I Agree With Farley - Dealerships need to change

[TarnishedCopper]

It is known as gross incompetence, and I'll bet the person responsible for it is still working there. In today's world finding someone who isn't afraid to stop and say "Wait a minute that's just not right" is extremely difficult. It would delay the precious output quota if they did and shut down the line.

Sponsored

 

[RLXXI]

"He told me Ford will install known bad parts to keep the line moving as it's cheaper to pay dealers to fix them than stopping the line,.."

what a short sighted view. I can think of many reasons this is not cheaper. 1 when ford paid for a rental for 2+ weeks and one month's car payment, I'm not convinced its cheaper. and, lets not forget the damage it has on company reputation and stress pn dealership wmployees who have forward facing roles.

These are vehicles that have never been sold, there is no rental involved. I don't get where you think it's short sighted because it's the truth, (I doubt the instructor lied to me).

If Ford had to shut down it's assembly line for every vehicle with a problem, it would get very expensive VERY fast so I can understand why they do it from a financial stand point. Doesn't make it right or better, it is what it is.

 

[v8440]

These are vehicles that have never been sold, there is no rental involved. I don't get where you think it's short sighted because it's the truth, (I doubt the instructor lied to me).

Sure there is, when a defective vehicle is sold and a rental is paid for because the defective vehicle is now getting fixed. Cheaper now?

 

[B-real]

Having been to the F150 plant in Dearborn, I can tell you that Ford does NOT keep the line going with known issues. They stop to fix. This is a standard Lean principle that EVERY vehicle manufacturer has implemented. Every employee on that line has the ability to stop the line if needed.

 

[22skidoo]

I was at the Dearborn plant about 6 months ago. The assembly stops if there are problems. Saw it happen while I was there. Pretty cool watching the trucks getting assembled. One day, the workers showed up and were told the line was going to be down for the day. They got to go home with pay because they didn't find out they were down until they arrived for work. Nobody could tell me why they were down all day.

Also, at the end of the line, the trucks are going through all kinds of tests - doors open/close, tailgate up/down, blinkers, wipers, etc. I noticed some of the trucks had a (code) numbers and letters written in yellow on the windshield. I was assuming it was for different options. I asked what those codes meant and I was told that the codes let the QC workers at the end of the line know that the truck has a problem. Could be anything - software, paint, something doesn't fit right. I assume these problems get written on the windshield so they can keep the line moving and fix the problem at the end of the line. Before the trucks leave the plant, the ones with the codes go to a stall to fix the problems. If there are too many problem trucks, they go to "waiting to be fixed" parking lot. The good news was the "waiting to be fixed" lot wasn't very full. After fixing they go to the "ready for shipment" parking lot. I was surprised to find out that over 90% of F150s leaving the plant get shipped by train.

My local dealer is owned by a family. They are having a hard time finding good help as the long time employees retire. I'm on the fence with the new kids getting hired. Hope they learn quick and stick around.

 

[wayne1948]

Ford shut down my dealer in Ukiah California. Now I have to drive 1.5 hours each way to the nearest dealer. I will never buy a ford again. I have 4 trucks 2 svt raptors1 hybrid f150 2025 svt explorer a 2023 timberline explorer. I will getting rid of all fords going to another brand.

 

[Snakebitten]

22skidoo

Thanks for sharing the very recent experience. That actually explains how it is possible for someone to get a truck delivered that actually is 100% functional and can be driven a few years without any serious issue.

It's NOT the flawed trucks that shock me.
Instead, at the rate they are coming off the line daily, and the shear complexity of the modern vehicle, it's the fact that so many ARE put together successfully, and every screw, nut, wiring harness/connector, and electronic component is functioning as designed..... I'm amazed.

What you described at least explains it's not just luck.

 

[dadrew]

And now you can buy a used ford on Amazon. Not too much longer until it’s new fords as well

https://www.theverge.com/news/821258/ford-amazon-auto-online-sales-certified-preowned

 

[B-real]

Even if you buy a Ford directly from Ford, you are still going to have to use a dealership for repairs, warranty and service

 

[RLXXI]

Sure there is, when a defective vehicle is sold and a rental is paid for because the defective vehicle is now getting fixed. Cheaper now?

Did you bump your head? Re-read what I posted, I'm not repeating my self.

 

[Mmac22]

Whenever I have called my local Ford dealer for service they have always told me that it's a minimum of a 3-4 week wait before they can look at my truck. Wtf? They are simply too busy. Then if I make an appointment and bring it in, I need to be prepared to leave it with them for however long it takes them to fix it. Who can wait 3-4 weeks+ when their truck is broken or needs service? I have usually been forced to take it to an independent shop.

 

[v8440]

Did you bump your head? Re-read what I posted, I'm not repeating my self.

Ok homeboy, drop the dick act and actually THINK about what I posted. You'll figure it out.

 

[TarnishedCopper]

I still believe that Ford is using cheap untested known-defective parts, such as the windshield wiper motor, axles & bolts, batteries, and now fuel pumps. The question is why it takes them so long to find quality replacement parts to resolve recalls. Are they still relying on the same company who made the defective parts to produce new ones that hopefully are not defective?

 

[dadrew]

Whenever I have called my local Ford dealer for service they have always told me that it's a minimum of a 3-4 week wait before they can look at my truck. Wtf? They are simply too busy. Then if I make an appointment and bring it in, I need to be prepared to leave it with them for however long it takes them to fix it. Who can wait 3-4 weeks+ when their truck is broken or needs service? I have usually been forced to take it to an independent shop.

this is it right here in a nutshell

 

[TarnishedCopper]

this is it right here in a nutshell

If their vehicles were more dependable and broke-down less often, they would have mechanics waiting for something to work on!

Sponsored