More problems for Ford–Paint Defects in 2000-2005 models
Ford Service Bulletin Shows Paint Defect on Many 2000-05 Models
Ford has issued a Technical Service Bulletin that shows a major paint defect in many large 2000-05 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars, trucks and SUVs that used aluminum body parts (hoods and fenders) to reduce vehicle weight. Affected models are the 2000-04 Crown Victoria, Taurus, Expedition, F-150, Ranger; Mercury Grand Marquis, Sable; Lincoln LS, Town Car Navigator and the 2000-05 Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer.
According to the TSB, “Some vehicles may exhibit a bubbling or blistering under the paint on aluminum body parts. This is due to iron contamination of the aluminum panel. . . . Ford’s Scientific Research Laboratory has performed a number of tests on vehicle body parts returned for corrosion related concerns. Testing has revealed that the aluminum corrosion was caused by iron particles working their way into the aluminum body part, prior to it being painted.”
CAS Executive Director Clarence Ditlow said:
“This is a very expensive defect to remedy. The TSB requires “extreme care to be taken” including special tools and segregated work areas to remove the corrosion by blasting, repriming and repainting. This repair is so difficult that CAS recommends the best fix is to replace the corroded part with a primed steel part and paint it. Ford cannot guarantee this repair will eliminate all the iron corrosion or prevent other areas from bubbling or blistering in the future.”
Popularity: 100% [?]
October 5th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
I have a 2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer, my paint is bubbling on the tail gate and under the hood. I have tried to deal with Ford in this matter with no results. I keep getting form letters saying they will check into it. The local dealer stated this indeed is a factory defect. What can I do? I have sent certified letters to the President and Board of Directors, still no results.
October 6th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
I have a 2003 Ford escape with paint flaking off of the roof behind the sunroof. Has anybody else had this problem?
October 8th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
I strongly suggest both of you visit the defects and recalls database at the Nathional Hiighway Traffic and Safety Adminsitration website, http://www.nhtsa.gov. You can enter your year, make and model to read about consumer complaints. The database also provides a great deal of information on technical service bulletins.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:30 pm
I have a 2003 Expedition which has paint bubbles appearing since 2005 and only worsened with time. I attended a couple Ford dealers who would not stand up to the plate and do repairs unless I paid. I will be paying for this but at the same time our domestic auto makers should not wonder why more and more people are switching to better built and more reliable forgein automobiles!!! Who will pay at the end???
December 9th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
We have a 2003 Ford Escape XLS, with paint continueing to peel off on the rear hatch, left and right sides, below the window, since 68.000 km.Even with our extended 6 year, 120,000 km. warrenty, the dealer basically stated “Not our problem” , and gave us two body shops to get quotes. Those quotes were $587.00 and $644.00.! That’s the first and last Ford vehicle we will ever purchase. So much for customer satisfaction!
December 18th, 2007 at 10:57 am
I have a 2003 Ford Escape XLS; I also have the problem with the paint continuing to peel off the SUV, my passenger door, the deck lid, the roof and under the hood.
I contacted Fords main headquarters in MI and they told me the same thing that it was not there problem because a recall or not enough complaints have been filed to address this issue and one thing that surprises me is that everywhere I look I find that many people are having the same problem with there vehicle.
I took my SUV in to Gary Crossly Ford while still under warranty to have the recalls fixed but I had them also look at the paint job from the Body Service Manager and had him put it in writing to what the problem might be and his response was that there was a bad adhesive applied before the paint was applied.
I took and contacted http://www.modot.com to file a complaint with them to pass it onto Ford Motor Company, and you can contact them to with your state abbreviation before the word dot in the web address and it will take you to your states. I suggest that you all go to this web-site and file yours and this will get Ford off there lazy butts to get something done about this issue before we have no vehicle left.
December 18th, 2007 at 11:29 am
I have found out from Ford Motor Company just right after posting my first blog to contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673 and give them the feed back about your Ford Escape SUV paint peeling to make them aware of the problem.
January 20th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I have had paint ‘chipping’ off of the hood of my ‘03 Escape XLT since it was apprx. 18 mo. old. I thought at first it was me…..maybe I had gotten hit by debris when driving (as I drive alot)….but then I noticed it’s just the hood, not any of the front quarter panels. I have also been having trouble with the gauges ‘haywiring’ and the ABS & airbag lights intermittently go on & stay on.
January 20th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
2003 Ford Escape paint peeling off….nothing more I can add that has not been said but I am posting everywhere. Fords first response to me was “what do you want us to do about it”. I went ahead and fixed it and low and behold it is happening again not on the roof of the vehicle.
