Required to leave vehicle at dealer to hold spot in line for service?

[2020FordRaptor]

I am having some sticking issues with my driver side power running board motor. I’ve washed it, power washed it, applied all the lubricants and oils mentioned in this forum and YouTube videos. They work for a week then the board sticks again.

I called the dealer and asked if I could hold a spot and they said no, I had to drop off my expy to get in line. I said this is my family vehicle that drives perfectly fine and I will not be dropping it off for a non mechanical issue and to call me when I could stop by. I even offered to put in a deposit for “lost time” if I couldn’t get my car at the dealer at the agreed date and time. No luck.

I asked why and they mentioned well most other customers are willing to do it so I would have to as well per the market. while I’ll never be buying a vehicle from them because of that comment, they are convenient to have oil changes and small warranty work due to proximity to my house.

Is this standard practice?

That's bulcrap. Find a different dealer. Not standard practice.

 

[Going_Going_Gone]

Is your vehicle still under warranty? If so, you might consider contacting a Lincoln dealer's service department.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Total BS. I assume the vehicle is under warranty. Yes?
It is bad enough that most dealers have a 2 or 3 week wait list these days, but at least with the dealers I deal with I am able to make the appointment several weeks out and drop the vehicle off the day / Night before.

Losing the use of a vehicle for weeks and weeks for a non critical repair is ridiculous. Call Ford customer service.

 

[pfflyer]

I have run into the same problem as the OP but with a Ford Focus. I called 4 of the closest dealerships and talked to 3 service advisors and all are in the same situation. The 4th dealer never returned my call after 2 attempts with 2 different Service advisors. The dealer I went with claimed they could get to transmission issue within 7 days but actually got to it in 2 days and got the car back in 4 days. Mercedes takes 2 weeks to get an appointment for routine maintenance and 2-4 days to get the vehicle back. Sucks when you depend on your vehicle to make a living.

 

[wakeboarder]

My local Ford dealerships in south Florida are the same way. I think it may be a revenue booster for the dealership. Maybe they can claim extra money from Ford for the space occupied on the lot, or for loaner or rental vehicles. My local GMC dealer was a much more pleasant experience.

 

[HISHONOR]

My dealer used to be good. Not now. Had a coolant leak on my 2018 Limited (88,500 miles). First issue ever. Nobody answered the phone so I could make appointment. Went to dealer to see if it could be taken in and looked at. Was told “400 jobs in front you” so you”ll have to leave it and maybe we’ll get to it next week. Left, immediately went to a local shop I’ve used in the past. They diagnosed the problem (heater hoses). They had them shipped, replaced the hoses, and I got my truck back next day at 5:00.

I’m done with my dealer.

 

[Artie]

My dealer used to be good. Not now. Had a coolant leak on my 2018 Limited (88,500 miles). First issue ever. Nobody answered the phone so I could make appointment. Went to dealer to see if it could be taken in and looked at. Was told “400 jobs in front you” so you”ll have to leave it and maybe we’ll get to it next week. Left, immediately went to a local shop I’ve used in the past. They diagnosed the problem (heater hoses). They had them shipped, replaced the hoses, and I got my truck back next day at 5:00.

I’m done with my dealer.

My heater hoses were just replaced under warranty on my 2018 with 68k miles. Buying the extended warranty has saved my bacon.

 

[Jason Bell]

In Wichita, I had one dealer tell me this same thing, immediately called another dealership that was much more customer focused. Needless to say, we've been taking everything to the second dealership. At the first dealership, when I questioned it, I got the same "Everyone's doing it" response. That didn't go over well with me.

 

[Pete Costanza]

I think it really depends on where you are. I'm in Nashville and have used three different Ford dealerships. They all operate the way that you describe (That you need to leave the vehicle there and they place it in line, often times for a week. You also need to schedule one to two weeks out just to drop it off there.). My Jeep dealer operates much smoother in the service department. Its my opinion experience that Ford service departments have been pitiful. I do all of my own maintenance, but I dread taking the Expedition and F150 Powerboost in when there's anything warranty related.

 

[KSC 2019 XLT]

The Ford dealership where I go does the same thing. Very annoying but I got used to it (all warranty work). If under warranty work, ask for a free rental if they want you to leave your Expy there while it's waiting to be looked at. Make sure ask early for the rental so your name is on the rental list as they appear to be in short supply as well (that's what my service advisor recommends).