Recently I took my 2015 Expedition Limited 4x4 to the Ford dealer where I have it serviced. I have the Ford Premium Extended Service Plan (ESP), purchased there. The LR and RF door lock actuators stopped unlocking when using the key fob, the inside door switch or the door keypad. The doors would lock okay.
The service advisor called and said the technician determined the lock actuators were defective and there were no electrical issue.
The advisor stated the Ford ESP would cover replacement labor and the part for the RF door lock (minus my deductible). The advisor stated the LR door lock was not covered under my plan, and the cost to repair the LR lock actuator was $680.
I protested and asked the advisor to call the Ford ESP number. She declined, stating the customer had to call to appeal a denial of a repair.
I called the Ford ESP number and reached a woman in the Philippines, who was VERY difficult to understand. After 43 minutes of trying to talk and being placed on hold, I was disconnected. I called back and was told by another woman the dealer had to initiate an appeal.
I contacted the dealer service manager and he agreed to file an appeal with the Ford ESP. He agreed the denial made no sense and both parts were mechanical lock actuators that should be covered (one was).
I paid the total cost to get my car back and am now waiting for an appeal reply.
This was not the first time I’ve had an issue with Ford’s ESP denying coverage. That time they agreed to pay the cost of repairs after I began an appeal.
I think the dealer hopes that the denial remains, as they make more money from customer-pay work, than the reimbursement by the Ford ESP.
Ford has moved their ESP customer service center to the Philippines. It is a mess to try to deal with them.
I will be sending a written appeal to the Ford ESP this week, although the dealer claims they have submitted an appeal.
Dealing with the Ford ESP is a mess. Another reason why my next new vehicle will not be a Ford.