Anyone get any relief?
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
2001 Mercury Marquis/ the car has paint peeling, blistering, bubbling + rust above drivers side rear door towards the rear window. Ford/Mercury dealership response is the warranty on paint is beyond the time allowance. Unfortunately for me the last heavy rain storm took off a sizable chunk of paint from the rear side window to the rear window.
Help!!!!
February 28th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I filed a complaint with the BBB after receiving no satisfaction from Ford. My car is currently being painted. The whole roof - front to back and I think more. I paid $300 for the repair of the liftgate door and received no reimbursement but I am happy that I got some relief. Go to BBB and file a complain in the auto section.
February 28th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Same problem with 2003 Escape (Ash Gold paint color). This started this winter with some little flakes on the hood. Now there is a big bubble on the tailgate. Is there any kind of quick-fix to slow down the damage????
February 29th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Our 2003 Ford Explorer started bubbling under the paint on the hood (front) and first thought it would be because of the heat, but now I come to understand the cause. All people having the same problem should call Ford Motor Company and complain until problem is fixed. Now that bubbling part has chipped off, not pretty!
March 1st, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I have a 1999 ford f-150 that started to rust at the bottom of the inside panels, took it back to a ford dealer in 2003 and they repainted them and a couple years later they started doing the same thing and I took it back and the dealer said it was my problem now! there must have been a problem from the beginning or they would not have painted it the first time?? but the rest of the body has no rust except under the doors and it looks awfull. I have always been a ford truck man but I think next year I will change to a TOYOTA truck. Does any body else have a 1999 truck with the same problem? Please let me know…
March 5th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I also have a 2003 Ford Escape.
The paint is pealing off the right rear hatch under the window and extensively off my roof.
Once I noticed, I was kind of annoyed and let down, since I figured it was due to the heat or my mileage.
I went to get my ABS recall fixed and asked if they had time to check out the paint damage. The body shop manager told me he had never seen anything like this in his 14 years with Ford.
I did call and complain. They asked me “What would you like Ford to do about this problem?”
I made it clear that I wanted Ford to pay some of the cost, if not all of the cost, since it was clearly a defect.
I did get Ford to cover about half the costs to repair the paint.
If that helps anyone.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:21 am
I have a 2001 Ford Escape with pealing paint on the roof, hood, and roof racks. Has anyone else had this problem with 2001? I have a estmate from a body shop of $3000.00 to repaint. Plus it will take 2 weeks to repaint it since it’s color mis black. No help from Ford.
March 9th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Have a 2004 Expedition and noticed paint starting to bubble near Rear upper tailight at about 60,000 KM. Now at 91,000 Km the paint is now flaking off leaving the bare metal near the rear upper brake light and all around the liscense plate. Spoke to local dealer regarding this problem, and said fix would be at my cost, even though I purchased the extra ESP warranty. Will probably have to take them to court to recover costs on this. Purchase of another Ford Product is probably not going to happen as this seems to be a long standing issue here.
March 17th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
How can a vehicle this expensive have a paint issue such as this at such an early age?!
I have paint blistering on the hood and tailgate. I wash the car at least once a week plus wax it a couple times a year. For this to happen is unacceptable.
Ford needs to make this right ASAP!
March 17th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Have a 2004 Expedition with 66k miles. Discovered paint blistering on tailgate at ~30K but figured Ford would deny liability until there was actual perforation in the metal. Now that it is on the verge of perforating through the paint, the Ford dealership tells me it is not coverd under the corrosion warranty because it is made of aluminum thus cannot rust. Therefore, they claim, it is a paint defect and was only covered for 3y/36m.
March 21st, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Have a 2005 Ford Escape with 50K miles that is blistering on the hood. Been washed and waxed regularly. I plan to file complaints with NHTSA and Ford, for whatever good it will do.
March 26th, 2008 at 1:01 am
ford had a problem with several veh lines rusting at the seams. they had a multi-page bulletin that seemed to have ended in 2004.the bulletin originally came out in 2001,but has since disapeared. i’ve been trying to bring it up for the last several weeks.”talk about covering your tracks” it covered the corrosion problems in detail,including the warranty coverage. the doors had to be taken apart and a new sealer installed,and possible door/skin replacement
March 30th, 2008 at 4:08 am
2 months ago I bought a 2001 Sable (white) from my employer now the pain is starting to peel on the hood started as a nick than the size of a quarter now 4x 7 inches. I took it to a body shop and they want $400.00 to fix the hood. What about a decal of sorts to cover the whole hood?
