2006 Exp LTD Frame rotted through. WTF?

[timberwolf]

Ok, so I bought my wife an '06 Exp last year. Expected to put some $$ into it, as it had some miles on it. Sure enough, I did. Tires, Alternator, battery. Normal stuff.

However, I've discovered that the front of the frame, where the crush zone is, where the bumper attaches, has completely rotted out! It's so bad I can stick my finger though the frame! :barf:

This CANNOT be normal for a 5 year old car, of ANY model.

Any help from anybody would be much appreciated.

 

[SOLISIMO]

I know ford has a 5 year/100k mile warranty on rust. They just replaced my roof on it. But the rust needs to be broken through which it sounds like yours is. I would go to reputable dealer and keep us posted. If not you start making phone calls.

 

[timberwolf]

Unfortunately I am past the warranty. At least with body panels, there isn't a safety issue, but this concerns me. The FRAME for crying out loud! If my wife gets in a crash head on, will the truck protect her...?

I've seen plenty of 20 year old fords with less rust than this truck.

 

[SOLISIMO]

Regardless I would still take it to the dealer bc thats odd

 

[smo0othride]

I'm betting the previous owner knew about it and that's why they sold it. Did you have a multipoint inspection done when you bought it? It's hard to say if this should be expected since you are not the original owner and you don't know what kind of conditions the vehicle was in. Seeing that you are in Canada, I would guess the truck was exposed to water often and also salt. Salt will eat away your truck pretty fast.

 

[timberwolf]

Bought it used from a dealership. 1 previous owner. Safetied. No Warranty for sure. IMO, salt should not rust frame components like this, this quickly. I have an 02 Silverado Pickup, 300K on the odometer. No frame rust (other than minor surface). Yes the rockers are shot (10 Ontario winters will do that to any truck), although many up here are fine if they had running boards, or oilspraying.

Going to dealership this week. Won't hold my breath.