The Toronto Star bows to advertisers!!!

In the November 26th, 2008 Toronto Star there is a THEO MOUDAKIS editorial cartoon that depicts a woman and man Christmas Shopping before a pile of toys labelled: “CHEAP CRAPPY TOYS”.  The wife inquires if they are made in China and the husband responds with: ” Worse, made in Detroit”. (it is at the bottom of this blog – credit given to the Toronto Star and Theo Moukdakis)

Well, the paper has been inundated with letters and of course a well known car dealer, one Marvin Starr, who advertises in an association magazine I receive, has complained and received the prerequisite appology one would expect a multiple subscriber and advertiser would receive.  So much for the independence of the written word.  I think old William Randolph Hearst would roll over in his grave.  At least the founder of the Star, Joseph E. Atkinson would raise an eyebrow or two.

Like the union guys who wrote in and the car dealers, I too have a bias.  Mine though is not about raising my salary, getting more benefits, getting the government to bail me out like some old communist commune or, to sell a car any way I can – no, I just want to buy a car without built in problems that costs me money down the road and, to know that the manufacturer will back me up a bit.  Kind of like Toyota did with their rust problem.

Anyways, I wrote a letter to the Star as it seems the only ones they got ripped a piece of old Moukadis.  I have put it here as I doubt it will see ink in the paper.  If they don’t pass it on to Moukadis, maybe he will read it here and know that at least one person agrees with him.

Just for the record, I found Moudakis’ editorial cartoon closer to the truth than those who wrote in their complaining letters.  But then, unlike Marvin Starr who profits from the sales and recent newspaper exposure, I have been financially impacted in my retirement years by a poorly built F150, along with a number of others.  While the Star was quick to print the complaining letters (union motivated letters?) and apologize to advertisers (Marvin Starr) the plight of F150 owners who are forced to spend thousands in repairs for a built in fault (leaky front window) remains hidden from pubic view.  Although these are official complaints to the government, there is reluctance for the paper to publish this news, while their own reporters try to justify speeding on the expressways.

 

Kathy English is quoted as saying,” the Toronto Star is a strong supporter of Canada’s auto industry”.  Is this why there has been no article on the substantiated complaints of a leaky window causing damage to the F150’s electronics?  Marvin Starr has cancelled a few subscriptions and maybe will cancel some ads.  I found the cartoon to reflect the fact that maybe the auto industry should look inward and see how they treat the consumer if they want our business.  Flying to Washington in their company jets to beg for money just doesn’t cut it.  Not owning up to the fact that their world renowned (?) workers made a mistake that costs the consumers thousands just doesn’t cut it either.  Unfortunately, we the consumer isn’t as organized as the auto industry and unions and, it is hard to start a letter campaign to make a newspaper think something should be reported.  Only those that kill, maim, defraud and otherwise make a BIG noise seem to get the press.  The rest of us, just have to suck it up and keep paying the freight – the kind of freight that ultimately pays for the advertising.  Talk about “rubbing salt into the wound”.  Every day we the consumer see the industry supported reports in your newspaper about auto quality only makes it worse as we shell out our hard earned money for repairs caused by shoddy workmanship.    You see, there are two sides to this story, but only one side that is published – the side that pays the advertising.  At least in my blog: http://fordf150news.wordpress.com/ I’ve done my part in trying to help the consumer.  Too bad some others haven’t.

 

I know this letter won’t go anywhere but, I’d appreciate it if you would let Mr. Moudakis know that there is at least one person out there who appreciated the meaning behind his cartoon. Thank you for trying.

No “Quality” in Ford advertising now – Toyota wins

Well, it had to happen some day. The wife’s Ford Taurus station wagon died a few days ago in the middle of the road. The citizens of Oakville were a little annoyed considering she was blocking a major intersection at rush hour and the CAA took awhile to get there. I guess it is something I will have to get used to with my F150.

Her mechanic informed her that as the older Fords get older, the transmission can act up. When it is cold, it works but when it is hot, it dies. So, what can she do. Well, I got a nice advertising in the mail from Ford that really built up the new 2009 F150… Advertising looked good, the pictures of the truck looked good, but, as we all know, looks can be deceiving.

I noticed a major item missing in this glossy folder. Nowhere and I mean nowhere does it mention: QUALITY.  As they say, it is “BUILT FORD TOUGH” but, when the front window starts leaking, that big-ass engine won’t be acting so tough when it can’t start.  Kind of like erectile dysfunction in a way.

