Toyota gets hit for admitting problem

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In today’s Toronto Star there is an article titled: “Canadians left in the dark”, where the Automobile Protection Association is complaining that Canadians did not get a letter telling them about the floor mat problem. Yeah, right, as if the whole world doesn’t know about it. Toyota was very open and the media made a big splash about it.

Meanwhile, back at Ford, they are hiding behind the bushes like school-yard perverts and hoping no one will notice the plethora of blowing spark plugs, leaking rear windows and the all time favourite – leaking front windows.

I mean, if you put the floor mat in as instructed – no problem. And if it does stick, turn off the ignition (without locking it) or jam the gear shift into neutral)

You buy a Ford F150, you don’t even know the front window is leaking until you start to replace electronics. Ever have the wipers fail in a downpour? I know one mother did and it could have ended in a tragic moment.

Ever been stalled in a vehicle in the middle of nowhere and it won’t start in sub-zero weather? Hope you have matches to burn the manual for heat.

Electronic door locks burn out and you can’t start the vehicle? Hope you’re not trying to get someone to the hospital.

Who has the balls? Sneaky Pete Ford who doesn’t come out and explain the problem or, Toyota who was very open.

Its called ethics and our Ford buddies lack this in big time. Maybe the CAW/UAW will come out of the closet and help the consumer out. No!!!. Oh yes, might spoil those big benefit packages.

Who ever heard of employees not paying into a pension fund – at least part of it and then expect the government to bail them out with tax dollars. The same guys who put in the leaky windows and say: buy local not foreign and buy union. Tell me why?

Here is the letter I sent to the Automobile Protection Association. I expect to hear the delete button any minute. 🙂

– – – – – – – –

I have noted that Toyota is doing, in the U.S., a recall on the loose floor mat problem that can interfere with the accelerator pedals of their vehicles. I notice that your organization has gone public with the idea that Toyota should have sent letters to the Canadian owners of Toyota vehicles. I agree with your argument on this issue.

What I can’t understand is that Ford has sold numerous vehicles that have spark plugs blowing out and rear windows leaking. I find the spark plug issue potentially dangerous but nothing has been done. No recall, no notification of the public and certainly no reimbursement for this faulty part.

In addition, there are numerous complaints (most to U.S. government) that the front window was improperly installed by Ford on F150 trucks. They have acknowledged this internally but have done nothing for the consumer – no recall, no formal notification, nothing.

There are numerous instances where this faulty leaking window will cause the electronics to fail, sometimes at dangerous times such as downpours and below freezing weather. I feel that you should look into this and make this problem public for many reasons.

Many of us replaced expensive electronic equipment due to this faulty window, at our cost, including the window. These vehicles are being sold as roadworthy to others, who find that they have to replace corroded electronics on the used vehicles. Ford is making money on the repairs without telling the public about the problem, a problem they designed into the vehicle with faulty material. If the electronics fail at a certain point in time, the vehicle could lose control due to wipers failing, lights flicking on and off, etc. As well, the electronic door locks can create a problem and if the electronics short out, the vehicle won’t start – this could be fatal in our northern climate.

Loose floor mats (if the owner puts them in right, there is no problem) is one thing but a product design that allows electronic corrosion that costs the consumer money and potentially injury, is another. I feel that your association, if you feel floor mats are a problem, should also investigate the leaking front window problem on F150’s.

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Ford – where shafting is No. 1. Safety? Who needs safety?

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I haven’t really been spending much time on this blog.  Why?  I guess the realization that Ford continues its Nazi type thinking and the chances of Ford doing anything for the consumer is next to nil so I spend my time more productively elsewhere – like scratching that itch on my butt.  Kind of like the CAW/UAW workers that put our F150 together with the faulty window – their minds must have been elsewhere.

Anyways, I received the following letter which only shows there are others out there suffering the same crap from Ford.  You’ll notice the fact the wipers don’t work in the rain – kind of a safety issue in my book but I guess not much in Ford’s mind.  I guess at Ford – “Safety isn’t No. 1”.

Well, here is the letter and I have dropped the person’s name for their own safety – don’t need some Ford guy getting upset at this woman and maybe offering to repair her damages.  Yeah, right.

I am really frustrated.  My windshield wipers quit working in the rain and my 4 wheel drive light kept flashing off and on.  I took it to the  dealer and the first thing to service guy said to me was probably a windshield leak causing a short.  This is a common problem with Ford F-150’s.  When they checked it they said it was not covered by my extended warranty even though my warranty covers electrical parts.  Because it was caused by a leaking windshield they said maybe my car insurance would pay for it.  They sent somebody out and he said they would,t cover it because it in their opinion it is a manufacturers defect since alot of people have the same problem.  If any one can help me PLEASE let me know what to do.  I’ll join anybody to get them to pay for this. 

Thanks

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Ford 1 – Consumer 0

Well, I must admit I am beginning to believe that the Ford ripoff machine will win this battle.  You’ll notice that Obama and Harper are getting tough with GM and Chrysler.  Basically, if they want the TAXPAYER’S money, they have to follow some rules.  They’ve had the GM CEO leave and they are putting other restrictions on the two companies.  Although Ford put itself on standby for some of the government money, they have held off asking for it.  Why?? Probably because they are protecting their overpaid asses and, they don’t want to be held accountable for the shoddy vehicles they put on the market.  They can’t defend the work they did and they don’t even respond to requests.   Even the CAW/UAW hide behind the old “your anti-union” crap when asked why they don’t stand up for the consumer.