March 31st, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Greetings, By my stupidity, I bought A 2001 windstar van and picked it up today. it had a bad spot on the hood and I had them repaint it, but I did not realize until I got home and crawled on the roof and seen the peeled paint. Called the dealer and guess what, I am screwed again. Never buy a ford !!!! I have a 1989 toyota pickup with a great factory paint job.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I noticed tonight while washing my wife’s 2005 Explorer with a water hose that paint is peeling off in huge spots between the luggage racks in the dimples of the roof. Has anyone else had this problem?
April 6th, 2008 at 6:26 am
I too have a 2003 Exployer and have the bubbling paint on the passenger side of the hood, right where you would open the hood up. It started last year. It bubbled and the paint came off and the undercoat is showing, with bubbles under that. This is about a foot and a half long. I sure will call that number. THANKS!
April 9th, 2008 at 10:15 am
We have a 2003 Ford Explorer. The clear coat finish is peeling off all four exterior door trims (moldings) as well as the tailgate trim. We have written 2 letters so far to Ford (both denied) and are in the process of writing a 3rd. Nearly every black Ford Explorer or Expedition that we see in parking lots have the same problem. I can’t believe that Ford does not recognize this as a defect.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I have a 2003 Ford Escape and I too have had a problem with the paint pealing on the rear hatch below the window and now it has started on the hood. I called a local dealership and they denied it as a defect. Please let me know who can I call to get this resolved. I love my car, I have been very happy with it other than this issue.
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I have a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer. Last month I noticed that the roof of the suv between the luggage racks on almost all the sections on the roof, the paint is chipped and already beginning to rust in all of those spaces. I am worried and know that it will only continue to get worse and still have a few years to pay on this mistake of getting into another ford.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
I HAVE A 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER. MY ROOF
AREA AROUND THE LUGGAGE RACK HAS BUBBLED
AND STARTED FLAKING OFF MOVING ABOUT A FOOT
DOWN THE ROOF IN TWO PLACES.
MY BACK PANEL BELOW MY BACK WINDOW CRACKED
AROUND THE MERCURY INSIGNIA. I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY VEHICLES AND I JUST CAN’T BELIEVE THIS HAS
HAPPEN. FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD ME ITS
WARRANTY ONLY COVERS 3 YEARS OR 36 THOUSAND
MILES. THAT NOT A VERY GOOD WARRANTY FOR THEIR
PAINT JOBS ON A SOMEWHAT NEW VEHICLE.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:25 am
2005 Expedition, paint is bubbling on the tailgate around the license plate and along the whole front of the hood.
May 30th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
I have a 2000 Mercury Sable. Paint started peeling off in 2007. Now huge patches are missing all over. I have seen the TB ford released about the paint problems they had with my make and year being listed. I just am not sure what to do at this point. It sounds like I won’t get anywhere with them.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I have a 96′ ford explorer limited. The paint has faded away in between the doors (4 door) and where the back hatch meets the rest of the vehicle. It has faded to white/ grey in parts and i think that it is ridiculous that ford does not think that this is a defect and says it is caused by the “sun”. I have never heard of a vehicle that has done this before and think that it is absolutly pathetic that ford does not acknoledge the complaints that their customers have………
June 9th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Our 2004 Ford Explorer has peeling paint on the roof. Apparently this is a common problem with Ford vehicles.
June 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
i have a 2005 expedition and also have several bubbling spots on the tailgate. from what i am reading, sounds like i better get over it quickly cause no one is going to help. anyone get any help???
June 10th, 2008 at 7:09 am
The paint on the roof and the hatch of my 2005 explorer is blistering and chipping away in large sections around the luggage rack. I took it to my dealer with 36137miles and they said they would not cover it because I was 137 miles over my warranty. They did turn it over to their district manager that works throughout the state of Illinois. She said they would cover 70% leaving me with a balance of $511.00. I refuse to pay money to put my 3 year old car in the condition that it should be in. I am in the process of filing a complaint with the BBB.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
My 2005 Ford Explorer has peeling paint on the roof. There has been at least two news casts about this problem in Northern California. I wonder if anything will be done about this?
June 17th, 2008 at 6:26 am
I bought a new 2005 Ford Explorer XLT which has about 42,000 miles on it when I noticed what I thought was rust on the edge of the front hood. I called the dealership and they knew what it was. I went in to get a written estimate and the girl at the desk said they they would only give a verbal estimate, contrary to the posted sign about estimates.