Anyways, we have to thank the people at Ford for helping us make the decision on what to replace the dead Taurus with.  Our mechanic, who works on mostly North American vehicles steered us towards a Toyota Yaris because of the gas mileage and quality.  As the vehicle will still be under warranty he won’t be getting our business for awhile but, nice to see someone give us good advice for a change.  You never know – we might have problems with it but Toyota so far out-shines Ford in customer service and wanting to have customers return.  Ford just sells them with the defects and couldn’t care less.  I guess being able to demand government welfare to help out makes you think a little different.

Ford goes a-begging to Washington in style

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The Toronto Star had an article regarding the CEO’s for the “Big Three” going to Washington and begging, sorry, making a plea, for $25 Billion in aid.  I noted that the CEO for Ford made $21.7 million in 2007 (GM’s CEO made only $14.4 million and Chrysler’s CEO only made $1 – although Home Depot paid him $210 million to quit in 2007 so he could go to Chrysler).  Now, if Alan Mulally, Ford’s CEO was to donate only 1% of his salary to the cause, Ford could maybe fix over 100 F150’s with leaky windows (window repair along with fried electronics).  Now, I haven’t seen that many reported and Ford really doesn’t think it is a major problem; therefore I am going to go with only 100 of us needing this gesture.

 

You’d think he could spare a measly 1% of his salary.  I mean, he takes $20,000 plane trips to Washington.  Yes, all three CEO’s each took their own company plane to Washington at a cost estimated over $20,000 flight per flight.  Here are a bunch of guys complaining that their companies are going bankrupt and they can’t even fly commercial air.  You’d have thought that they could have at least shared one plane – kind of like car pooling for the poor but at a higher level for those in their tax bracket.  Or, maybe the CAW/UAW presidents could have picked them up and car pooled in a mini-van (union made of course) and all of them could have gone a-begging to Washington.  It would have made for a very cozy group I think.

 

Unions – part of the problem or part of the solution?

Give me a break!!!  The headline in today’s National Post read: “CAW OFFERS NO BREAKS FOR AUTO BAILOUT” – “We’ve suffered”.  Yes, they have taken a hit in jobs but that is due to the fact the industry can’t afford the union demanded wages on a large workforce, while still paying their executives large sums of money.  And, the CAW does need its membership, otherwise they might have to cut back themselves or, god forbid, ask for a bailout.  Peggy Nash, defeated in the last election has gone back to work with the CAW.  As an ASSISTANT she gets $135,000 a year (and plus benefits I would dare to say).  An assistant!!!  And, one of five that the CAW president, Ken Lewenza has on his payroll.  She is getting better pay than a police inspector second in charge of a police division.  Not bad if you can get it.  But it partially explains why the CAW is so worried about a declining membership.  Who is going to pay the bill?

 

Now, when it comes to the auto industry, I do agree with Lewenza on one point.  They got themselves into this mess and continue to pay high executive salaries and bonuses while screaming for a government bailout.  But, I disagree that it was all the executives fault.  Let’s face it Lewenza, the unions have been demanding a lot and getting a lot as well.  I personally know of one job at GM that demands two people working it for 8 hours and to produce a quota.  Both people come in and both check in.  Once there, the wife goes shopping while the husband works the machine alone and finishes the quota in well less than 8 hours.  Union demands two people on this job.

 

Now, can GM afford to complain?  If they do, the CAW will yell “UNION BUSTING” and probably call a wildcat strike.  I remember talking to a former owner of a sheet metal company.  One day, one of the union workers (not from the company’s home base) comes to work stinking drunk.  The foreman tells him to go home.  The union steward says no and pulls the workers from the job on a wildcat.  The owner arrives and decides to allow the drunken worker to sit in a construction shack and sleep it off and get paid to boot.  Union is mollified and goes back to work.

 

Now, when unions pull these kinds of stunts (you know – not my job) we wonder why we’re not making money in our industry.  Unions were great once when workers were being stomped upon by the robber barons but now, it appears that the workers are doing the stomping.  Not all.  Some are very good workers but, union mentality always goes along at the lowest common denominator.  Ask anyone who has become a union steward.  They quickly realize, unless they decide to rip off the system, that management is faced with a lot of problems and they quickly sour of dealing with the whiners in the workplace.

