2021 Platinum. 39k Miles. Leaky Shock. ESP Denied

[Zelf24]

Hey all,

So I have a 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum, 39k miles with a leaky front right shock. The front left is about to go but hasn't yet. Hoped that I could get this covered under my Ford ESP Basecare which mentions MacPherson struts are covered, but I found out today that doesn't apply to shock absorbers, and two Ford dealers want around $2k to replace both front out of pocket.

Having these factory OEM shocks failing so prematurely means I won't be putting them back on again. I see that the consensus around here is to go with Bilstein's, yet when you go to the official Bilstein site and input your vehicle information, they state that no products exist for a 2021 Ford Expedition. What gives? I see Bilstein 4600s and 5100s being recommended all over this forum, but just wanted to make sure that they would work. Truth be told, I want as close to a factory ride as possible (minus the premature leaking). Should I still go with Bilstein, or should I choose another brand (KYB, etc)?

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Hey all,

So I have a 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum, 39k miles with a leaky front right shock. The front left is about to go but hasn't yet. Hoped that I could get this covered under my Ford ESP Basecare which mentions MacPherson struts are covered, but I found out today that doesn't apply to shock absorbers, and two Ford dealers want around $2k to replace both front out of pocket.

Having these factory OEM shocks failing so prematurely means I won't be putting them back on again. I see that the consensus around here is to go with Bilstein's, yet when you go to the official Bilstein site and input your vehicle information, they state that no products exist for a 2021 Ford Expedition. What gives? I see Bilstein 4600s and 5100s being recommended all over this forum, but just wanted to make sure that they would work. Truth be told, I want as close to a factory ride as possible (minus the premature leaking). Should I still go with Bilstein, or should I choose another brand (KYB, etc)?

The list price for one front strut cartridge (Not CCD) is about $200. That means your dealers are estimating about $1,600 labor.

Did you get an itemized estimate?

I would get an estimate from an independent shop using Motorcraft parts.

 

[Zelf24]

I found out that having the Platinum means that I do have CCD. Seems to be about $509 / CCD shock. I guess no 3rd party manufacturers offer a CCD shock? From what I’m being told so far, the only ones available are the factory Motorcraft. Labor is anywhere from $600-$800 for a quoted 5 hours.

 

[BMW2FORD]

That sounds crazy that this isn’t covered under ESP.

 

[BMW2FORD]

I’m blown away that they say the shock isn’t covered. Im looking at Fords ESP coverage list and it says McPherson struts are covered. Do you have power train only coverage or something? I have a 2018 with CCD and the rears are leaking and just about to make an appointment.

 

[BMW2FORD]

 

[bb37]

True MacPherson struts locate the spindle and wheel in relation to the frame or body. The dampers ("shock absorbers") on an Expedition don't do that as there are upper and lower control arms. The fact that the spring and damper are concentric doesn't make them a MacPherson strut.

Crappy distinction, but I'm not sure you'd win this argument with Ford ESP.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I bought the Ford Premium Care ESP for my Expedition, and had the dealer print the full plan details. It was multiple pages of small print. There are many exceptions to coverage in the Premium Care ESP, and I’d bet shock absorbers are excluded.

The incident that caused me to dump my Expedition while still covered under the Ford Premium Care ESP was when the Ford dealer (where I bought the plan) told me the plan covered a failed right side power door lock actuator and did not cover a failed left side power door lock actuator (I had two fail: the RF and LR).

It took a complaint with the BBB and dealing with Ford’s legal department to get my refund for what I paid for repairs (minus my deductible), which I did. The ESP document simply stated the power door lock system was covered, except the outside door handles and the electronic fob.

Long post - but read your plan details to determine what is and is not covered.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

View attachment 85844

The leaking CCD shocks are probably excluded as a wear item.

 

[Zelf24]

True MacPherson struts locate the spindle and wheel in relation to the frame or body. The dampers ("shock absorbers") on an Expedition don't do that as there are upper and lower control arms. The fact that the spring and damper are concentric doesn't make them a MacPherson strut.

Crappy distinction, but I'm not sure you'd win this argument with Ford ESP.

The leaking CCD shocks are probably excluded as a wear item.

