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Old Oct 13, 2016 | 08:27 AM
  #1  
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Explorer recall

Seven months ago we heard about a recall for our 2014 Ford Explorer Sport because of cracked or broken trail links in the rear. The recall stated this could result in loss of control of the vehicle. Then in June we finally got a letter from Ford, saying they were making the parts and would let us know when to contact our dealer for repair. Called Ford 2-3 months ago to inquire about an eta on the parts and they said parts should be made sometime during the 3rd quarter (July/August/September). They didn't seem to be the least concerned and were actually quite rude. Well here we are in October, still waiting for parts to be made to have a serious defect fixed in the suspension of our Sport. After reading the letter my wife was almost afraid to drive the vehicle. Between the sync going out occasionally (where you lose radio, bluetooth and nav, but not at a dealer so they can fix it, and the rotten egg smell after hard acceleration, I guess that,s why we have a 2 year old, this month, 2014 Explorer with only 9k miles on it. Anyone hear anything? My wife and I have been lifelong Ford buyers, but this is making us question our loyalty.
 
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Old Oct 13, 2016 | 10:10 AM
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We finally just got rid of our 2016 Explorer Platinum. I've never had so many problems with a vehicle and had to sue Ford via lemon law. You're absolutely right. Ford doesn't care. We just replaced ours with a Cadillac XT5 and I'll never buy another Ford. Good luck. I just logged in to write something on the thread I started months ago, when I saw this. I can feel your pain.
 
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Old Oct 13, 2016 | 10:44 AM
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Hope I don't live to regret the 2016 F350 we just bought a few months ago.
 
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Old Oct 13, 2016 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by CaliforniaKid
Hope I don't live to regret the 2016 F350 we just bought a few months ago.
Oh no! Tell me you didn't. I traded in my F350 6.2l gas for a GMC 3500 Denali diesel. Wow! I know ford has better power numbers, but I love this truck. The biggest difference is the ride. It literally rides better than our Explorer. It's unbelievable.

Did you buy gas or diesel? Their 6.2l gas is pretty rock solid, but I wouldn't own the Ford diesel. Just look through the forums. I did the same for GM and Ram. It tells you a lot. GM had a problem with 2011-12 models and DEF fluid, but now there are very few complaints. Ford and Ram diesel forums seem much "busier". I see a lot of issues with radiator leaks, turbos, fuel rails, injectors, bearings and so on. When I see $7-10k repairs, I run the other way.
 
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Old Oct 13, 2016 | 01:15 PM
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I think I mentioned we have been lifelong Ford buyers and bought the F350 6.2 gas 4x4 Crew Cab to haul our truck camper and fishing boat. Didn't need the diesel and wanted to keep load carrying capacity as high as possible. Been very happy with the truck so far. Hopefully it's as good in the snow as our F150 Lariat was. Just really regretting the Explorer. It's the wifes and if she's afraid to drive it, it has just become a monthly payment for nothing. We're both retired and had hoped it would be one of the last vehicles we got for her.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2016 | 07:25 AM
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I would think the Explorer would be much better in snow than a pickup. Weight on the driving wheels
 
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Old Oct 14, 2016 | 07:38 AM
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Originally Posted by oneowner83
I would think the Explorer would be much better in snow than a pickup. Weight on the driving wheels
You would think so, but it all boils down to tires. The Explorer Sport tires are terrible in the snow. Of course the Lariat Pirellis were just as bad. Sport tires are made for good handling on dry roads. Our F150 I pulled off the 20 inch rims, went with some 18 Rhino rims and a legitamate "snow" tire. Liked it so much I never put the others back on. The Explorer my wife likes the rims and I can't find a worthy snow tire to fit on them, so we use our truck more in the winter. Here in Montana we have a long, snowy, icy winter and the Explorer just doesn't cut it with the factory tires.
 
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Old Oct 14, 2016 | 02:59 PM
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So no one else has been waiting 6 months for this recall and the parts to take care of the problem?
 
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 12:02 AM
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Originally Posted by CaliforniaKid
So no one else has been waiting 6 months for this recall and the parts to take care of the problem?
First I'm hearing about it, so no.
Looking on the web, not a lot of info on this trailing link recall. I ran my wife's 2014 Exp's vin on the NHTSA's search and shows no recalls.

If your Exp is affected, have this letter from Ford, and have been waiting 6 months, its time to visit the dealer & have a cordial chat with the GM.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 12:15 AM
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Originally Posted by kerm7807
We finally just got rid of our 2016 Explorer Platinum. I've never had so many problems with a vehicle and had to sue Ford via lemon law. You're absolutely right. Ford doesn't care. We just replaced ours with a Cadillac XT5 and I'll never buy another Ford. Good luck. I just logged in to write something on the thread I started months ago, when I saw this. I can feel your pain.
Sorry about your luck, but hijacking this thread about a recall with your drama doesn't help anyone.
Take it here or don't bother. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...h-running.html
 
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 05:55 AM
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Originally Posted by High Cetane
First I'm hearing about it, so no.
Looking on the web, not a lot of info on this trailing link recall. I ran my wife's 2014 Exp's vin on the NHTSA's search and shows no recalls.

