Complain about a product or service

Ford F-150 Transmission

Janine of Wayne NJ (8/7/03): My husband and I purchased a new 2001 Ford F150 in Jan. 01. We had the standard 3yrs, 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The truck now has 40,000 miles and the transmission failed. I contacted this Ford dealer (Gordon Ford in W. Haverstraw, NY) and was very disappointed with the level of service I received from them. After leaving 4 messages for the owner, Rich Gordon, he has never returned my phone call.

Since I was receiving no help from this dealership regarding a faulty transmission I contacted Ford's main headquarters in Dearborn, MI. I spoke to very friendly customer service representatives who informed me that there was no course of action I could take regarding my transmission failing at 40,000 miles on my 2001 Ford F150. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told there were no supervisors available and nothing else could/would be done to help me.

The expense of replacing a transmission ~ on a truck that's not even paid-off yet ~ is extremely frustrating. In addition, my husband has lost work since the truck has been out of commission for 2 weeks. We purchased a Ford thinking we would have this vehicle for many years to come ~ what happened to "Built Ford Tough?" I am so dissapointed at the quality of this vehicle as well as the lack of customer service I've been receiving.

John of Lititz PA (8/7/03):
I own a 94 F150 with 126k on it. I've had the truck since 96 and bought it with 36k. For the most part I have not had much trouble with the vehicle. About 5k miles ago the "check engine" light came on, so I took it in for service. I was told that when the tech tried to pull the codes they mysteriously vanished. They would test drive and renew the codes only for them to vanish again. The problem that occurs is usually during wet conditions, the "check engine" light comes on and the truck will bang into gear on its shift from 1st to 2nd. Then at approx. 45mph it again will bang into gear. If during my drive time the "check engine" light goes out, the shifting problem goes away.

I've been told by many a tech there is NO fix for this problem! I don't know what to do. While this truck has high mileage, I have always maintained all the working parts, it has no rust, the motor is strong, oil and all other fluids including the trans have been changed regularly.

Michael of Bakersfield CA (7/23/03):
I have a 2001 F-150 4x4 with exactly 45,903 miles on it, never seen dirt or pulled a trailer. It is currently sitting at the dealership becuase the transmission is shot and the dealership is telling me that the planetary gears have broke and that there is metal in the fluid. Making a long story bearable, I need a new transmission at a cost of $2300.

I am concerned that a vehicle "Ford Tough" has a failed transmission at 45.9k miles. I've contacted Ford Corp directly and they are not willing to help out. My whole complaint is that when push come to shove Ford is not willing to stand by their products and admit that there may have been a defect. They told me "That type of mechanical failure is not typical of their products" I guess 'Found On Road Dead' (F.O.R.D.) holds true in this case.

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