]

I am having the same problem. I took my 2011 Explorer in for an oil change and a recall and the service guy told me that he is seeing a lot fords with that problem but I am out of warranty and to call ford customer service. I called and I pretty much was told that sucks for you. This is horrible and my explorer only has 45K miles and now I am screwed. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[FordService]

...This is horrible and my explorer only has 45K miles and now I am screwed. Is there anything else I can do?

You can reach out to me, nlopez2518; I'll put on my detective's cap and see what I can do to help. To get this investigation under way, send me a PM with your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership.

Crystal

 

[johng126]

I had the same issue with my 2012. Driver door armrest in the same spot. I brought it to an auto upholstery place and they fixed it quick. It was not expensive either.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum johng126.:wavey:
Thanks for the info.

Peter

 

[lukesimmons]

Just another issue to add to the list

I also have an issue with my 2012 Explorer on my driver side arm rest where there is a split in the heat sealed panel. I already had the vehicle at the dealership for warranty work (Shift to Park warning and Rust of the hood). In regards to the arm rest they said since you are outside the warranty km you're out of luck. I even mentioned I purchased the vehicle from the dealership with almost 5000 km and when they looked at the arm rest issue the vehicle was sitting at 65,000 km. Doesn't matter they said and directed me to an interior expert they use when they have an issue. So I contacted them and they said they couldn't repair it as its not a tear or an actually seam and I should talk to the dealership. Now what can I do since one company doesn't want to take responsibility for their botched product and one has just thrown their hands in the air and basically said take a hike.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum lukesimmons.:wavey:
I don't know if Crystal (FordService) will be able to help you in this case or not but it is worth a try. Go her posts above and click on the user name in the margin and then select "send a private message to...." She will require your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership. She can get in touch with your regional customer service manager to see if there is anything that can be done to help.

Peter

 

[FordServiceCA]

I also have an issue with my 2012 Explorer on my driver side arm rest where there is a split in the heat sealed panel. I already had the vehicle at the dealership for warranty work (Shift to Park warning and Rust of the hood). In regards to the arm rest they said since you are outside the warranty km you're out of luck. I even mentioned I purchased the vehicle from the dealership with almost 5000 km and when they looked at the arm rest issue the vehicle was sitting at 65,000 km. Doesn't matter they said and directed me to an interior expert they use when they have an issue. So I contacted them and they said they couldn't repair it as its not a tear or an actually seam and I should talk to the dealership. Now what can I do since one company doesn't want to take responsibility for their botched product and one has just thrown their hands in the air and basically said take a hike.

Hey lukesimmons,

Thanks for these details. Please send me a private message with your full name, phone number, VIN, and dealer; I'll have your customer service manager look it over.

Nikki
Ford Service CA

 

[peterk9]

Whoops. I see I kinda got it wrong in my post 101. Forgot the member was in Canada and gave the incorrect contact info. Not too often I have to refer members to the Canadian rep. Sorry about that Nikki and lukesimmons.

Peter

 

[summerwolf07]

I'm having the same issue with my vehicle. I just noticed it today. I bought it used in November and have less than 43000 miles! I can't believe this isn't a recall issue. I'm nervous my other doors will have the same problem as my driver side. I have a 2008 Escape Limited and have never had trim issues. It has 125000 miles on it even. It seems to me if anything should have wear like that it would be a vehicle that's been used a lot. I'm setting up an appointment to get it looked at. The dealership gave us 7500 mile warranty so hopefully they will cover it or get Ford to. Wish me luck!

 

[adamjeeps]

I'm having the same issue with my vehicle. I just noticed it today. I bought it used in November and have less than 43000 miles! I can't believe this isn't a recall issue. I'm nervous my other doors will have the same problem as my driver side. I have a 2008 Escape Limited and have never had trim issues. It has 125000 miles on it even. It seems to me if anything should have wear like that it would be a vehicle that's been used a lot. I'm setting up an appointment to get it looked at. The dealership gave us 7500 mile warranty so hopefully they will cover it or get Ford to. Wish me luck!

Unless that armrest is grabbing your arm, there is no way it is a recall. Recalls are for SAFETY issues only. But I wish you luck getting it covered.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum summerwolf07.:wavey:
Can't recall any post with the issue on the passenger side.

Peter

 

[JoLT]

Just got the same tear everyone else in this thread is reporting. Mine occurred at 40K miles. Have an appointment scheduled in a few days for dealership to look at. Sounds like some people have had some luck with getting Ford to cover some of the repair costs.

 

[FordService]

Just got the same tear everyone else in this thread is reporting. Mine occurred at 40K miles. Have an appointment scheduled in a few days for dealership to look at. Sounds like some people have had some luck with getting Ford to cover some of the repair costs.

Welcome to the forum, JoLT; I'm glad you're getting your dealership involved. Let me know how the visit to your dealer goes. I'll be able to research options to assist once they've taken a look.

Crystal

 

[peterk9]

Just got the same tear everyone else in this thread is reporting. Mine occurred at 40K miles. Have an appointment scheduled in a few days for dealership to look at. Sounds like some people have had some luck with getting Ford to cover some of the repair costs.

Welcome to the Forum JoLT.:wavey:
I see that Crystal, the Ford Service rep here, has already offered to help if/when needed.

Peter

 

[JM1Explorer]

armrest tear

I have the same armrest issue, first noticed at about 50,000, now at 60,000 miles. Driver side, 1.5-2 inch tear at seam. Ford has a definite problem with this design, unexpected for the price paid. There is no stress or wear in this area to cause this material to separate.
I have the Ford ESP, 100,000 mi. I know, this is not bumper to bumper, but this is a quality issue. I had my dealer look at this, they said it is not covered, and should call ford customer care. I did this, a case was opened and dealer took photos, and then the response from the dealer; still nothing covered, $320 parts and labor for replacement!
First post, occasional follower. Thanks for any help on this.

 

[Crankykjun]

Well Dealership was no help in my case, They advised it was normal wear and tear. Which I believe to be bogus since I was still on the original tires. So, Not only am I dealing with that issue, I now have paint bubbling up on my hood and off in some spots, Looks to be corrosion. But, According to the dealership, that is considered to be trim and is not covered. Why would I spend all the extra money on warranties and extended warranties for noting to be covered?

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Crankykjun.:wavey:
Why not get in touch with Crystal (FordService) and she if she can help you. At this point you really have nothing to lose.
You can use this link to send her a PM; 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

 

[FordService]

I have the same armrest issue...

Well Dealership was no help in my case, They advised it was normal wear and tear...

Hi folks,

As Peter mentioned, reach out to me via private message (PM) so I can look into this for you. Include all the info he mentioned (your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, current mileage, and servicing dealership); I'll get to work.

Crystal

 

[mayher]

Had my X in the shop the other day for some work and pointed out where my armrest is cracked in the same place as everyone else on this forum. Service writer said this is common, but Ford would not do anything about due my mileage almost 65,000 miles. Interior looks great except for this, and certainly don't expect this on a 3 year old car regardless of the mileage. I have an 8 year old Ford pickup ( 180,000 miles ), and the interior is still perfect.

Wonder if there is any chance Ford will help out on this based on the number of issues with this part?