 

So, is the union part of the problem?  If they want to go into self-denial then let’s ask them to be part of the solution and do something to bring things around.  Instead of spending time trying to figure out how to wring the next buck out of the company.  Just remember, think of all those companies that have gone on strike and the company has just folded.  The union really helped the worker’s on that one.  Look at what happened in Pittsburgh with the closing factories.  Hey, the union guys really did well, until they helped close the plants.

You are who your friends are…..

While you were growing up, did your mother ever tell you not to hang around with certain people she didn’t like?  Of course you didn’t but, maybe she had a point.  Those that went down the trail to become criminals, hedge fund promoters and sub-prime mortgage lenders all probably wish they’d taken their mother’s advice and been a little more circumspect about who they tailed along with.  Well, maybe not those that got out early and are sitting on a beach with some babe right now and telling the world how smart they were in ripping off old retirees of their retirement funds.

In Europe, the insurers are starting to bail out on GM and Ford by not insuring the suppliers of these companies according to an article in AutoBlog.  I guess they feel the suppliers are hanging around with bad company.  Seems it is getting to the point where they want sales to be cash on the old barrel head.

Maybe the executives who are getting very large and obscene payouts could help out and insure the suppliers.  You know, show a little faith in the company.  Or, is it the old ME generation picking the carcass before it disappears?  Kind of like a repeat in history – the “Robber Barons“.

More on unions – Helps me understand why Ford won’t fix my F150

It appears I’m not the only one who is looking at the auto sector problem and telling it like it is.  We’re not anti-union, just against those who can’t think outside the box.  Let’s face it.  The union bosses don’t want to lose members – cuts into their pay raises and if a factory closes, you lose members.  Because of this, union bosses are pushing to infiltrate those areas that are non-union to increase their membership, not necessarily looking at increasing production, increasing efficiency or job happiness.  Those 2000 union members of Air Canada and 1000 union members of Delta who were laid off must really be glad they are union.  Helped them didn’t it.  My one question to the CAW is:  Why do you not allow the GM salaried employees to join your union?

I was over at Michelle Malkin’s blog and read the following:

Dear Michelle,

Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. I worked in the Automotive Industry for most of my career as a supplier to GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda of America, Toyota, Nissan, and BMW.

You were exactly right with your comments on Fox & Friends this morning. The UAW has handcuffed GM, Ford, and Chrysler with unreasonable and unrealistic burdens. Their balance sheets will never improve until they shed this weight.

There is another aspect affecting their business and is not being talked about in the media very much.

Having dealt directly with all current domestic automobile manufacturers, there is a distinct difference in how the Big 3 do business with their suppliers as compared to Honda, Toyota, and other foreign automotive assemblers. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan in particular want to make sure they are entering a partnership that insures financial success to all parties.

GM’s business practices generally lead to no profit, tremendous oversight by their internal supplier quality watchdogs, who demand unrealistic expectations, and extremely slow payment in the reimbursement of tooling costs to start new programs. It is not unusual to see reimbursement for tooling costs years after the program has started.

Their business practices are not a tax payer problem, but a terrible management problem. It was a noble idea for the Federal Government to lend them $25 billion to help. It is now known 4 X’s that amount will not cure the root cause of the problem., but only buy them 4 X’s the amount of time.

When a cancer is identified inside a person, it is immediately removed if possible. The Big 3 has a cancer that needs to be removed. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand why they cannot compete profitability. They have parity on supply costs, materials, and energy with Honda and Toyota. So why can’t they compete? It is clearly the cost of labor.

A few years ago I was in Warren Assembly, in (Warren, County, (sic) [Macomb County,] Michigan. Two plants side by side make the Ford Focus and the Ford Expedition. As you drive from [Dearborn] to Warren County, every abandoned shopping center parking lot was full of vehicles. A friend of mine was then the HR Manager for Ford Truck and I asked him why they were still building.

His answer astounded me. UAW Labor is paid company wages whether they work or not. America has to wake up concerning this. Until we can get organizations like the UAW to understand the only missing ingredient to creating a level playing field is getting the cost of labor to a realistic level, domestic car makers will never be successful.

He has a point.

Am I union bashing with this blog or asking for fair treatment?

