y2kcbr

So to start off, if this is in the wrong forum area - I apologize and a mod would prefer to move this, please go right ahead!

I have been holding onto this for about 40 days and really didn't want to QQ about my Ford Mustang. I'll explain my frustrations and if anyone has advice to offer, please offer it up

Bought my 2011 SG Mustang 5.0 back in April. It replaced my 2007 Mustang GT/CS (pictured). After a few days I noticed an issue with the window seal on passenger side. My local Ford service shop resolved the problem. No prob, I was totally satisfied.

I noticed that the posted 19 MPG City was more like 12.9 MPG City. I assumed this is due to a break - in period, so I gave it time. Then more time, then more time. At about 4000 miles a check engine light pops on. Error codes P0345 and P0349. Ford addressed and resolved this by replacing left side CMP sensor (camshaft positioning sensor I believe).

Took off on vacation with wife's hybrid, came back - drove 5.0 new sounds coming from engine. Sounds got really loud at high RPM and even when engine got warm.

Took car to Ford on Aug 9th. It's been there since (I am writing this thread on September 13th). Car has been at Ford for over a month. They've diagnosed with Ford Engineering and had determined (via the troubleshooting tree) to replace the timing chain and tensioner. That didnt resolve it. Ford Engineering asked the shop to then retorque the rocker arms. This didn't resolve the issue.

Now Ford is going to replace the engine as they think a bearing might be loose in the lower part of the engine. This is due to be replaced beginning of next week.

I contacted Ford yesterday and they've initiated the buyback process (at my request). This of course is something that they can deny. The Ford CSR stated that he has seen cases that are much worse than mine that have been denied. If I am denied from Ford, I am ready to go to the BBB (Ford CSR mentioned this to me)

So my questions are this:

California Lemon Law states the following:

Cite - http://www.dca.ca.gov/acp/bbb.shtml

"The vehicle has been in the shop for more than 30 days (not necessarily in a row) for repair of any problems covered by its
warranty. This is called the Lemon Law Presumption."

Does anyone have firsthand knowledge of what options are available to me?

Id like one of the following:

• Ford to replace car. In my mind, the car is a Lemon and I'd like it treated as such. So replace it with a Mustang 5.0 with same (or comparable) options. Of course mine was pretty loaded...
  
• Ford to give me credit (for every penny I paid) and let me choose a different Ford. Hell, I'd even choose a different model Ford.

Ford has verbally offered the following:

• Full Premium Car Care Package (ESP).
• 1 - 2 Car payment(s)

I'd like more actually, I feel 3 payments - ESP are adequate compensation with whichever option I choose. Am I being greedy? There is statute out there that provides for treble damages and attorney fees... (http://calemons.com/california-lemon...px?serviceid=1)


UPDATE:

After 30 days and numerous phone calls to Ford, I just received a call from Ford. They will replace the car. A rep from Ford Vehicle Reacquire Team will contact me in two days to discuss what my options are. Within seven days from this time, I will be mailed a letter that needs to be signed/returned. Then I will receive a packet and the dealer will receive a packet and we will work on the replacement.

Kinyodas

"Am I being greedy?"

If you want a replacement, I would say that getting what you PAID for is not greedy. I would want the same.

y2kcbr

I just retained a lawyer that specializes in California Lemon Law. I feel that I've given Ford long enough to pony up a new Pony.

Flagstang

I had to go though this awith a old mustang of mine. It took 13 months. Working with ford and the BBB is much fast alot fo the time then lemon law. The more lawyers you can cut out the better.

To be honest it sounds like they have been treating you pretty well. which is good. I would of took a new mustang and worked with ford fro alittle extra like the esp and the new car.

Kona Blur

My moms 04 expedition was a lemon... You did the right thing by contacting a lawyer. It wasn't too much a hassle for us to get a buy back once we had an attorney

RVAStangGT05

That sounds horrible. I had issues with a car I bought ( Mustang) used from a Ford dealership- it had all kinds of problems within my first 30 days of owning it, and both the dealership and Ford were both just horrible. Even though I bought the full warranty, because I bought a used car, and the issues that came up were ( mostly) not covered by the warranty, in their opinion it was a hundred percent my problem.

That said, I'd think that because your car is new, you'd have a lot more leverage- I can't believe how long this has dragged on. I think you absolutely did the right thing hiring an attorney. No doubt. You've been inconvenienced, disappointed and frustrated- I don't think the word 'greedy' even plays into this scenario. Get everything you can. You should get a new car with full warranty and minimum 2 payments.

Best of luck getting it sorted out quickly- and do keep us posted. I am very interested to see how this works out for you.