They offer paying 50 %, I asked them to see what more they can do. Does anyone know if there is a class action suit on this anywhere?
June 17th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
2005 explorer about 2 months out of the standard warranty with about 35,000 miles, washed & waxed regularly and kept in garage when not used. Paint bubbling / peeling off from roof in front. The other place I noticed this is on the top edge of the hatch has paint chipping off.
Not expecting Ford to want to help me with this but will NEVER buy another Ford again - ever. Going to call them now. I can’t wait for the run around that I’m about to get.
If you are doing your homework on fords and reading this, don’t waste your time with Ford. It may seem like you are getting a great value. Maybe 10 years ago you might have but currently they are not looking too good with these types of reports. Do more homework then buy a Honda or some other brand with a good reputation for quality.
Brian
June 19th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
I have a 2002 Ford Explorer and the paint on the luggage rack on the top is completely chipped off, and the paint on the side of the front driver and front passanger doors is completely faded as well. I bought this truck from a very good friend and she had always parked in the garage, so i know its not from the sun. FORD SUCKS DO NOT BUY! THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM!
June 21st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I have a 2001 ford explorer sports trac and my hood and roof are pealing and cracking. has anyone had help yet?
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I purchased 2005 Ford Expedition, paint is bubbling around the lift mechanism on rear hatch and continuing to get worse. Has anyone had any success in Canada to get Ford to repair this defect.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Hi, It’s me # 37 above, 2005 Ford Explorer recently out of warranty. I just wanted to let you know that I got a sales call from Ford trying to sell me a new vehicle.T he person who answered the phone was much kinder than I would have been, but explained that I was being asked to pay 40% of the repairs for a factory defect identified in a technical bulletin. The salesperson seemed to understand and couldn’t get off the phone fast enough.
You may want to contact the Ford sales departments and let them know why you would not buy a new Ford so that the pain is felt full circle.
Just a thought.
June 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Best thing you can do to affect them is to notify Ford that you are going to go out of your way to tell your friends and family how much you dislike Ford and why. They likely will not do anything but reputation is everything (whether they realize it or not). And if they are consistent with their quality I’m sure that they will have a lot of trouble getting people to consider Ford as their next new vehicle.
I will never buy another Ford again. I love the vehicles themselves but when there is an issue you are own your own pretty much. I know I still have my fan making that same noise that for some reason they could not reproduce and fix while it was under warranty.
And about the whole service thing.. their service is awful. And I have been to 5 different dealers. I don’t even want to get to know the quality of the service either. I want something that works.
Brian
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Entire roof of 2003 Ford Excursion has paint peeled down to bare (although rusted at this point) metal. Huge chucks peeled away.
July 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I have a 2007 with 24,000 miles and the paint is peeling on the hood, the tailgate, and the front passenger quarter panel.
July 5th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I have a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT. I was washing it today and realized for the first time that the paint is peeling off in huge chips on the roof. All along the demples of the roof. I am going to call Ford, but based on what I’ve been reading, it doesn’t sound like they are going to be much help.
July 12th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I have a 2003 Ford Escape Limited that has had paint peeling for over 2 years. Ford will not do anything about it….My grandfather who has worked for Ford all his life says its a defect with the Primer…Ford should fix it…but of course as mentioned above Ford will not pay to fix it. The paint is peeling on the hood in two spots on the roof right in front of the sunroof and also just started bubbling on the back next to the handle. I will NEVER buy a Ford again and am sure to let everyone who asks and who doesn’t ask how dissatisfied I am with this company. Maybe foreign is better, at least the paint doesn’t peel.
July 13th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I to have a 2005 Ford Eddie Bauer Explorer 4×4, and I was washing it and spraying the soap off the roof and realized that the paint is peeling off in huge chips on the roof. All along the demples of the roof like if it was dirt. WTF!!!!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I have a 2005 Ford F-150 with 25k miles. The paint initially started peeling off of the interior tailgate. A few pictures were taken by the local dealership who stated there was a problem with the paint process for it to be doing this. When our complaint was submitted to Ford’s JOKE for customer service, the claim was denied. The person I spoke with at the 1-800 number said that the claim requested Ford to repair paint damage at sites where there were dents and scratches!!!!!! He would not tell me WHO this opinion came from but we don’t have any dents and only two scratches, which are NOT peeling at this time. I was further told that once a claim is denied, there is no further recourse. Where is that class action thing when you need it??
