Letter to My Dealer

[JamaicaJoe]

There's a third thing driving the cost of automobiles: 3) Ever-increasing government mandates for "safety features".

Of the 5 recalls listed by NHTSA for the 2024 Ford Expedition, one is for the (Federally-mandated) rearview camera and another is for a missing (Federally-mandated) dashboard air bag warning label.

It's not that the air bag is defective. The problem is that a Federally-mandated label is missing and "can lead to a lack of customer awareness of the airbag system and its deployment in the event of a crash".

How much do you suppose it costs Ford to send letters to the 27,678 Expedition, Explorer, Escape, F-150, Navigator, Aviator, Corsair owners who might be affected by the missing air bag warning label? All for a label that probably costs a dime to print and 30 seconds to apply.

Granted, if this label was required by law or rule, then these vehicles should not have left the factory without it. So, Ford has to pay for a recall.

I'm not saying that these safety features are A Bad Thing. But, safety features aren't free and it's foolish to think that any car manufacturer won't pass the costs of safety features onto the customer.

My guess is that it costs 27,678 * ($0.74 postage + $1.00 Letter an envelope) = $48,159.72 , and 27,678 * ($5.10 airbag warning label installed by Porter) =$141,157.90. Total cost of campaign = $189,317.52 Or two maxed out 2025 Expedition models.

 

[D__J]

Been looking at the GM Suburban Z71 Duramax but it also is allegedly plagued with low mileage transmission failures. Scratching my head.

 

[Tjohn90]

Early on I looked at the Suburban diesel option as well. Due to very limited numbers being produced and markups, as well as increased maintenance costs I decided to pass. Drove a 5.3 and thought it was sluggish, well appointed vehicle though.
I was trading in a 2019 F150 so the Expedition was more familiar, engine,drivetrain, etc. Ford clearly has its own share of issues but with proper maintenance you can hopefully stay ahead of it. My research into the products led me to eliminate GM, mainly due to engine issues. As you know, very few choices in the segment.
So I bought a 2025 Platinum SPP, and we love it.

 

[young dude co]

If you're looking at the Max, your competitions are only Jeep (Stellantis) and GM. Unfortunately they are worse than Ford.

 

[D__J]

From my research, you guys might be right. I always buy the warranty, so any transmission or engine issue gets fixed, my problem is when I'm thousands of miles away home with no reliable dealership to take care of the problem, as I experienced, and Ford is unreachable for help.

My experience was an utter catastrophe and piss poor example of dependability and trust. Ford basically fcuked me. If I can get that issue resolved, like a phone number at Ford if a dealership wants 5 weeks to fix something, I might be happy.

Anyone from Ford care? Hello Ford?

 

[Fastcar]

From my research, you guys might be right. I always buy the warranty, so any transmission or engine issue gets fixed, my problem is when I'm thousands of miles away home with no reliable dealership to take care of the problem, as I experienced, and Ford is unreachable for help.

My experience was an utter catastrophe and piss poor example of dependability and trust. Ford basically fcuked me. If I can get that issue resolved, like a phone number at Ford if a dealership wants 5 weeks to fix something, I might be happy.

Anyone from Ford care? Hello Ford?

I've thought about this a lot. I always get the extended service plan/warranty and figured things would work out. Dealers are people, some will screw ya and some not so much. So we are all over the country and thought wtf would we do if it went on its ass? Out west dealers aren't as numerous as on the east coast. We came up with a solution. Ship the truck home to the dealer we trust. There are always loads heading into FL, there are hot shots all over so its doable. Grab a one way rental and drive home. It may cost a few bucks but I'm so sick and tired of all the BS at dealers and other business's its worth it to me. No more aggravation and stress. Just another thought. Get a rental truck and trailer from Penske or U haul and haul it home.

 

[D__J]

I've thought about this a lot. I always get the extended service plan/warranty and figured things would work out. Dealers are people, some will screw ya and some not so much. So we are all over the country and thought wtf would we do if it went on its ass? Out west dealers aren't as numerous as on the east coast. We came up with a solution. Ship the truck home to the dealer we trust. There are always loads heading into FL, there are hot shots all over so its doable. Grab a one way rental and drive home. It may cost a few bucks but I'm so sick and tired of all the BS at dealers and other business's its worth it to me. No more aggravation and stress. Just another thought. Get a rental truck and trailer from Penske or U haul and haul it home.