If your Exp is affected, have this letter from Ford, and have been waiting 6 months, its time to visit the dealer & have a cordial chat with the GM.
Safety recall notice 16S18/NHTSA 16V-245. Have already contacted my dealer and since parts have still not been produced the dealer says theres nothing they can do. Letter even states Ford will notify me as to when I can contact my dealer to schedule the repair. But maybe your right. Maybe I should make them look at them. I guess if enough of us drive 70 miles round trip and waste a day at the dealership, Ford will get off there dead..... and produce the parts. But since I seem to be the only one with the problem I'm not sure how effective that will be.

I have contacted the NHTSA and filed a complaint. 6 months without the problem being repaired does not seem "reasonable" to me for a "defect which Ford Motor Company has decided relates to motor vehicle safety exists in your vehicle" type of problem.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 06:31 AM
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Really interesting side-note. Went to the Ford owners web-site this morning to get their phone number again. Rechecked my Explorer info. Now yesterday, first time I had been on the site, it showed my recall for the trail links and my extended warranty on the sync system because we had been having problems. Today, it shows no recall or problems listed what so ever. Interesting.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by CaliforniaKid
Safety recall notice 16S18/NHTSA 16V-245. Have already contacted my dealer and since parts have still not been produced the dealer says theres nothing they can do. Letter even states Ford will notify me as to when I can contact my dealer to schedule the repair. Okay. "The parts haven't been produced"(?) You mean manufactured or appropriated? My suggestion would be have current dealer inspect truck for current status, visit another dealer for 2nd opinion, and have everything done & said documented. But maybe your right. Maybe I should make them look at them. I guess if enough of us drive 70 miles round trip and waste a day at the dealership, Ford will get off there dead..... and produce the parts. But since I seem to be the only one with the problem I'm not sure how effective that will be.All this seems a bit dramatic. C'mon Man, find a closer dealer, or, another reason to travel the 35 miles.
"Only one with the problem"? When I read this type of reaction, right or wrong, I get the notion your approach with the dealer is less than cordial. I get that you are not happy with the response and the time you are claiming, but are you giving us all the facts or crying wolf?

I have contacted the NHTSA and filed a complaint. 6 months without the problem being repaired does not seem "reasonable" to me for a "defect which Ford Motor Company has decided relates to motor vehicle safety exists in your vehicle" type of problem..I agree, its not reasonable. Why 6 months? Is all that time really the dealer/Ford's fault? Really? 180 days without any clear-cut plan or schedule to resolve? I cant get my mind around this. If what you are saying is true, see above, then call "7 on your side" and get your plight on the nightly news

Just so you know where I'm coming from- we had 1) problem with our Exp to date. The common, leaky PTU issue. I sent a email to the GM, Sales Manager, Salesman & Service Manager on a Sunday afternoon. (All these contacts I met when I bought the truck).
By Tuesday night it was resolved. Yeah, we had a 90 mile round trip, but we were given a loaner for the 2 days and went to a great restaurant nearby the dealer.
So, while I hold no aspersions, and I'm not defending Ford- I'm wondering why my experience was handled so well, and you are left to internet rants(?) Good Luck-
 
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by High Cetane
Just so you know where I'm coming from- we had 1) problem with our Exp to date. The common, leaky PTU issue. I sent a email to the GM, Sales Manager, Salesman & Service Manager on a Sunday afternoon. (All these contacts I met when I bought the truck).
By Tuesday night it was resolved. Yeah, we had a 90 mile round trip, but we were given a loaner for the 2 days and went to a great restaurant nearby the dealer.
So, while I hold no aspersions, and I'm not defending Ford- I'm wondering why my experience was handled so well, and you are left to internet rants(?) Good Luck-
The response time I'm claiming? If what I'm saying is true? I must have been less than cordial? Your as rude as they are. Why was your handled so well? Don't know, was yours an off the shelf replacement part or was it mandated recall because of a design defect? Manufactured or appropriated? Does it matter? All they're telling me is they are not available but they are "working closely with their suppliers to produce parts for this repair". Go to another dealer, get a second opinion, lol. Never been to Montana have you? haha. You know what? You have been a great help, thank you for all you assistance. Internet rants and crying wolf, I take it back, your not as rude.....you are much worse. So you had nothing useful to say, just wanted to belittle me? How insecure and condescending. Had been waiting patiently for Ford to repair an issue on a recall and was wondering if anyone had heard anything. Thats why I started this post. You haven't gotten the notice and don't know anything about it.....so why are you responding at all? Again, thanks for your help.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2016 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by CaliforniaKid
Your as rude as they are.
Thanks for confirming my suspicion...its everyone but you.


Originally Posted by CaliforniaKid
Never been to Montana have you? haha. You know what? You have been a great help, thank you for all you assistance.
Been all over this world, rules of engagement have applied regardless. If you treat people that you need help from with some respect, your life improves...in less than 6 months. Thank you for confirming that.

Originally Posted by CaliforniaKid
You have been a great help, thank you for all you assistance.
You are welcome, glad I could help.
 
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