Driveshaft Issue (with photo) -- HELP

[SukotoYYZ]

Hi Everyone,

I picked-up my 2021 F150 (2.7L) in June of 2021. In August of 2021, I started having trouble with the driveshaft (shaking at highway speeds, rough idling, loud cracking noise whenever the truck turned into a raised driveway, etc.). Dealer #1 did the typical Ford dance (couldn't recreate the problem, etc.), but suddenly when the driveshaft recall was announced in early 2022 I was told that by Dealer #1 that my truck failed the driveshaft inspection, and shouldn't be driven. A 'unit down' was issued, and I was told to wait until a driveshaft arrived.

Once my driveshaft 'arrived', I dropped off the truck at Dealer #1 - but was then told that there was an error in their system and that the replacement driveshaft hadn't arrived (and it could be weeks before one was available). I was told that another nearby dealer (dealer #2) had a driveshaft on-hand.

I went to dealer #2, and they confirmed they had a driveshaft and held the truck for the day to complete the replacement. When I returned to the dealer at the end of the day, they indicated that they did not have time to replace the driveshaft that day and asked for me to come back. At this point, I was hugely disappointed.

Here is where the major problem starts... The tech was taking forever to give me my paperwork. Then he looked me square in the eye, and said that he couldn't claim for the 'time' they spent on the driveshaft that day, because Dealer #1 had already claimed the driveshaft diagnosis time with Ford. He said that the only way that Ford would reimburse Dealer #2 for their 'time' was if they closed the recall indicating the driveshaft was 'fine'. I was told not to worry, I could just apply for a new driveshaft under a separate 'warranty' claim! I disagreed, but they proceeded to CLOSE the recall file, and now I am stuck.

I am now driving a truck that I know has a bad driveshaft, and have been told that I have to bring it in to get it inspected for the SIXTH time, to start a warranty claim! I have no doubt I will go to the back of the line on the driveshaft backorder list, which means months more of waiting.

Please take a look at my driveshaft (below), and tell me if this is safe to be driving around (notice the 'pitting' of the aluminum on the right hand side of the groove). This truck is shaking when on the highway, and idles like a 1970s Mack truck... We are supposed to leave on a long-planned (and paid-for) cross country trip with our RV, and I honestly don't feel comfortable - but don't know if it's me overreacting to the driveshaft risk, or is the driveshaft is actually fine (please see the picture)...

BTW: I have called Ford Customer Relations and opened a file, but they have been useless so far. They have indicated that it's not possible that a dealer would indicate that a driveshaft is 'okay' after another dealer deemed it unsafe. I am being encouraged to go back to the dealers that got me into this mess, which I am not very eager to do...

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[thudnblunder]

This sucks and I don’t have a solution for you but man I wouldn’t trust that driveshaft for towing if you’re having problems just driving around.

 

[antho]

So dealer #2 did not replace it?

 

[SukotoYYZ]

So dealer #2 did not replace it?

Correct - not only did Dealer #2 not replace my driveshaft, but they closed the recall indicating the driveshaft was fine and didn't need to be replaced. Reason: they wouldn't get paid by Ford for their driveshaft inspection 'time' (because Dealer #1 had already inspected and failed the driveshaft, Dealer #2's inspection would be deemed duplicate and not payable).

 

[SukotoYYZ]

Can anyone provide feedback on the photo; is this driveshaft an issue (given the wear mark, I think it is)...

 

[tony72cutlass's']

If you put a sharp ruler across it does it dip down into the metal at all or is it more buffed?

 

[Buyer2021]

Can anyone provide feedback on the photo; is this driveshaft an issue (given the wear mark, I think it is)...

FYI the Ford inspection procedure with pics and description for determining 'acceptable' and 'not acceptable' driveshaft damage is attached.

Methinks that someone made a grave and likely illegal (violation of NHTSA regulations) mistake when they 'closed' the recall on your VIN without having implemented the required remedy but I've no idea or suggestion about how to resolve your convoluted situation in a timely manner.

Good luck.

 

[TN Rotty]

I would not drive it and get it fixed ASAP. That metal is really thin as shown in this post.

Some images below:

 

[Snakebitten]

Red tape dilemma.
So unnecessary

 

[powerboatr]

Correct - not only did Dealer #2 not replace my driveshaft, but they closed the recall indicating the driveshaft was fine and didn't need to be replaced. Reason: they wouldn't get paid by Ford for their driveshaft inspection 'time' (because Dealer #1 had already inspected and failed the driveshaft, Dealer #2's inspection would be deemed duplicate and not payable).

that is a WHOLE LOT of Bull muffins
i would be hoping up and down with ford to get it resolved, if dealer 2 closed out the recall, they flucked the goose and IMO legally forged a safety recall document.

 

[Buyer2021]

Red tape dilemma.
So unnecessary

Totally agree.

Deater #2 'closing' the recall un-remedied because of some administrative payment issue between them and Ford was asinine, IMO. I suspect NHTSA (and probably Ford Corporate, too) would be totally unsympathetic and take great exception to that sorely misguided action.

 

[antho]

I would not drive it. I agree that the dealerships internal paperwork should not effect a customer and their safety. I would absolutely try contacting someone at Ford directly.

 

[Snakebitten]

True @Buyer2021 , but I also sympathize with dealer #2.

They WANT to repair the truck and have the part available to do so, but because of backoffice red-tape, which is on FORD to remedy, they are trying to overcome the obstacle.

Ironically, the very folks that want to do the right things will be the ones who get in trouble.

 

[speedracercjr]

That's what sucks about this recall, it's so subjective to whatever tech is working on it. Mine was deemed "OK" and I was sent on my way.

I would demand dealer #2 fix the problem, as they were the ones who closed the recall without fixing it. You need to get the GM involved of the store, let them know they falsely closed a recall without fixing it, no matter what good intentions they have.

Also here's a pic of my "OK" driveshaft, it was just a polish and I can't feel any grooves. So who really knows if it's "OK".

 

[Buyer2021]

True @Buyer2021 , but I also sympathize with dealer #2.

They WANT to repair the truck and have the part available to do so, but because of backoffice red-tape, which is on FORD to remedy, they are trying to overcome the obstacle.

Ironically, the very folks that want to do the right things will be the ones who get in trouble.

The only way I'd grant sympathy to that dealer is if I knew they had a case-specific consultation with their Ford Regional Tech Rep or the Corporate Recall Manager and received specific direction to take the course of action they did.

I could be wrong but I strongly suspect that was not done, that they did not undertake the effort to seek a better resolution to the 'labor payment issue' at the Corporate level. Yes, a PITA for dealer #2 but IMO that's what ya deal with if you truly want to 'do the right thing' / overcome the obstacles.

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