For about 2 minutes I had thought about this, flat bedding my Expedition from Phoenix Arizona back to my PA dealer, over 2,300 miles. However, hindsight is 20/20, this whole event was a slow moving crash, 10 days to even get a transmission tech to diagnose the issue (an SB). How much would it have cost me to haul her across the country (rent a truck and a trailer)? No clue, $1,000? $2,000? When I was told 4-5 weeks for warranty replacement, I was already tired and done.

Should I have to haul a truck with a known manufacturer issue to my dealer 2,000+ miles for a fix or should Ford care more for their customers?

 

[Fastcar]

For about 2 minutes I had thought about this, flat bedding my Expedition from Phoenix Arizona back to my PA dealer, over 2,300 miles. However, hindsight is 20/20, this whole event was a slow moving crash, 10 days to even get a transmission tech to diagnose the issue (an SB). How much would it have cost me to haul her across the country (rent a truck and a trailer)? No clue, $1,000? $2,000? When I was told 4-5 weeks for warranty replacement, I was already tired and done.

Should I have to haul a truck with a known manufacturer issue to my dealer 2,000+ miles for a fix or should Ford care more for their customers?

In a perfect world we wouldn't be having this conversation. I'm lucky I guess I have had nothing but fantastic service from my dealer. I have been dealing with the same service manager for about 20 years. The owner does not hire idiots, he takes care of his employees, most have been with him for 10+ years which unheard of. I know my dealer is an exception and I'm aware that most suck. It is what it is. So, it is worth it to me to do what it takes to lessen the pain.

 

[D__J]

In a perfect world we wouldn't be having this conversation. I'm lucky I guess I have had nothing but fantastic service from my dealer. I have been dealing with the same service manager for about 20 years. The owner does not hire idiots, he takes care of his employees, most have been with him for 10+ years which unheard of. I know my dealer is an exception and I'm aware that most suck. It is what it is. So, it is worth it to me to do what it takes to lessen the pain.

Same here, my dealer has great people, I like my salesman too, working with them 10-12 years. They don't make the truck. Ford needs to solve this issue of warranty breakdowns thousands of miles from home, since they are building in the failures, or whatever they want to call it, they know their trucks fail early, so help the customers by fixing the trucks without delay instead of predatory dealers taking advantage of the poor mechanical components with 4-5 weeks to fix.

 

[D__J]

Interesting review:

Should You Buy a 2025 Ford Expedition? Thorough Review By A Mechanic

A Mechanic Reviews the 2025 Ford Expedition. Should You Buy One?In this video we take a look at the latest Ford Expedition. We start with a proper technical ...

youtu.be

 

[GlennSullivan]

Interesting review:

Should You Buy a 2025 Ford Expedition? Thorough Review By A Mechanic

A Mechanic Reviews the 2025 Ford Expedition. Should You Buy One?In this video we take a look at the latest Ford Expedition. We start with a proper technical ...

youtu.be

OMG, what is that bar going across the cargo area, making the flat loading floor, not a flat loading floor?

 

[Fastcar]

The reach into the cargo area with the tailgate down is a deal killer for me. I'm to friggin' old to be crawling into it to reach something. The wife isn't going to like it one bit.

My wife just walked in and watched the vid. Her remark was "are they out of their minds?"" We are keeping the Stealth for a long time." So, FMC missed the mark with us.

 

[D__J]

I agree with you guys. Looks like Ford is incompetent or just didn't care, like a bump across the cargo area or poorly designed elements throughout the truck. That video is an eye opener!

I have decided that I ethically cannot give Ford any more money. The video is the 1st time I'm hearing about GM/Ford transmission joint venture, I admit I'm not up on everything - I'm just a consumer, however, this transmission issue is going on for at least 5 years and Ford, using the same failing transmission for 1 single year, let alone 5 years, is negligence at best, truly incompetence and a total lack of concern for drivers, a disregard for their customers. I just cannot give them my hard earned money again.

