Driveshaft Issue (with photo) -- HELP

[KBKEITH]

For what work did dealer #2 expect to be reimbursed for by Ford? They did nothing.
As others have pretty much said, it’s not looking good for dealer #2.

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[Snakebitten]

Just asking, but is dealer#2 desiring to actually fix the truck? Do they WANT to fix the truck?

I might have misunderstood, but I got the impression that is there intent. That they aren't trying to brush the customer off.

(not defending their strategy to overcome the red tape)

 

[antho]

Just asking, but is dealer#2 desiring to actually fix the truck? Do they WANT to fix the truck?

I might have misunderstood, but I got the impression that is there intent. That they aren't trying to brush the customer off.

(not defending their strategy to overcome the red tape)

If they wanted to, they would have. If a customer came in with a safety recall that indicates it is defective and you send them on the way because of some paperwork? Seems like they could have fixed the issue and dealt with the paper work process afterwards. Instead they sent a customer onto the highway. Just the way i see it anyhow.

 

[Antimatter22]

Sounds like instead of brushing it off and making a huge mess of things they should have contacted their regional Ford rep to get it figured out. This may end up turning into a worse situation for them than not getting paid for the recall. Hopefully you'll get some resolution soon. This shouldn't fall on the customer

 

[EricR]

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.

^^^ THIS!

This is rather serious stuff and you probably should report it to the NHTSA.

Also, consider sending a letter to the dealer #2 GM via FedEx - it will likely go directly to his desk rather than to an assistant.

-Eric

 

[SukotoYYZ]

Just asking, but is dealer#2 desiring to actually fix the truck? Do they WANT to fix the truck?

I might have misunderstood, but I got the impression that is there intent. That they aren't trying to brush the customer off.

(not defending their strategy to overcome the red tape)

I can tell you first-hand that they completely brushed me off, and instructed me to go back to my original dealer (Dealer #1), to start the warranty process. The kick in the gut, was when they said that Dealer #1 couldn't have the driveshaft they had in-stock (they were unwilling to transfer the part).

When I went back to Dealer#1, I was told there was nothing they could do because the recall had been closed.

I then called Ford Customer Relations, and have been bouncing between departments (no resolution, no plan, no assistance). And yes, I have asked for escalations but have only reached what seems to be the managers of the first-level relations reps.

If anyone has any advise on which department or number to call for some real help, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SukotoYYZ]

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

There is definitely a 'dip' in the metal, not very deep yet but there is also some 'pitting'. Given how thin this aluminum is, I am definitely not comfortable.

From what I am reading on the recall sheets, the driveshaft needs to be replaced if scoring is present (I believe this would qualify?).

 

[UGADawg96]

I can tell you first-hand that they completely brushed me off, and instructed me to go back to my original dealer (Dealer #1), to start the warranty process. The kick in the gut, was when they said that Dealer #1 couldn't have the driveshaft they had in-stock (they were unwilling to transfer the part).

When I went back to Dealer#1, I was told there was nothing they could do because the recall had been closed.

I then called Ford Customer Relations, and have been bouncing between departments (no resolution, no plan, no assistance). And yes, I have asked for escalations but have only reached what seems to be the managers of the first-level relations reps.

If anyone has any advise on which department or number to call for some real help, it would be greatly appreciated.

See if this helps kick the hornets nest. I cannot confirm if they will be helpful or not.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/about-nhtsa/contact-us

 

[tony72cutlass's']

There is definitely a 'dip' in the metal, not very deep yet but there is also some 'pitting'. Given how thin this aluminum is, I am definitely not comfortable.

From what I am reading on the recall sheets, the driveshaft needs to be replaced if scoring is present (I believe this would qualify?).

I agree with you 100%, if there is any kind of a dip i wouldn't be thinking twice but to pound on the dealerships door like others have said.

stiffness of a material is proportional to the cube of the thickness, so a little bit goes a long way!

 

[Static]

I would go park it in their service bay and tell them it's not moving until they install the driveshaft they already have for your truck.

 

[SukotoYYZ]

UPDATE:

I spent the last hour on the phone with Ford Customer Relations. I had it escalated as far as I could, and here is the final result (call was recorded): 'Ford is unable to override the closure of the recall, and must rely upon the technician's notes. If you are not satisfied with the service at the dealer, please leave a negative review, or contact the general manager at the dealer'.

When I explained to them that I have a photo showing the condition of the driveshaft, and that the driveshaft has a serial number on it (so they can easily verify that it's the original driveshaft), I was told that they could be of no further assistance and that I have to deal with the dealer (they are all individually owned and operated).

My instinct is telling me that Ford has a report from the technician at the dealer, indicating that the driveshaft is 'fine', and that limits their liability...

I have now placed a call to the GM at Dealer #1 (I would never go back to Dealer #2 for obvious reasons). Let's see.

I'm disgusted that Ford would pass the buck here... It definitely feels as though they have no regard for the safety of myself or my family, or for anyone else on the road.

 

[antho]

I would go directly to the owner of the dealership if the GM doesnt respond soon.

 

[RJL1400]

Why can't the service managers at Ford #1 and Ford #2 talk to each other, otherwise, lawyer #1 (yours) and lawyer #2 (theirs) will eventually chat over the injuries you sustained due to negligence of both Ford #1 and Ford #2.

 

[Jafo2317]

Contact Ford.com directly and explain the situation. I had a 2021 Tremor when the recall came out. The local Ford dealership inspected it and was told that the driveshaft would be replaced, but it would take about 2 months to get the new driveshaft. Luckily a Service rep informed me to contact Ford.com. I did and listen carefully. They gave me an incident #, they followed up with several phone calls and my new driveshaft was at the dealership in less than a week. Dealership replaced it with no issues at all.

 

[UGADawg96]

Just have a third dealer inspect it and tell them that it must be bad again... If one of our members that got their heat exchanger replaced and case closed and it leaked again, they wouldn't get refused another replacement.

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