July 14th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I too have a 2003 Ford Expedition. When I bought the vehicle used 3 years ago with only 26,000 miles on it I noticed the paint, but I figured something happened with the previous owner. I had NO idea that this was a defect. I found that out today at a Ford Body Shop. The cost is $618 to fix the tailgate. I haven’t even inspected the rest of the truck. I like it other than that. Will call the # and probably file a complaint with the BBB. Thanks for the tips. This was very helpful!
July 21st, 2008 at 9:43 am
I also have a 2003 Ford Explorer. The paint started to peel about 2 months ago. Just a very tiny spot on the roof. I thought a rock or something hit it. I have not driven the vehicle since the spot was found. The peel has now grown to about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide. The vehcile has not been on the road in 2 months so I know I am not the cause. I contacted my local dealership, they did not even take time to look at it. I also called the customer care line at Ford. No help there either. I am currently dealing with another dealership who may help. I am positive this wil be the last Ford I buy.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:20 pm
I have a 2005 Ford explorer, with only 39,100 miles on it. Less than 3 years old…… First time I attached anything to the luggage rack, and to my dismay, I can see metal up top of my roof. ALL the paint on the indentions is starting to peel. Have not had this car 3 years, and Ford is saying it’s not their problem. One guy at the dealer said, man, that’s not right-got me to the service manager, who then told me they can’t do a thing for me. I won’t let this die down……Ford has had paint problems for years, something to do with the clear coat finish that they use, and they refuse to rectify??
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Have 2005 Explorer XLS - paint is stripping away on the roof near the front and rear - I’m starting the process to try to get for to pay something - is only just out of warranty. Wouldn’t have noticed except for a little accident and then we got up there and saw the paint stripped to the metal!
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
We own a 2003 Ford Escape with light gold/beige paint that has begun to peel off in large sheets on several areas/panels of the vehicle. There is no obvious cause, and the vehicle has not been subjected to any unusual environmental or chemical hazards.
Dealer & Ford Motor say there are no recalls, service bulletins, or other actions to cover this, and that given the age and mileage there is nothing they can do.
A quick internet search reveals hundreds of other complaints for the same problem, same model/year, and same color, with similar descriptions of the damage and the response from Ford.
This is an obvious flaw that Ford shown own up to.
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
We have a 2005 Limited Expedition that is now starting to corrode on the tailgate. We’re told it is not covered under the 60 month rust or the unlimited mileage for corrosion because the panel is not “perforated”. Paint is bubbling above the molding around the lift mechanism. From reading all of the above as well as talking to our local dealers, this seems to be a common occurrence but has yet to be deemed a “recall”.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
We have a 2004 Explorer. My husband mentioned to me that the paint was peeling off the top and that the roof was rusting. I was actually standing on my front porch yesterday and was amazed at the amount of paint that had peeled off and rust that was there. I am definitely going to be calling the number left by #7 Donnie!
July 30th, 2008 at 1:51 am
I own a 2000 Eddie Bauer expedition. The color is the black with gold trim. I am the second owner of the vehicle and the previous owner wax and wash the vehicle and maintained it to perfection. The finish on the car was beautiful. I continued the care but this past winter I noticed when I was hanging xmas lights on my home that the roof was peeling off. I took it to the body shop and the inspected it and told me that ford would have to be responsible since it was something in the primer that it did not adhere to the body of the car. The paint is exploding off my car. I contacted ford went to the dealership and got the same answers as some of you that not enough of people have complained or it was out of warranty. I will also contact the bbb this is not fare especially when the car has been taken care of.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I also have a 2003 Ford Escape with paint pealing problems. The roof & back started pealing in the summer of 2007 (out of warranty) but the dealership & their Ford rep repainted the top & back covering most of the cost & me paying for the rest (believe it was 2/3’s & 1/3). This year the hood is starting to peal and their paint repair from last year is pealing again. Just called the Ford consumer line & will take it to the dealer next. However, I’m not expecting much from them. Its looking like Ford needs a lawsuit.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I have called the number posted in #7 and visited a local Ford dealer. The service manager looked at my peeling roof and said that it was not under warranty, which I knew. He said that he’d contact Ford about my problem, but he did not think there was anything he could do about it. He said the price that I got for the repainting was a really good one and that I should take it. I said that it may be a good price, but it’s $600 that I don’t think I should have to pay. Today I called Ford again. The service person looked up my information and said that he’d call again next week after he researched possibilities of Ford helping me with the paint job, but I’m not very optimistic.
August 27th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I have a 2004 Explorer and just noticed today that the paint in between the luggage racks in the dimples of the roof is coming off
and after looking at it closely it appears more may come off. This is ridiculous, the Ford company should have to recall all of these vehicles
that have faulty paint and fix, at no cost to the consumer/owner.