Some say because I am attacking Ford and the union members who put the window in wrong that I am union bashing.  I ask, who is to assume responsibility for putting the window in wrong?  They all had a part in it and I notice the CAW doesn’t support the consumer in getting fair treatment from Ford, therefore they are in the same boat as management on this issue.  I only use Ford as I have personal experience and relate only facts, otherwise they would sue me.  I am sure the other Big 2 are as guilty of some kind of transgression over time but, since I have no personal experience, I really can’t say much.  I only bring up Toyota as they show a more responsible manner towards the consumer.

If the CAW/UAW want support, instead of begging for government money (tax payers money) you should also be proactive and support the consumer.  As a consumer I see executives getting $30million dollar payouts while I pay thousands in unnecessary repairs.  Should I support the government bailout of the Big 3 when I see this.  I see the UAW/CAW demand large salaries in their negotiations, some of which will now be supported by the government bailout.  Do I see them supporting me as a consumer in terms of quality control – quality control on vehicles they make?

Ford bashing – union bashing… No, it is called asking for someone to take responsibility for f**king up.

 

Below is a letter I wrote to Premier Dalton McGuinty regarding my thoughts on the taxpayer giving the Big 3 out money.  As you can see I say we should help out – hey they are our neighbours working but, there should be some accountability.  Only a fool gives away money without some kind of promise – and the CAW brass know all about that.

Dear Premier Dalton McGuinty

I noticed in today’s Toronto Star and National Post newspapers that you are going to meet with auto execs and talk about “bailout” packages.  Let me first say that I have no problem with the government helping out various sectors during extreme economic times of hardship, such as now.

 

What I do have a problem with is the lack of consideration and support we get from some of those demanding the money.  I have a 2002 Ford F150 and it was built with a leaky front window.  During assembly, the window was not properly sealed and, over time, it leaked water.  This water, over a period of time, fried certain electronics – fuse box, door electronics, blower, etc.  I am not the only one with this problem (see at end of letter).  Although the examples are U.S., that is due to the fact the information is accessible to me, unlike the Canadian statistics.  As well, it may be that a certain line of trucks was involved, most of which went to the U.S.

 

Ford was well aware of this problem, but did not inform the owners nor did it do a recall.  It did though, fix the various problems that arose at the owner’s own expense.  They refuse to acknowledge any blame for this problem which, if not fixed, could end up causing death and/or injury.

 

As well, the executives continue to rake in large salary and bonuses, while their own companies are considering bankruptcy.  Is this an ethical way to do business, especially since they want the government to bail them out?  Why?  So they can continue to rake in their obscene payouts or, because they are really concerned about the worker?  If I had made $30million last year, I guess I wouldn’t be too concerned about losing my job this year would I.

 

The CAW & UAW also want government money but, they don’t take responsibility for their workers/members putting in the window wrong.

 

Now, Toyota, they are not only not laying off workers but having those workers doing training, upgrading and completing community projects.  What does the big three do?  Lay off workers, put them on government pogey and demand that we give them more money in order to keep the remaining jobs.  Who is the more responsible auto manufacturer in terms of labour, government and the local community?

 

I know the Big 3 will get their money and ensure their executives get their big payouts so, all I ask is that Ford, if they want my TAX money, they own up to what they did and see that they do the responsible thing for the taxpayer/consumer who gets ripped off.

 

 

Here are a few complaints already on file:

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10217484

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: I HAVE A 2002 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW, ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO MY ELECTRICAL PANEL STARTED HAVING A MIND OF ITS OWN EVERYTIME IT RAINS. MY RADIO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BLINKERS, TAIL LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE BECAUSE OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT WORKING AND ALSO BECAUSE OF BLINKERS NOT WORKING. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD FIX THIS SINCE IT IS DEFINETLY SEVERAL LARGE SAFETY ISSUES.

 

Occurrences: 8 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 02/06/2008 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 2/8/2008