My wife is looking to replace her Escape with either the reliable RAV4 or look at Toyota's next FJ. I will seriously look at the Sequoia, I'll need to remove the rear seats for the room I need and build a platform over that moronic battery (but now Ford has a bump in the cargo area!); however, both Toyotas will clearly outlive any Ford - especially after watching the video and the cheapness and junk Ford uses in its newest Expedition. Over the next 5-10 years Ford will lose >$300,000 from me walking way. A drop in the bucket, but I know I'm not the only one dropping Ford.

Buying from Ford again is like repeatedly hitting one's self with a hammer.

 

[D__J]

OMG, what is that bar going across the cargo area, making the flat loading floor, not a flat loading floor?

That's exactly what I thought. Made me conclude I must drop Ford.

Did you see his remarks about the transmission?

 

[D__J]

The reach into the cargo area with the tailgate down is a deal killer for me. I'm to friggin' old to be crawling into it to reach something. The wife isn't going to like it one bit.

My wife just walked in and watched the vid. Her remark was "are they out of their minds?"" We are keeping the Stealth for a long time." So, FMC missed the mark with us.

100% agree, missed the mark.

 

[SilverStealth]

My wife is looking to replace her Escape with either the reliable RAV4 or look at Toyota's next FJ. I will seriously look at the Sequoia, I'll need to remove the rear seats for the room I need and build a platform over that moronic battery (but now Ford has a bump in the cargo area!); however, both Toyotas will clearly outlive any Ford - especially after watching the video and the cheapness and junk Ford uses in its newest Expedition. Over the next 5-10 years Ford will lose >$300,000 from me walking way. A drop in the bucket, but I know I'm not the only one dropping Ford.

Buying from Ford again is like repeatedly hitting one's self with a hammer.

I wouldn't be so sure about Toyota post-pandemic. The materials and build quality just don't match their reputation. Heck, none of the manufacturers do. We bought a Grand Highlander and quickly sold it to get the Expedition. The [Toyota's] plastic interior was thin and felt weak. It made strange noises that none of our mechanics could explain. We were early adopters so there were NUMEROUS recalls. So far, the Expedition has been ok. Is it work $80k? No way! Take a look at the roof sometime. The fact that they left the pinch welds visible is downright lazy design/construction. My fingers are crossed for the Expy to last, but Im not holding my breath. Modern vehicles are just built to fail.

 

[D__J]

I wouldn't be so sure about Toyota post-pandemic. The materials and build quality just don't match their reputation. Heck, none of the manufacturers do. We bought a Grand Highlander and quickly sold it to get the Expedition. The [Toyota's] plastic interior was thin and felt weak. It made strange noises that none of our mechanics could explain. We were early adopters so there were NUMEROUS recalls. So far, the Expedition has been ok. Is it work $80k? No way! Take a look at the roof sometime. The fact that they left the pinch welds visible is downright lazy design/construction. My fingers are crossed for the Expy to last, but Im not holding my breath. Modern vehicles are just built to fail.

I hear you, but did you watch the video of the 2025? Toyota is much better built.

Ethically and morally Ford does not deserve another dime because they know the transmission issues are not fixed and they keep selling the same. That can make for an excellent class action; I'm sure discovery would reveal countless internal emails lamenting the crisis of warranty costs and the same issues repeated year after year.

 

[Fastcar]

I hear you, but did you watch the video of the 2025? Toyota is much better built.

Ethically and morally Ford does not deserve another dime because they know the transmission issues are not fixed and they keep selling the same. That can make for an excellent class action; I'm sure discovery would reveal countless internal emails lamenting the crisis of warranty costs and the same issues repeated year after year.

I agree with SilverStealth totally. I bought a Highlander in 2021. It was garbage. I had it for 3 months and dumped it and bought a KR. While we are talking Toys, I remember in the past few weeks about a pretty massive recall on engines. ymmv

 

[D__J]

GM is going to Next Gen for their faulty valve body replacements; looks positive for me for a Surburban! Got to check it out.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2025/08/next-gen-gm-valve-body-now-arriving-at-dealers/amp/

Not going to be a ******* and buy from Ford again.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

GM is going to Next Gen for their faulty valve body replacements; looks positive for me for a Surburban! Got to check it out.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/2025/08/next-gen-gm-valve-body-now-arriving-at-dealers/amp/

Not going to be a ******* and buy from Ford again.

Good luck.

I dumped my Ford Expedition and bought a new Tahoe Premier 4WD. Very nice vehicle.

You’ll like a Suburban.