Ford has definantly lost my business. If a company can not stand by their product, people should not buy from the company. I am undoubtedly going to touch-up my roof spots and trade in on a Toyota
or a Chevy, as soon as possible. Someone should hire a lawyer and take the Ford Company to court over this. This really ticks me off.
I will be sure to let everyone I know……..do not buy a Ford…..because the company will not stand by it’s product.
August 28th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Our 2003 EB Expedition has the bubbling paint around the plastic fitting for the license plate light. 90% of the used Expeditions on a local Ford dealer lot have this issue. This should be a recall.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:03 am
I have taken my Explorer to my Ford dealer, who said he could not help me with having the roof re-painted. I then called Ford again. Several days later Ford called back, saying that the company had not received enough complaints about the problem to consider a recall. I urge anyone with the paint-peeling problem to call Ford and go through the motions. It may do no good, but if enough of us complain, maybe something will happen.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:20 am
My 2003 Ford Escape LTD with gold ash paint has had the same problems everyone is talking about. Mine started in Feb 2007 with the hatch back … peeling around the window then within a week the whole back hatch. It was out of warranty of course but my dealer got Ford to pay for about half. Well now .. here we go again .. this time on the roof at the windshield line. Took it to my dealer yesterday .. we’ll see what happens this time. Ford needs to correct this problem .. it’s ridiculous!!!
September 6th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I have a 200 Ford Exdepition with the clear coat on the hood flaking off. If it matters, the paint color is gold. It started about a year ago with small bubbles, they would grow when it rained then flake off. Some flakes are larger than 4″ x 4″. More than 60% of the clear coat is now peeled off of my hood. I really like the vehicle, but it is aweful looking. Shame on Ford! I’m 40 years old and have never owned other than American vehicles. That will change when I trade in the 3 that I’ve got.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Ford is not acknowledging any responsibility in the total paint failure of my 2003 Ford Excursion. They say it is outside the normal warranty. A total paint failure is not normal. Is there anything that can be done to get them to stand up for their poor engineering and manufacturing?
September 8th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I have a 2004 F-150 Lariat. I am the second owner, until now the truck has been in showroom condition. I have paint bubbling and peeling around the gas cap cover and the roof. I haven’t called Ford yet, but I see it probably won’t help. What a shame! I bought American this time to support an American Company and fellow American citizens. Won’t do it again. I had a Toyota truck for 15yrs and aside from standard maintainence, the only repair was a drive belt in its 14yr. Still looked brand new when traded it in. And now we have Ford. These goofballs can’t even get the paint right. Wonder how reliable all the unseen safety features are. Should be a recall
September 9th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
My recently purchased 2005 Explorer has the problem of paint loss in the grooves on the roof. Has anyone found a good solution/fix? Has anyone found any help from Ford? Probably not, so has anyone started the lawsuit? Has any set up a website just for this problem, where we can join forces?
September 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
My wife’s 2003 Escape has recently shed some of its paint on the roof in front of the sun roof. It is starting to rust because the paint including the primer has blistered, come off and bare metal is exposed to the elements. I am going to write letters, contact dealers, contact the BBB, and contact Ford Motor Co. directly to try to resolve the problem. I just bought a new 2008 F-250 from them and was about to trade my wifes car for a new one. I have been a loyal ford customer since 1965 but that will change unless Ford steps up and takes care of this problem. I will post the results of my attempts to get Ford to take care of this.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Well I took my Escape back to the dealer. They measured the paint thickness in several areas. The roof measured very thin - which is where the paint is peeling THIS time. They are trying to help me in getting assistance with Ford on this .. wish me luck!
September 15th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I have a 2004 Ford Explorer with 55,000 miles on it and the paint on the roof of the car is starting to peel and now it just has metal showing. Now I have to get teh car re-painted at my own expense. Crazy right..
September 18th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I have a 2005 explorer and the paint on the roof is chipping it is now rusted. I have been told b/c I have put 70000 mi. on it that it can’t be covered. They told me they would make a note of it and that maybe they will have a different warranty sometime. I guess if you want to have your car covered you need to buy one and sit at home you wouldn’t want to go over your mileage since this has so much to do with they paint job.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I hate to echo #68’s comments but….. exactly the same, car, year and roof, plus the rear hatch at the corners of the window. I have been in touch with the Ford dealership and Ford customer service for 2 YEARS!!
