2022 Timberline headlight coating issue

[mtrosclair]

I have a 2022 Timberline that just rolled over 50k, I noticed this area on my passenger side headlamp and it seems like the coating has failed and there is some mild crazing. What would cause something like this and what could be done? Would my extended warranty cover items like this? Looking around online this seems to be an issue with the F-Series trucks also.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I have a 2022 Timberline that just rolled over 50k, I noticed this area on my passenger side headlamp and it seems like the coating has failed and there is some mild crazing. What would cause something like this and what could be done? Would my extended warranty cover items like this? Looking around online this seems to be an issue with the F-Series trucks also.

View attachment 84846View attachment 84847View attachment 84848

Are you sure you have an extended warranty, and not an extended service plan?

Is the plan from Ford?

Most plans exempt lamp assemblies from coverage, unless specifically included (Ford has an option to add the lamp coverage on their extended service plans).

 

[mtrosclair]

It's from Ford, but I would have to find the paperwork to verify what type and level. I know its till 75k and has a $150 deductible.

 

[Mr Big]

The extended powertrain warrant does not cover it. You would have to get a replacement and the OEM ones are expensive, (over $1,000 each). There are some nice aftermarket ones available for way less that are very nice.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

There are some nice aftermarket ones available for way less that are very nice.

Truedat, however, unless you have the proper tools, the time, the patience & the expertise to replace it, you'll need to take it to a shop that does not object to utilizing owner-supplied parts. Cause if you let them source the parts, they will mark them up to close to the stealership prices, and then be prepared to pay about $800-$1K for their labor too

 

[mtrosclair]

The coverage is bumper to bumper afaik...

 

[RacerBX1]

I just noticed after this past weekend that my 2023 Timberline is doing the same thing on the passenger headlight. I planned on putting it in for warranty the next time I take it in for service, but I will be under 3 years and 36K miles, so hopefully it will get replaced. Dealing with Ford though I’m expecting a battle.

 

[Mr Big]

The coverage is bumper to bumper afaik...

Yea Bumper to Bumper is 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

 

[Benztech]

My wife's 2023 Limited is doing the same thing. Truck is still under original warranty and will be going in the shop next week. I'll post a pic later today. I'm going to ask for replacement but expect pushback.

 

[mtrosclair]

I have a Ford esp premium, I am waiting a callback from the dealer but not feeling like it likely to be covered. I also don't feel like this should be happening at all, but I guess this is better than catastrophic transmission failure.

 

[Benztech]

My wife's 23 passenger headlight- 20k miles but has been there for several thousand at least. It would be nice if everyone who has this posts pics of it. I'm definitely going to reference this thread if I get pushback.

 

[mtrosclair]

My wife's 23 passenger headlight- 20k miles but has been there for several thousand at least. View attachment 84853It would be nice if everyone who has this posts pics of it. I'm definitely going to reference this thread if I get pushback.

Same exact spot, manufacturing defect?

 

[Benztech]

Same exact spot, manufacturing defect?

I believe it's a defect but I can easily imagine a dealer saying it's a result of external contact.

 

[mtrosclair]

I believe it's a defect but I can easily imagine a dealer saying it's a result of external contact.

I'm hoping other post their images so that it may make these claims easier for some.

 

[RacerBX1]

Attached is my 2023 Timberline with 31,000 miles and the passenger light’s coating is starting to flake off.

 

[5280tunage]

That's some pretty ****** $1000 plastic. But here's the thing, first, just making sure none of these have clear bra on them? Some times poor quality clear bra material can look like that, I've seen it on hoods a lot.

They may cover it if there isn't any obvious impact area. For example, my left rear taillight started cracking at 10k miles from the inside out. Ford at first said they wouldn't cover it, but then the dealer pushed back and sent lots of pictures showing there was no external impact, and it was the interior reflector portion that was cracking. Ford then honored the swap.