I lost the argument with Ford ESP. I got the official “deny” today from their toll-free line. Of course I highlighted the “Macpherson strut is covered” part. Their stupid distinction is that those CCDs are “shocks”, not “struts”. I kid you not. Now I’ve got an $1800 appointment set up for this coming Friday, and my Ford Basecare ESP is $3000+ of uselessness.

 

[Zelf24]

True MacPherson struts locate the spindle and wheel in relation to the frame or body. The dampers ("shock absorbers") on an Expedition don't do that as there are upper and lower control arms. The fact that the spring and damper are concentric doesn't make them a MacPherson strut.

Crappy distinction, but I'm not sure you'd win this argument with Ford ESP.

This is how they “got me” I believe. A crappy distinction when “shocks” fail at 39k miles, aren’t covered by my Basecare ESP, and a good example of why I’ll probably stick with buying Japanese vehicles again when it’s time to move on from this $81k American Ford…

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I lost the argument with Ford ESP. I got the official “deny” today from their toll-free line. Of course I highlighted the “Macpherson strut is covered” part. Their stupid distinction is that those CCDs are “shocks”, not “struts”. I kid you not. Now I’ve got an $1800 appointment set up for this coming Friday, and my Ford Basecare ESP is $3000+ of uselessness.

When I dealt with the Ford Premium Care ESP by telephone last winter, the call center had been moved to the Philippines. The Ford dealer refused to call on my behalf.

 

[Zelf24]

When I dealt with the Ford Premium Care ESP by telephone last winter, the call center had been moved to the Philippines. The Ford dealer refused to call on my behalf.

Yes the woman sounded Fillipino to me. Also, I specifically asked the dealer if they could advocate on my behalf with the ESP loyalty call, and was also refused. Something about FoMoCo taking the dealer’s ability away to do Customer Loyalty’s since about 7-8 years ago…

 

[Fastcar]

As others have said, it is probably a wear item, like brake pads and other stuff. FYI the Japanese cars and trucks are having the same problems as every other auto maker. Toyota can't keep an engine in their trucks. Nissan is chasing transmissions. It has all become a damn gamble.

 

[Zelf24]

So for those keeping track:

I was apprehensive to buy an American vehicle due to their reputation of unreliability, but wanted to be a good American and give them a shot anyway.

Bought a Ford Expedition Platinum, yet still got the ESP because, “American”.

Lo and behold, American stereotypes stick and I have front CCD shocks leaking at 39k miles.

Finally, my $3k ESP proves useless and doesn’t even protect me from parts failing prematurely that should last me 100k miles+.

Not feeling very good about buying American, I should’ve gone for the Toyota Grand Highlander or Sequoia!

 

[Zelf24]

As others have said, it is probably a wear item, like brake pads and other stuff. FYI the Japanese cars and trucks are having the same problems as every other auto maker. Toyota can't keep an engine in their trucks. Nissan is chasing transmissions. It has all become a damn gamble.

I’ve been reading that automotive news too. All of these carmakers are looking to keep prices high while putting turbo 4 bangers and CVTs in everything. Unreal to me how a V6 is the “premium” motor now.

 

[Fastcar]

So for those keeping track:

I was apprehensive to buy an American vehicle due to their reputation of unreliability, but wanted to be a good American and give them a shot anyway.

Bought a Ford Expedition Platinum, yet still got the ESP because, “American”.

Lo and behold, American stereotypes stick and I have front CCD shocks leaking at 39k miles.

Finally, my $3k ESP proves useless and doesn’t even protect me from parts failing prematurely that should last me 100k miles+.

Not feeling very good about buying American, I should’ve gone for the Toyota Grand Highlander or Sequoia!

So, trade it in on a Highlander or whatever and let them worry about getting it replaced.

 

[bb37]

Lo and behold, American stereotypes stick...

In your one example, yes. It sucks for you.

My experience with Ford vehicles and my local Ford dealer has been good. No major complaints.

 

[Fastcar]

In your one example, yes. It sucks for you.

My experience with Ford vehicles and my local Ford dealer has been good. No major complaints.

I also have been fortunate that my dealer and more importantly the service dept. have been real good as well.

 

[BMW2FORD]

The dealers in general are pretty good. It’s the Ford Corporate policies that are horrible.