The dealership quoted me a repair for $1100.00 I have requested to meet with the Ford factory rep.(through the dealership) and he will not meet with me or return my calls. My experience with the dealership, Ford Cust. Svc., and the Ford rep.(lack of it) has been a major disappointment. I have 3 fords in my driveway now, but there won’t be another!
Unhappy with Ford in Moncks Corner, SC
September 21st, 2008 at 6:11 am
I too have been having paint problems with my 2003 Ford Escape peeling. It has gotten really bad. What can I do?
September 21st, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I own a 04 Mustang and I am having problems with clearcoat peeling, bubbling and small rusting under the hood where the paint has completley come off.
help
September 24th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Update on my 2003 Ford Escape … Ford is gonna pay 2/3rds of the cost of repainting my roof just as they did when they repainted the hatchback. They’ve had it a week and I’m suppose to pick it up today. My cost .. $230 … guess that’s better than having to pay for all of it. It still upsets me that I’ve had to go through all this anyway .. they should have recalled this like they’ve done other paint problems in the past.
September 26th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I own a 2003 explorer.The paint is peeling from the hood at the front of the vehicle.I took it to the dealer and they would not help.I then took it to a body shop where they happened to have their company metallurgy expert on site. He said that the aluminum was corroding and that was the cause of the problem.He also said that Ford should fix the problem since it should be under a rust warranty.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:33 am
I own a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer and mine to is peeling and chipping and bubbling in many of the same spots! Also, my liftgate cracked too!!
I called Ford and they are not taking any actions to fix this problem at all. We are just screwed! I paid alot of money for this truck and soon it will be nothing but a rust bucket!!! FORD NEEDS TO MAKE THIS A RECALL!!!!
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I own a 2002 Explorer Sport Trac that had paint cracking on the hood, roof and the cowlings (fenders). Ford repainted ONLY because we caught it before the 3 yr warranty was up in 2005. Now the tailgate is doing the same thing and FORD won’t do a thing! Another FORD bad paint job story! We’ll probably contact the BB, but altimately, we’ll be responsible for fixing the bad paint job. Our vehicle is also black. We won’t be buying another FORD either. Why buy a FORD when they don’t stand behind their product and fix this piece of s@#$#t. By the way, back in 2005, there was a bulletin out on this problem. However, they would only repaint the areas that showed the cracking - even though they knew that the WHOLE vehicle needed repainting.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:54 am
I too own a 2003 Ford Escape. First the roof began to peel just above the windshield. Now it’s peeling on the back hatch just below the window, and also on top the roof. I notice everyone else is having the same exact problems. I also had to have have new axles put on. Ford quoted me a price of $1,000 for that problem, and told me I woulden’t be able to find the parts anywhere else. BS!. I got the parts at Advance Auto Parts, and had a local garage fix it for $200. They not only lied to me but was also gonna rip me off by about $800. I like my Fords but not their customer service.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Does anyone know what I could do to get Ford to pay for their paint problem that they seem to be denying??? 2003 Ford Escape
October 10th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I have a 2002 Ford Excursion and the paint on the roof is cracking, blistering and rusting under the blister. Ford of course told me it isn’t their problem because it is over three years old, gee what a surprise! I took the vehicle to the body shop for an estimate and that came to $1,292.00. The body shop said the problem is because of Ford. I’ll ride around with a sign on my Excursion telling the public how bad Ford’s paint is on their vehicles, I wonder if they would like me to park the Excursion by the dealership with the sign on it. I know the economy is bad but it could get really bad for Ford if consumers don’t purchase their vehicles because of the paint problem.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I have the same problem as everyone posting above. I have a 2003 Ford Escape (gold/ash paint). In 2007 paint started separating on either side of hatchback window on the seem. Visually, it was like the fingers of the paint let go…now it is much worse and is spreading and getting bigger. I went to the dealership back when it started happening and they quoted $400 at that time to repaint and the warranty had expired 3 months earlier. I can tell you that I will not buy another Ford again. I will go back to Toyota or other foreign brand…I will seek the advice from above and call Ford, and report on the BBB.
October 13th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I have a 2004 Ford Explorer XLS and the paint is chipping off on the roof of the car in two locations. I am scared to get a car wash fearing more paint will come off. I contacted Ford and they told me that there was noting they could do since it is not covered under any warranty. Please help.
October 15th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Paint is blistering on the front edge of the hood on my 2002 Explorer. Has anyone gotten relief and if so, how?
October 15th, 2008 at 8:28 am
I called Ford’s 800 number and after a detailed discussion they called the service manager at my local dealer. I was told there are currently ‘no programs’ or listed recalls to resolve this problem. Apparently they are not acknowledging this issue.