Well, I know my blog has been a waste of time but I certainly learned a lot about ethics, work ethic, quality, workmanship, pride – all the things the auto industry is missing.

Well Ford, you win, but in the end I’ll win by buying a Toyota.  I won’t be wasting my time writing anymore about you as I am moving on to better things but the sign on my tailgate will tell it all.  At least I can drive around Oakville and let the Ford employees know how I feel about their work ethic.  And Lewenza – grow up and smell the roses.  Your flogging a dead horse trying to get the taxpayer to believe you guys have done all there is to save the industry.  We’re suffering too, but your members are putting out vehicles that are raping our savings with poor quality.  Think about that when you drive your union sponsored car.

Well, all for now and the picture… Just how I felt when Ford shafted me.

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Ford – afraid to own up

I recently read that Ford was not pushing for any bailout money at this time, unlike GM and Chrysler.  One reason given was that Ford didn’t want any of the restrictions being put on the acceptance of this money.  Obama has decided to limit executive pay scales for those accepting money.  The Ford CEO made $34 million one year – I can see why he doesn’t want restrictions – might crimp his lifestyle.  As well, the government might want the consumer looked after better.  Ford, on the other hand, unlike Toyota, doesn’t give a rats shit about the consumer, unless it is good for themselves.  They buit a F150 that has a leaky front window that allows water to fry the electronics, spark plugs that blow out and a leaky back window.  All production/manufacturing/design errors that they can’t be bothered owning up to.  God help us if the government gave them some money and said, stand up to the plate and be a man and own up to the problems you are causing the taxapyer/consumer whose money you are getting as a bailout for not running you company properly while you drain it of any resources. 

And the UAW/CAW mindset.  Well, they don’t answer my email concerning help in the matter of the improperly installed window but they try to put you on a guilt trip by saying “Buy American” or “Buy Canadian”  or, “Your ‘re union bashing”. 

Why would I the consumer, buy a product from someone who makes big wages but can’t put the window in right.  Now, Toyota, admit to their error and fix it.

And, if I buy a Toyota, some are also built in the U.S. and Canada and, they are NOT laying off permanent employees yet.  So, why not buy from a non-union company that stands behind its product, isn’t laying off workers and the CEO gets a fair salary and isn’t draining the company of its resources to ensure his own lifestyle.   It’s a no-brainer to decide on that one.

Gettelfinger boasts union faster than non-union. What about quality???

According to the Tundra Headquarters website, Ron Gettelfinger, who is the UAW boss, made a claim in an op-ed piece for the Detroit News that union workers are faster than non-union workers.

Maybe that explains why the Ford F150 has had so many problems – problems that Ford ignores and hopes the customers forgive and continue to buy a product that no longer advertises “Quality is #1″. Maybe if they took more care in building the product instead of pushing it through at a rip roaring pace, the parts would be put together right. I mean, what does the consumer want – a truck built right or just built fast?

Yes, we have become a fast food country but, I still think we enjoy the taste of a slow cooked steak over a nice charcoal BBQ instead of one of those flash frozen pieces of meat (union or not) quickly warmed over a greasy grill or microwave.

It is an interesting read at this website, with facts showing that Gettelfinger is a bit off the mark and, the closing statement states it all.

“To UAW chief Ron Gettelfinger: Sharing this type of inflated and misleading “fact” is a big part of the reason no one trusts you, the major auto manufacturers, or congress. If you really want to help your members, how about being honest and open with the U.S. public?”

Yes, Ford, why not be open and honest about the leaky window instead of flying your corporate jet to Washington and begging for more money to pay your executives?

Lewenza – I hear they are hiring in Woodstock

Well, I’m probably going to get a letter from CAW President Ken Lewenza on this but, I have, as he has stated in relation to helping with this economic downturn we are in: “suffered already.”  Tonight, there is some celebration in Woodstock, Ontario.  No, not “The Woodstock” but a small town in Ontario that lured Toyota to build a plant there.  For the entire story go to this link but suffice to say, Toyota has opened a $1.1 Billion plant, the first in Ontario in 20 years and it brought in 1200 NON UNION JOBS.  Meanwhile, back at Washington and Ottawa, the Big 3 and the CAW and UAW are working on sucking a few billiion out of the taxpayer and saying they need it to stay in business.  Hmmmmm.   While the CAW/UAW and Big 3 have been busy trying to rip each other off, the non-union bunch have been growing and building jobs for the taxpayer and, may I say, supplying a quality product to the consumer.  Instead of saying, like Ford, “you got no stinkin’ problems”, Toyota went out and fixed the rusting frame problem.  Ford – they just hide their heads like ostriches and say, ” I see no problem”.

No wonder consumers (and taxpayers) are going to firms other than the Big 3 and buying up cars.  Hey guys, instead of blaming the consumer and trying to get the taxpayer to pay into your bloated corpse, maybe you should get real and work out a battle plan that not only gives the consumer a quality car but, creates jobs.

The only threat to the non-union car makers is that the Big 3 will go out of business and cause a crash in the parts manufacturing industry.  This will reduce quality and quantity and thus impact on the prices.  Terrible to think that the only threat to non-union auto manufacturers is the impact that the  union run auto manufacturers will have if they fail.  Kind of ironic but then, Ken must be worried as well.  Hell, without union members, his vacation time will be extended permanently.

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.

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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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