As for those of you sharing these pictures and showing the dealer this post, in my history that's never helped. They almost always dismiss this is untruthful postings. For example, when I had to get my turbos replaced due to the wastegate rattle, I sent links from this forum where dozens of people were describing the same noise directly to ford customer care, they said they don't take forums into consideration at all! makes you feel pretty good, too me, if I was running a brand like Ford, I would have dedicated bodies (now AI bots), that would scour sites like this looking for potential CSAT issues and things that could very quickly turn into recalls. But hey, you don't need that if quality really is job 1.

 

[mtrosclair]

That's some pretty ****** $1000 plastic. But here's the thing, first, just making sure none of these have clear bra on them? Some times poor quality clear bra material can look like that, I've seen it on hoods a lot.

They may cover it if there isn't any obvious impact area. For example, my left rear taillight started cracking at 10k miles from the inside out. Ford at first said they wouldn't cover it, but then the dealer pushed back and sent lots of pictures showing there was no external impact, and it was the interior reflector portion that was cracking. Ford then honored the swap.

As for those of you sharing these pictures and showing the dealer this post, in my history that's never helped. They almost always dismiss this is untruthful postings. For example, when I had to get my turbos replaced due to the wastegate rattle, I sent links from this forum where dozens of people were describing the same noise directly to ford customer care, they said they don't take forums into consideration at all! makes you feel pretty good, too me, if I was running a brand like Ford, I would have dedicated bodies (now AI bots), that would scour sites like this looking for potential CSAT issues and things that could very quickly turn into recalls. But hey, you don't need that if quality really is job 1.

I'm not expecting a miracle especially for me because I'm out of my 3/36 but maybe those that aren't might have better luck. I was looking at the truck earlier and I can see a spot that started on the driver side headlight as well.

I guess I might have to consider what my options are for remediation if it's not gonna be covered. A wrap, wet sand and recoat?

 

[5280tunage]

that's plastic deterioration and some of these are simply cracking. there's not much you can do, it's a lot like a windshield. Sun, heat/cold, will cause it to get worse. you could cover it tomorrow with clear bra material and it would likely still continue over time. this looks to me like a quality issue.

Here's the thing you need to lean in on. Just like Acura just did with their 3rd brake light issues, these things are all very connected now to the OBD system in the cars. Multiple brands are being stolen today by people hacking the OBD system via headlights/taillights. To me, a headlight deterioration issue like this will have long term safety and security issues. There are 30yr old cars out there without spidering headlights, a vehicle that cost 4 times those or more, shouldn't have this issue in 30k miles. Its complete and utter BS. I would also report this to NHTSA etc, headlights falling apart represent multiple safety issues. Acura recalled many vehicles for 3rd brake lights leaking and causing shorting issues. these conceivably would too.

edit: actually i just remembered a Makuloco video I once watched, where an F150 was having all kinds of electrical issues. things like the stereo not working right, among others. Makuloco ended up finding out a taillight wiring harness was the culprit, if I remember correctly. Just a good example of how any electrical issue on these can turn into something miserable. do you best not to use high pressure sprays on those till you get it figured out.

 

[Benztech]

As an update- the dealer did not replace our headlight. They buffed it but it's still visible. They are saying the fender appears to have been adjusted. I think they were really trying to keep warranty cost down and/or afraid to submit the claim. This is an issue that is across multiple models. As far as I'm concerned we bought the truck CPO gold with no accident history (I know those reports are only so good), and it wasn't there when we bought it. Its still under factory warranty for a few more months so I might push the issue again before the warranty expires.

 

[RacerBX1]

I was able to get Ford to warranty my headlight with the coating flaking. Mine was not that bad and hard to see, but they did honor it. I’m still under my 3/36K warranty and did not expect them to cover it, and was mostly trying to get it noted in case it gets worse over time and had to use my ESP warranty. Dealership told me light alone was $1700. Not sure what the labor was.