The black plastic body panels which wrap around my 03 EXP XLT have faded very quickly and noticeably. Look around at other XLTs and you'll see how bad they look just after one year. I took mine back to the dealership when it was 11 months old and they said too bad so sad because Ford does not cover any fading to any part of the vehicle, even in the 1 yr bumper to bumper warranty. I even called the Corporate Customer Service Center a few times and was told the same thing. So my advice to XLT owners everywhere, start applying Armor All or a comparable sun shield to all the body panels at least weekly, even if you park in the garage, if you don't want them to start fading. I wish someone would have told me when I bought my XLT, it would have saved me alot of frustration. Is anyone else having this problem and if so did you get it resolved and how?? thanks!

 

They do warranty the condition here in San Diego. As posted before in another thread, tactfully check to see if the warranty is regional. If so, why would Ford replace practically everybody's cladding where the sun is very strong, and not replace the people's in other states. It shouldn't be an issue.

 

I'll check on that possibility. I agree with you, it shouldn't be an issue. personally, I think my service manager just does not want to fix my problem. Of course, I could be mistaken where as Virginia for some strange reason isn't covered. thanks for the reply.

 

Mine are on order to be replaced. Dealer said it was obvious they were fading, so no issues.

 

what dealership do you deal with? would you give me the number to your service manager so I can ask him to maybe give mine a call? thanks

 

Kerry Ford in Cincinnati. Their number is 513-671-9900. The service advisor is Lee.

 

Hey great news, I just got an email from my service manager and he says that Ford just released (1 Sept) TSB 04-17-07 which authorizes service centers to replace faded body panels on vehicles built between 2/1/2003 and 12/31/2004. Wow, I can't believe Ford finally listened to it's customers complaints. I hope they have learned their lesson. The trick question is which panels will they replace? I mean, the vehicle will look funny with a couple of new panels unless they replace all the panels and I don't see them doing that. I'll keep everyone advised after I get my replaced.

 

They have to replace all of them if they are discolored. Good news for you!

 

Cool, thanks for your help man.

 

sorry about chiming in on this old post. i am just wondering what happened with your body cladding and exactly what was replaced. Anyone else do this? i think I will talk to my service manager about this.

 

I had all of mine replaced no questions asked. Some pieces weren't as faded as others, too. Still yet...I painted them afterwards.

 

does this include the front/back bumper. It looks to me like they are made of the same material?

 

These don't fade, for some reason. If they did fade, I would bet Ford would replace them as well.

 

Has anyone removed the plastic panels completely, filled the holes and repainted the lower door panel of the EXP?

 

I'd like to know that myself. Anyone? With pics?