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10180915

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: IN LATE SUMMER OF 2006, MY 2002 FORD F-150 BEGAN EXPERIENCING CHASSIS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. EVERY TIME THERE WAS A RAINSTORM. SPECIFICALLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO WORK, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON & OFF, THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE HEATER WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN AFTER SHUTTING OFF IGNITION, THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER # 1 WHO, WHEN I DESCRIBED THE SYMPTOMS, STATED IMMEDIATELY THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO WATER LEAKING PAST THE LOWER WINDSHIELD SEAL AND SHORTING OUT THE GEM MODULE AND THE FUSE BLOCK MOUNTED ON THE INTERIOR FIREWALL. DEALER STATED “THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO THE WORK YOURSELF”. AS I DIDN’T FEEL I HAD THE ABILITY TO REPAIR, I LET IT GO FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. IN LATE NOVEMBER OF 2006, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK BEFORE SUNRISE, IN A VERY HEAVY RAIN, WHEN THE WIPERS SHUT OFF AND THE DOME LIGHT CAME ON MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. I TOLD MY PARENTS ABOUT THIS & THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALER # 2 FOR REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSE. DEALER # 2 WAS AWARE OF THE CONDITION AS WELL. THE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR WAS $553 TO REPAIR THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS DAMAGED BY THE MOISTURE, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD THEN HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO A GLASS SHOP TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD RE-SEALED. THE WORK WAS DECLINED, AND I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPLAINING THAT AS THIS WAS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE, KNOWN TO BOTH DEALERSHIPS, I FELT THEY SHOULD ABSORB SOME OF THE EXPENSE OF MAKING VEHICLE DRIVABLE DURING ANY WEATHER CONDITION. REQUEST WAS DENIED. MY CONTENTION IS THAT SINCE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM WITHOUT WIPERS AND AN ERRATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND SINCE BOTH DEALERSHIPS WERE ACQUAINTED WITH THE CONDITION, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A VOLUNTARY RECALL, OR AT THE VERY LEAST, A TSB ADVISING OWNERS OF THE POTENTIAL PROBLEM. *JB

 

Occurrences: 10 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 08/26/2006 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 1/28/2007

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10173700

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: WIPERS AND RADIO WORK ONLY WHEN IN PARK. LIGHTS REMAIN ON EVEN WHEN IN OFF POSITION. VEHICLE WILL SPORADICALLY NOT START. PROBLEM STARTED IN THE FALL OF 05 AND PERSISTED UNTIL SUMMER 06, AT WHICH TIME ALL SYMPTOMS DISAPPEARED. NOW IN THE FALL OF 06, ALL SYMPTOMS HAVE RETURNED. *JB

 

Occurrences: 25 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 11/15/2006 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 11/16/2006

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10168378

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY

 

Details: THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN BACK FROM THE STORE, A DISTANCE OF A FEW MILES, THEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. APPRXIMATELY 30 MINUTES LATER I HEAD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A COMPRESSOR RUNNING OUT IN THE STREET. WENT OUT INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND FOUND THE STARTER WAS TURNING OVER THE ENGINE. THE TRUCK HAD BEEN TURNED OFF WHEN PARKED AND THE KEY WAS REMOVED. WENT BACK INSIDE GOT THE KEY, AND TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO THE “RUN” POSITION. TRUCK STARTED AND RAN. TURNED OFF IGNITION AND REMOVED KEY, BUT THE STARTER CONTINUED TO TURN ENGINE. DID THIS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LETTING THE ENGINE RUN FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, THEN FINALLY WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF IGNITION AND STARTER DID NOT CRANK THE ENGINE. NEXT MORNING TRUCK WOULD NOT START. TRUCK WAS TOWED AND HAD TO HAVE STARTER REPLACED BECAUSE IT HAD BURNED OUT. THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 15,000 MILES. CALLED LOCAL FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED AND THEY SAID THEY WERE UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH STARTERS. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH STARTER ENGAGING BY ITSELF.

 

Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 08/20/2006 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 9/15/2006

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10147984

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND RADIO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE DOME LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE WIPERS AND THE RADIO COME ON FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN STOP WORKING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY WITH THE SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *JB

 

Occurrences: 24 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 01/18/2006 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 1/18/2006

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10139510

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: AFTER RAINING 4X4 INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHES , WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND RADIO SHUT ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. *NM

 

Occurrences: 3 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 09/11/2005 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 10/12/2005

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10126045

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

 

Details: WATER LEAK FROM THE WINDSHIELD INTO THE DASH BOARD DAMAGING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOR THE AMOUNT OVER $800.00, THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 FORD 150, IT HAD A THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT ONLY 33,000 MILES BUT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY FOR ABOUT 5 WEEKS. THEREFORE THEY WOULDN’T FIX IT WITHOUT A CHARGE.

