2007 EL paint issue

[redhat6161]

I purchased a 2007 EL two weeks ago and it had just shy of 40,000 miles on the clock. At the time i purchased the truck i also purchased a Ford extended premium 48,000 bumper to bumper warranty.

Last night i noticed some bubbling paint on the front edge of the hood. I investigatied a little further and noticed that it's fairly prevelant along the entire front edge of the hood and continues even worse up into the underside of the hood. Here are a few pictures that detail what i found (click the pictures to enlarge):











After poking around a bit more i noticed that i have what appears to be a crack which has delevoped in the roof channel closests to the doors on both sides. See picture below:




my question is, has anyone else had this issue? If so, were you able to get the issue resolved through Ford? I'm planning to call the dealer tomorrow to see what they say.

 

[SOLISIMO]

Thats very weird, I have the same year and have no problems. Do you know if the hood is repainted? Just bc it has a clean car fax doesnt mean it wasnt.

 

[redhat6161]

I have conducted some minimal research in addition to posting this thread and have seen some claims that this may be the result of a poor prep job at the factory. It mentioned that the panels are aluminum and the issue may be caused by the bonding agent that joined the panels. I obviously have no clue but was hoping that someone else may have gone through this issue previously and could provide some guidance. I think i'm still within the window where i can take the truck back to the dealer and say no thanks but i really like it other than this annoying issue. You've got a nice looking rig there BTW.

 

[SOLISIMO]

Thanks man. I did a quick search for you but looks like you found the thread I was gonna show you I do however have two small rust marks on the roof, which Im gonna have looked at to be covered under the corrosion warranty.

 

[redhat6161]

Do you happen to know the terms of coverage for that corrosion warranty? My EL didn't come with an owners manual or any other factory documentation. At 40,000 miles am i still within the coverage period?

 

[NewbieVet]

I have conducted some minimal research in addition to posting this thread and have seen some claims that this may be the result of a poor prep job at the factory. It mentioned that the panels are aluminum and the issue may be caused by the bonding agent that joined the panels. I obviously have no clue but was hoping that someone else may have gone through this issue previously and could provide some guidance. I think i'm still within the window where i can take the truck back to the dealer and say no thanks but i really like it other than this annoying issue. You've got a nice looking rig there BTW.

Sounds to me like you're in a good position to go back and make some demands.

 

[DF5.4]

I had the paint bubbling on the hood of mine and I took it to the dealer and they repainted the whole hood. A couple of months later I noticed the paint bubbling in the channel for the window on the hatch. I took it back and they repainted that too. They said they went around the truck and touched up anything they found. That was two years ago and I haven't had any other bubbles. If you have the extended warranty take it to the dealer.

The roof channels crack. The seam sealer they use flexes more than the metal. It was the same thing on my F-150. It never bubbles or pealed. Just the cracks.

 

[redhat6161]

I'll be calling them tomorrow to see what they say. I'm hoping they don't give me a lame response because I am a second owner. I'll keep the thread updated with my results.

Thanks for the responses fellas.

 

[DF5.4]

I am the second owner of mine and I didn't have any problems.

 

[redhat6161]

Great to know! I'm feeling a little better about the issue. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Soldier777]

seems to me like this is a great opportunity for you to rhino line the whole exterior!

 

[walnuts4x4]

I would play nice with a dealer and hope they will work with ya... if that dont work call corporate office and complain.... thats what I usually do... learned it from the wife she works at a call center...lol... know how to beat em at their own game

 

[redhat6161]

We're starting off nice. Dropped it off today at the dealer after hours. they're going to have a look at it tomorrow. We'll see what they say. I'll be back afterwards with some more details.

 

[SOLISIMO]

Thanks for d update

 

[redhat6161]

The dealer called today. they are playing the "The hood and roof have already been repainted therefore there's nothing we can do for you" card. The guy told me that he can tell that the hood and roof have been repainted. In fact he said that they did a poor good job because the hood and roof don't match the rest of the truck. in what circumstance do you only repaint a hood and roof? I am by no means a body work guy but I have been around cars a long time and can tell when a panel or part of the car has been repainted. I've looked at this thing seven ways to sunday and there's no way it's been repainted. Even if it were, how would the worst of my issue be up and underneath the hood? If you repaint a vehicle do you spend a lot of time repainting the underside of the hood?

The guy told me he'd do me a favor and provide me with a quote of what they'd charge to fix it on Monday. i'd almost be happy if they offered to go half with me but the sales manager was being a complete d!ck and said i can't do anything for you. According to him we're beyond the F-it take the truck back period. It's too bad. we really like the truck otherwise but this issue is eating at me a bit.

I'm not really sure of my next move. Do I take it to a more reputable dealer?

 

[tmajikman]

The dealer called today. they are playing the "The hood and roof have already been repainted therefore there's nothing we can do for you" card. The guy told me that he can tell that the hood and roof have been repainted. In fact he said that they did a poor good job because the hood and roof don't match the rest of the truck. in what circumstance do you only repaint a hood and roof? I am by no means a body work guy but I have been around cars a long time and can tell when a panel or part of the car has been repainted. I've looked at this thing seven ways to sunday and there's no way it's been repainted. Even if it were, how would the worst of my issue be up and underneath the hood? If you repaint a vehicle do you spend a lot of time repainting the underside of the hood?

The guy told me he'd do me a favor and provide me with a quote of what they'd charge to fix it on Monday. i'd almost be happy if they offered to go half with me but the sales manager was being a complete d!ck and said i can't do anything for you. According to him we're beyond the F-it take the truck back period. It's too bad. we really like the truck otherwise but this issue is eating at me a bit.

I'm not really sure of my next move. Do I take it to a more reputable dealer?

Simple answer is yes, go to another reputable dealer, if whom, does take care of you, then tell your current dealer to stick it where the sun don't shine, I would not explain what the other dealer told you when you see the reputable dealer. I think the current dealer should keep you happy, you may be inclined to actually purchase another vehicle sometime down the road, but not no more.

 

[redhat6161]

Going out of town for business this week. I'll be taking it to a larger dealer in town when I get back. As suggested, I won't be telling this dealer my experience with the other. I'm interested to hear their theory. I'll let you know what happens.

 

[DF5.4]

Good luck

 

[smoke0480]

mine bubbled on the rear hatch where the backup camera is at..havent taken it in to see if they'll fix it...

 

[walnuts4x4]

also if you dont get anywhere with the next dealer dont hesitate to call fords corporate office and explain to them what is going on... they might be more willing to help you than a dealership