We have a ford expedition limited 2021. We went to dinner after our kids winter concert. There was no snow or ice in the car, but it was very very cold that day. My husband went to open the lift gate to put our leftovers in the back. We heard this awful tearing/crunching metal sound and discovered that the tailgate had somehow "freddy kruegered" (as I have been calling this ridiculous damage) the roof of our car and damaged the spoiler. I took it to the dealership and got a quote for a little over $7000. The dealership said there was an SSM but for 2022-2023 models but not my 2021. So I had them make a claim with ford and of course they denied it. I've been doing research before going through insurance, because I don't want my rates increased over something that wasn't due to negligence or stupidity or whatever. It is a manufacturing defect that the dealership told me was all completely due to a gasket. They had never seen or heard of this before but when looking into it they discovered the gasket is primarily the cause of this damage. I am currently making my own case and going to send it to FORD to try to get them to cover their mistake in manufacturing. I also discovered this information about the difference between the 2021 model and 2022-2023.
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The 2022 Ford Expedition is a mid-cycle refresh with key updates over the 2021 model, primarily focused on a modernized interior featuring larger, available screens (standard 12-inch, optional 15.5-inch), enhanced tech like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, new standard driver-assist features (Co-Pilot Assist 2.0), and a new off-road-focused Timberline trim, while the core engine and capability remain similar but with a slight power bump.
Key Differences:
- Infotainment & Tech:
- 2021: SYNC 3, standard 8-inch touchscreen, wired smartphone integration.
- 2022: Standard 12-inch screen, available 15.5-inch touchscreen, standard 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster on some trims, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available Amazon Fire TV built into rear entertainment.
- Exterior: Minor styling tweaks, including restyled grilles and new LED headlights.
- Safety & Driver-Assist:
- 2021: Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features.
- 2022: Adds more advanced standard features like Road Edge Detection, Intersection Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist (Co-Pilot Assist 2.0).
- New Trim: Introduction of the off-road-capable Timberline model.
- Engine: Minor power increase; base engine jumps from 375 hp (2021) to 380 hp (2022).
- Audio: Available 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen system (vs. 12-speaker in 2021).
Similarities:
- Core twin-turbo 3.5L V6 engine and transmission.
- Strong towing capability (up to 9,300 lbs).
- Overall large size and cargo capacity.
In Summary: The 2022 model offers significant tech and interior upgrades, making it feel more modern and connected, while the 2021 provides similar core performance at a potentially lower price point if the latest tech isn't a priority
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So essentially it was simply a refresh of interior and tech. Also the introduction of the timberline body style which mine is not. The vehicle body is exactly the same with small difference like a newer looking grill.
This is completely a manufacturing defect and my dealership agrees. However when they submitted a claim to ford they denied it. Ridiculous. But I appreciate the dealership doing it.
Does anyone have a 2021 that this happened to? Does anyone know more specific key difference between the 2021 and 2022 body, because I feel like I might have a chance with them. I did look up the part numbers of what the dealership said would need to be replaced and on the OEM website the parts listed ALL said these parts were for 2018-2024 ford expedition models.
Worst case scenario I have to go through insurance but I truly feel like this is a ford problem and I don't know that I would buy one again, even though I love my expedition. A liftgate should not do something like this. I just want ford to make it right. Hopefully.
Thanks.