 

Occurrences: 2 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 05/15/2005 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 6/21/2005

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10108792

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: ELECTRICAL: AT 306 MILES THE SOLENOIDS HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPON SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF; THE DASH BOARD WOULD STILL ILLUMINATE. ALSO, UPON SHUTTING THE VEHICLE OFF IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES. THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED WITH NO WARNING. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THE WINDSHIELD HAD A LEAK WHICH CORRODED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS STARTED AT 44000 MILES. THE GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED, AND THE HARNESS WIRING HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO. UPON TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN THE BATTERY WOULD BE COMPLETELY DEAD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB

 

Occurrences: 4 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 01/14/2004 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 1/25/2005

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10072530

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: WINDSHIELD SEAL LEAKED (RAIN) ALONG ROOFLINE CAUSING MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS VISIBLE ON DASH. SHORT CIRCUIT SOUNDS COMING FROM BEHIND DASHBOARD. WARNING LIGHTS, BLOWER MOTOR AND HEAD LIGHTS OPERATE WITHOUT KEY IN THE IGNITION CAUSING BATTERY TO BE DRAINED. WIPERS CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. DOOR WINDOWS STOP WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT WARNING. ENGINE RACES WHILE PARKED (REVS TO 4000 RPM AND RETURNS TO NORMAL). SALES MAN INFORMED THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND TO BRING TRUCK TO DEALER (5/3/04). TRUCK WOULD NOT START UNTIL 5/8/04. SEAL TO WINDSHIELD SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE ON LEFT SIDE WHILE DRIVING TO DEALERSHIP (5/10/04). THE TRUCK NOW HAS EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE. TRUCK WILL NO LONGER START (5/11/04). I CALLED FORDS CUSTOMER AND REQUESTED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE FROM FORD INSPECT THE TRUCK. CUSTOMER SERVICE ASKED THAT THE TRUCK BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALER. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER. DEALER DID NOT WANT TO HELP ME CONTACT FORD AFTER I INFORMED THEM THAT THE TRUCK HAS A DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD SEAL. DEALERSHIP INFORMS ME ON 5/13/04 THAT THE ZONE SUPERVISOR FROM FORD SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, DEALER REFUSES TO PUT STATEMENT IN WRITING. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED ME THAT FOR A FEE, THEY COULD SEAL THE WINDSHIELD AND DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM BUT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED FROM SHOULD DO THE REPAIRS. *AK

 

Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 05/02/2004 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 5/13/2004

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10039939

 

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

Details: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS TO BLINK. *AK

 

Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0

Fail Date: 07/10/2003 Deaths: 0

Date added to datbase: 9/15/2003

 

[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ford – maybe this is why we buy foreign

Ford is out begging for government money so that it can survive (and probably pay its shareholders and CEO) and they wonder why we are hesitant to allow the government to give money to the auto industry, our TAX MONEY.  They try to put the guilt onto us by saying we are investing in  our neighbours who work for the companies.  Well, I for one don’t like to see someone lose a job but, when they build trucks with built-in problems, maybe they should accept the blame.  I don’t see the CAW or UAW out there demanding that the mistakes their members built into the trucks are fixed by the company nor, do I see the CAW/UAW accepting the blame.  If you bring it up, they accuse you of being very un-American/Canadian in your union bashing.  I call it taking responsibility. 

Anyways, here are 5 more potential non-customers who aren’t pleased with Ford.  Maybe the UAW/CAW unions might see why people are buying foreign – they get treated better and when  it comes to the pocket book, it is everyone for themselves – just look at the “me first” union tactics.

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10247697 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Details: TRUCK MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER SPECS. WHILE DRIVING DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL, HEARD LOUD POP. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. BLOWN SPARK PLUG OUT OF #2 CYLINDER. WITH THE USE OF HELICOIL REPAIRS CAME TO APPROX. $700. LESS THAN 6 WEEKS LATER #4 CYLINDER BLEW SPARK PLUG WHILE DRIVING 65 MILES PER HOUR ON THE FREEWAY. THIS TIME (AFTER MUCH RESEARCH OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS) INSTALLED LONGER THREAD SPARK PLUGS SUGGESTED BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENT. THIS TIME REPAIR COSTS WERE $800.00. IF FORD HAS MADE A SPECIAL KIT AND NEW LONGER SPARK PLUGS FOR THIS “PROBLEM” ISN’T THAT A SUBTLE ADMISSION OR GUILT/RESPONSIBILITY. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO DOING THE RIGHT THING…ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES AND TAKE CARE OF THESE REPAIRS. “BUILT FORD TOUGH” MY EYE!! MY NEXT TRUCK WILL BE A TOYOTA… Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0 Fail Date: 09/17/2008 Deaths: 0 Date added to datbase: 11/4/2008[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