Glenn

I hope they gave you a free loaner car?? I hope they come through with a new car. If you plan on keeping it forever you won't have a numbers matching car. It will be worth less in the long run.

UnrealFord

I had a New Mecury Sable that had some electrical issues, much minor then your issues, Ford bought it back AND gave me 1,000 towards a new purchase.

y2kcbr

Yup, I have a loaner Mustang (first month I was in a Ford Focus piece of dookie hatchback. I complained and got into a Mustang 6cyl).

Funny you mention the non-matching numbers, that was exactly what I was thinking last night. I know this isn't a Boss or some hyped out Shelby, but I really want everything original on it. Now that will be tainted once they drop the new engine in the car. This is something that is 100% unacceptable to me and I will drag this out.

Off-Topic, **** Chevy guys at work at having a field day with this...

y2kcbr

I've asked for new car, full warranty, 2 payments and $1000.00 in Ford racing parts. The parts option was declined, however the warranty and payments were something that '...(they) can work out."

I'll tell you, hats off to the Regional Customer Service Specialist at Ford (Jeff) that I have been speaking with. He's been great and has listened to my frustrations and has heard me during this entire process. He's been my voice to Ford and he knows how far I will go in this process. I won't settle for anything less that I posted in the first paragraph here.

y2kcbr

Oh? What is wrong with your car?

y2kcbr

wow I hear that.

Do you have an '11 5.0 Manual tranny? That has the Getrag MT82 Transmission and specifically the gearboxes. Ive mentioned this to my local Ford guys and they were flipping clueless. Just because there isn't (or wasn't) a TSB on this, they still had no idea of issues with this Chinese transmission.

Ive had issues with it - and can only assume that the car will still have issues with it. from whats known as slip-shift to the gears not engaging at all...WHEN ON THE ROAD! You'll be in 4th, want to go to 5th, BLAMMO...You can't...its weird. Google MT82 transmission (http://tinyurl.com/3o6ahb4) and you will see what I mean

y2kcbr

oops - yeah skip-shift not slip-shift!

ucdavis4.0gpa

I'm not in a position to jump in and buy a GT right now, but if I was I would be weary of buying a first model year (as 2011 is for the 5.0 motor) because there is a pattern with many auto manufacturers where generations of cars become more and more reliable with age as the quirks, defects etc are fleshed out. Basically, for the first couple years, car owners are the test monkeys and it shouldn't be that way, but it is. I've often said I was fortunate to purchase a 2004 because, for the most part, the car had been around for a decade and, if there were issues...they'd been addressed.

Course as I type that I think about the steering rack/suspension creak they never fixed and the idiotic Camshaft Synchronizer that is failing on mine that has failed on so many because god forbid they modify the engine post distributor or use a part that doesn't fail every 60,000 miles.

I certainly hope your problem is resolved to your full satisfaction and you're back on the road with a new car very very soon.

Flagstang

how are they going to know about some problems? That kind of thinking just doesnt make sense.

Glenn

if you end up with a non numbers matching engine, they should give you some sort of allowance. I would think 2 to 3 k. I know you don't want to go that route.

y2kcbr

I'd rather not go that route. Not to mention, in speaking with Ford they seem very reluctant to give any allowances after the options I outlined above. Sad sad...

I never had any issues on my '08 GT/CS...not one. This 5.0 has been pathetic

runfox

I am really amazed reading through all this that Ford would not buy back your car, and surprised to hear of such when I know Fords quality has improved. I have had a no problems of any major kind with 05, I love my car, quality has been good.
My big concern for you is the engine swap!! Any parts or components changed under warranty , fine but the engine, that Is The car!! The other big concern is If you ever do sell the car, the engine swap will come up, you can't hide that, then what will it do to the value of the car?? If I found that out in checking for a used car I would run away like the plague!! A swapped engine could mean all sorts things regardless of your explanation!! Basicly by swapping your engine, although it seams ok, Ford is devaluating your car , at least that's what I see!!

y2kcbr

UPDATE: So I took a drive to Napa Ford (thats the local dealer doing the repair). Saw the engine out of the car with the new engine right next to it. No Serial Numbers whatsoever on engine. This badboy came right out of the box! Looked hot just sitting there waiting for all the stuff to be put on.

I'll see what Ford is going to offer for my time away from the car and my troubles. I have a 'short-list' of items that would make me a happy camper

y2kcbr

Same here. That is the part that I am most worried about. I even brought it up with the tech at Ford (of course his answer is the 'corporate answer'....

"The engine is new...It won't devalue your car."