October 18th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I have a 2000 ford F250 and the paint is completely peeled off the roof and most of the hood! It makes my truck look terrible! They don’t want to build anything that lasts anymore!!!!!
October 19th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I have a 2002 ford taurus and all of a sudden about 6 monthas ago the paint started to blister up and peal off my hood and now the passanger side mirror, has anyone had any luck with ford helping with the problem?
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:25 am
Same problem - 2003 gold Ford Escape with peeling paint on the hatch under the window and on the roof right above the windshield. I took it to a Ford dealer who told me to fight with Ford would be pointless, but my mechanic told me I could pay $1100 to fix it and it will just keep happening. Is it really a waste of time to fight with Ford?
November 4th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I am having the same problem also with my 2005 Ford Explorer. Took it to the dealership and was told it will not be covered as I am over the 36,000 miles. I call the 800 # and am waiting for a reply from them. I am not hopefull though. I also have contacted an attorney that deals in class action law suits and they are checking to see if one has been started or not. I will keep you posted once I have more information on the law suit. It does not appear that one has been started yet.
November 4th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
[...] situation may be like this one: cbs5.com - Document Reveals Ford Knew About Paint Problems More problems for Ford–Paint Defects in 2000-2005 models | Lemon Law Blog If you can find evidence Ford is deliberately covering up paint problems like yours, it could help [...]
November 12th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I have a paint problem on my 2006 Mustang. I took it to the dealer before the 3 yr b to b waranty expired regarding the hood (aluminium) paint blistering. The dealer said that they were familiar with this problem
but had to submit the claim to Ford for authorization. The claim was DENIED! The dealer reffered me to Ford customer service whom explained to me that paint is only covered under warranty for 12,000 miles, period! Ford then reffered me back to my the dealer to “work something out” for a repair. I guess I’m on my own on this. No wonder that nobody is buying their vehicles. I have discovered that there is gasing were the 2 hood panels are bonded together causing the blistering from the white powder created beneath the paint.
November 12th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Same problem. 2005 Mountaineer. Paint is peeling only in the grooves in the roof. Peeling right off exposing the primer. It’s out of warranty, so the Mercury body shop gave me a quote ($472 to repaint the roof). They said since it wasn’t my fault they’d take off 10%. So generous. I called Ford’s 800 number and talked to a lady for a LONG time giving her all of the information. She finally came back and said there’s nothing they can do for me at this time, but keep the receipts. And then she told me that if I’m a veteran or if I know one I can save $500 on a new ‘08 Mercury. Yeah, that’ll happen…
November 14th, 2008 at 8:25 am
I too own a 2003 Ford Escape XLT. First the roof began to peel just above the windshield. Now it’s peeling on the back hatch just below the window, and also on top the roof. While my vehicle was in warranty I contacted my dealership where I purchsed my vehicle and was told that Ford would not stand behind their product. I contacted customer relatiions and was told they would not do anything. I don’t feel this is right and I would like people to contact me as I intend to go to the top and the more people with the same problem the better. I can be contacted at TereWaeiss@yahoo.com
November 14th, 2008 at 11:09 am
This is Lori #89 - Well Ford dealership has offered 50% on repair of the roof of my 2005 Explorer. This is not acceptable in my opinion. Still waiting on Attorney’s to get back with me regarding a Class Action Suit. Will keep you posted.
November 14th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Lori, did you speak to anyone at Kimmel & Silverman regarding your claim?
November 14th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
the paint on the rear bumper of my 2005 taurus started to blister and peel off about a year ago. the dealer told me that the bumper had to have been impacted (even though there was no dent) and that had caused the paint to blister. i paid $566 to have it repainted in june and now the same thing is happening all over again. the dealer says the car must have been impacted again. i can’t believe it.
November 17th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Update on my 2004 Mustang,
more peeling then ever on my car, even the dealers body shop admitted that it was defective paint. But because it was out of warranty they would have to charge for a full paint job. I called Ford directly and they told me the same but said what a great time to buy a new car!! I will never buy a Ford car again. There paint is so bad that I am going to have to go independent to get my cat looking great again. The car runs great because I have babied it and really took care of it. But if not for that I don’t know.
The Dealer sure didn’t want to deal with me, avoidance was the term I would use to best describe Ullman Motors owner in Washington State. The whole thing is unbelievable and with a big BUYER BEWARE FOR MUSTANGS OF 2004 AND UP. I have been on other sites that are devoted to Mustangs and the owners of 05,06,07’s are having the same problems.
Q