Yes, include on Custom Report

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10247484 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Details: MY 2002 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.6 LITER V8 BLEW OUT A SPARK PLUG WHILE ACCELERATING ON A HIGHWAY ENTRANCE RAMP. THE SPARKPLUG THAT BLEW OUT WAS THE 3RD FROM THE FRONT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE THREADS FOR THE SPARK PLUG IN THAT CYLINDER ARE NOW RUINED AS WELL AS THE COIL FOR THAT PLUG. TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM I WILL PROBABLY END UP BUYING A $250 KIT TO RE-TAP THE HEAD. *TR Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0 Fail Date: 10/15/2008 Deaths: 0 Date added to datbase: 11/2/2008[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

Yes, include on Custom Report

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10245862 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Details: TWICE WITHIN ONE YEAR, ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASION, MY 2002 F150 FORD TRUCK HAS EJECTED A SPARK PLUG. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE LEADING UP TO THE EVENT OCCURRING. BOTH TIMES I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND REPAIRED. THE REPAIR BOTH TIMES CONSISTED OF THE INSTILLATION OF A HELI COIL AND THE BILL WAS AROUND $700.00. *TR Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0 Fail Date: 10/04/2008 Deaths: 0 Date added to datbase: 10/18/2008[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

Yes, include on Custom Report

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10245502 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Details: PURCHASED USED 2002 F-150 LARIAT WITH 80K MILES IN 4/08. SEPT 9TH THE SPARK PLUG #6 BLEW OUT OF ENGINE. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HAD TO TAP AND PLACED HELICOIL TO FIX. OCT 10TH THE SPARK PLUG #8 BLEW OUT OF ENGINE. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 90K. *TR Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0 Fail Date: 09/10/2008 Deaths: 0 Date added to datbase: 10/15/2008[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

Yes, include on Custom Report

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10244292 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Details: SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT IN 2002 FORD F150. SPARK PLUGS BLOW OUT AND FUEL VAPOR SEEPS OUT. NO FIRE ON MY CAR, BUT VERY WELL COULD BE. KNOWN PROBLEM FORD REFUSES TO RECALL. JACK *TR Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0 Fail Date: 10/03/2007 Deaths: 0 Date added to datbase: 10/3/2008[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.

Ford still lost money and can’t think outside the box

Ford lost $129 million in the third quarter and burnt through $7.7 Billion according to an article I saw on the web.  Now, first of all, even though Ford is shown to be very unethical and treats some of its customers in a very negative way, I really don’t want to see people losing their jobs.  But, lets face it, your all in the same game.  If your product doesn’t satisfy the customer, then you’ve either got to change or face the consequences.  Ford’s response is to lay off union workers and go to the government begging for money to prop up their company, while moving production to other countries.  Toyota, a non-union company, continues to employ their workers, albiet they are doing different jobs and wants to keep its workforce in one piece.  The Toyota workers are doing training, cleaning up the place (yeah, right, no union guy would do that – not his job) and also helping the community by going out and getting rid of graffitti).  Maybe if the UAW and CAW thought outside the box, they could save a few jobs.  Anyways, I digress.  I, as a taxpayer really hate to see the government throwing money at these companies while the companies continue to ignore the consumer and stick them with vehicles that cost a lot of money in unnecessary maintenance.  Maybe, instead of helping out the sub-prime flim-flam men, the companies that want money and then want to move outside the country and to those companies who pay their executives milliions, while the same company goes out of business, maybe they should write in some protection to the consumer/taxpayer.

But then, I guess by Ford making a vehicle with a built in leaky window that fries the electronics, I am helping the economy with my extensive repair bills.  Hmmm, I think I might look at the Toyota truck, where the worker is kept busy in slow times doing community work that helps me, the consumer/taxpayer.  At least I am getting my money’s worth.  Maybe Ford could ask some of their workers if they’d like to go out and fix these problems instead of being laid off – sort of community work to help the consumer through their economic hardship, made harder with the unnecessary repairs..