Something I've been wondering about that I haven't seen addressed anywhere in this forum >>

When Ford issues a TSB for a problem, do they:

a) immediately begin correcting the problem from that point forward at the factor;

or

b) allow the problem to carry on unresolved and merely foist the repair responsibility off to dealers (many of whom lack the skills and training to effectively carry out said repair)?

If it's the former, that's great...if it's the latter, then I think it should be a wakeup call for buyers.

 

Based on my experience once you convince them there is a TSB dealing with the problem they take care of it.
Sometimes they say 'they have to see the problem before they can fix it' which in some cases isn't possible. (I had the CD player skipping issue, but it didn't happen all the time...sometimes it would happen constantly for a few days then the problem would go away for awhile. Thankfully the dealer took my complaint and ordered a new radio, and since it has been replaced I haven't had any problems.)

The two other issues I had that were TSB related the service writer said they didn't know about a TSB but looked into the problems and came back to say they had to order parts...that were listed on the TSB.

 

All of which is great, but it doesn't answer my question.

 

It depends on the issue. Generally there is a revised component that does make its way onto the production cars once it's released. If it's a recall item or related to safety they'll even go so far as to correct cars in the mixing lots before they ever make it to the dealers. This happened a few years back with the throttle cables on the Focus when they were first released. If it's not safety related they'll leave it for the dealers. That said, the fact that a TSB exists doesn't preclude that a dealer will proactively perform the work outlined. A customer has to indicate that they're having the specific problem covered by the TSB and the dealer has to be savvy enough to keep tabs of the TSBs. I usually go in with the problem and allow them to do some diagnosis. I'll let on later that I heard there may be a TSB. They tend to get a bit ****y if you walk in and say that you know about TSBxxx and you want your car fixed or else.

 

I answered your question as it relates to problems that some up with the car after taking delivery...you find a problem and take it in, and if a TSB has been issued the dealer will fix the problem based on the TSB.
I ordered my car in October 04 and took delivery in December. During the time I was waiting for my car to arrive I was reading here about problems people were finding with their cars, and when mine arrived it had several of the same problems others were having. I can't remember if any TSB's had been issued on the the problems people were having yet, but if there were then I guess my car fell thru the cracks so to speak as I had to take my car in for TSB issues.

 

I guess what I'm primarily wondering is >> once a TSB is officially announced, does Ford bother correcting the problem at the factory (which is what a responsible manufacturer would do) or do they just say "meh, forget about it," allow the defect to continue being manufactured, and leave it for the dealers to cope with ex post facto.

 

As far as I have seen, the factory production changes to the new part ASAP.
The cars already built are often not fixed unless a complaint is voiced.

 

And yet that doesn't seem to be the case with the brake fluid reservoir, now does it?

 

There is no TSB yet for that.

 

You know my answer to that question...Ford leaves it for the owner to figure out they have a problem and then the dealer gives you the runaround to avoid repaining it.

 

When ford issues TSB, they just don't do anything. Unless you print the TSB out and addrees your dealer with the problem associated with it. Unless the problem can cause death (suspension, steering etc..) Ford will definitely do nothing.

This is why we have these forums, so we know what's wrong with our Mustangs... in the end, Mustang is a Ford.

 

what mvon said....

they dont do jack kaka

 

I'm seeing a disturbing trend surfacing here. With only two weeks left till my car comes in, I'm really beginning to worry about spending my hard earned money on a car Ford refuses to back.

 

I am seriously thinking about trying to sell mine now. When you can't rely on the manufacturer AND the dealer, things are scary.

 

Blah blah blah..... then ride a bike. Every single car company has problems.

 

Few car companies have as many problems as Ford that extend from manufacturing all the way down the chain to customer service.

IF you build your vehicles with cost-cutting being the single most important factor;

...and customers begin to have problems with your vehicles that you refuse to acknowledge until FORCED to issue a TSB;

...and THEN you refuse to correct those problems at the manufacturing level and instead foist them off on your "highly competent and motivated" dealer network;

...and then your dealers take a completely disinterested and ambivalent attitude towards resolving said problem for the customer;

...well, then you end up mortgaging your business just to stay in business.

Wait a minute...

 

No,No he is right....after all he thinks like a Ford executive. Make him pres of that sinking ship.
Who cares if it breaks down after six months, it's the buyer's fault. Do customers expect a car that doesn't fill up with water?? Do they expect our representatives to inform them they have a potential problem and then help solve the problem if identified?
I have owned three different makes in my twenty years of driving and have NEVER had such poor experience as my first six months with Ford.

 

I've had only one TSB issue so far!..and had no problem with the dealership replacing the fuel pump!.......But I am also working with a 75 year old family owned Dealership...........The dealership does really make the differance!!..........But yes it is ridiculous that some of these TSB's are carrying over from production run to production run!

 

If Mulally wants to fix this company, he'd be well advised to start by addressing the basics; stuff like what you just mentioned.

The company clearly needs an executive-level enema. It's not 1967 anymore.

On the other hand, if they continue with their "business as usual" strategy, I give the company 48 months, tops, before it burns through all its cash and gets sold off in pieces on the auction block.

And that would be a shame, particularly as it would be mostly their own doing.

 

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!! Good point.