I wrote Ford a email about the spark plug issue, and all I got was a form response.

My email-
I'm writing about the 2006 F-150 dealership tune up cost.I purchased a 2006 F-150 XLT in February 2011. I love this truck, but am shocked at the price of a tune up. I have joined the F150 forum and have learned this is a known issue with the plugs breaking off. I have heard a tune up could cost as much as $1500.00 since Ford must know of this issue, are there any plans for a recall? I don't mind paying for the normal tune up cost but feel if the plugs break by a Ford certified mechanic, I shouldn't have to pay extra. If Ford is unaware of this problem, just Google "ford F-150 tune up" and read all the nightmare stories.I have been a Ford customer all my life and would like to think Ford would treat customers right with a known spark plug issue. I like to buy American made vehicles, but this tune up nightmare is ridiculus. Does anyone at Ford care about us loyal customers? I even bought the Ford ESP, but it won't cover this.

Ford form response-
Dear John,

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company. I am Wency from Ford Customer Relationship Center and I had the opportunity to read your letter regarding the tune up issue on your 2006 Ford F-150 XLT. I am very sorry for the inconvenience it has caused you and I clearly understand where your frustration is coming from.

After reviewing my resources, I see that there are no factory warranties or programs in effect on your vehicle that would provide financial assistance for your current concern. I recommend that if you keep your repair receipts in case Ford initiates a recall or Customer Satisfaction Program in the future based on customer feedback or further engineering review of similar complaints.

Ford and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) work together to proactively identify areas of concern through investigation of consumer and dealer feedback. During an investigation Ford co-operates fully with NHTSA. Ford does not speculate on the outcome of any current investigation or future actions. Due to our rigorous safety standards and constant testing, not all issues result in recall or Customer Satisfaction Programs. If a program is announced on a specific component, Ford will notify you by mail. Should you receive a letter we suggest you contact your selling dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

We appreciate you taking the time to make us aware of this issue. Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company.

Sincerely,
Wency
Customer Relationship Center


I would have thought they would provide something besides a standard response? All they would have to do is Google and see its a major expense for loyal Ford customers???

 

That's called BIG BUSINESS(greed) and we the people(little) don't make a ripple in the waters of big business, only thing you and us/we can do is not buy anymore Ford products!
I've bought my last one..........
Toyota makes a very nice truck!, and that's not saying that Toyota cares about us either it's just another place to spend your hard earned money!

 

Just pisses me off that they know of this problem but because it's not a "safety" problem, nothing will be done. My wife owns a 2003 Explorer and the plastic trim under the back window cracked - we take care of it too. 99% of the Explorers we see that have that plastic piece are cracked. They must know of that since they soon got rid of that plastic piece. They know they have problems but stick it to us to pay for repairs. What really pisses me off is the wide difference in prices that dealership charge for a tune up regardless if plug break and if they do it's gonna cost us more. This is why Japanese vehicles are #1

 

While they are aware of the issue, they are not violating any "safety" issue, and therefore are not forced to recall the trucks due to spark plug breakage. While I agree with all of you (and my reason for not buying a 5.4 equipped truck), Ford is not under any obligation to repair this defect. It was a good try on your part to send a letter/email, unfortunately it only frustrated you with their response.

 

I think the main frustration that the OP has is that Ford is fully aware of the issue because when you call them about a plug change they tell you up front it will cost $x plus $y per broken plug.

The frustrating part is that they are charging such a high rate for them breaking plugs. If there was a vehicle with no known spark plug issue and they broke one they wouldn't charge as much if anything at all for what would be considered their mistake.

My wife has an 06 Expedition and the paint on the rear gate is bubbling and flaking off. Nearly every Expy in that body style that I see has the same paint issue. I am starting to think that is how Ford has managed to keep their bottom line without gubmint bailout money. They put out a mistake and refuse to fix it or even acknowledge it.

 

If only we could get every member from the forum to email them haha. It's just another one of those things where you have to spend more money. Kinda like when you have to have a special tool to remove a certain part that you have to buy from ford. I personally think if ford knows about the problem then they should fix it. I hate to say it but this is the last ford truck I will probably ever buy...

 

Thats fine and dandy but don't think the other truck manufacturers are not doing the same thing....chevy and dodge are worse than ford

 

thats ****ty business practice! That's why Japanese vehicles are #1. It's not a safety issue, it's a keeping your customer happy issue plus it's just the right thing to do. My mother drives a Lexus and let me tell you, Lexus bends over backwards to make their customers happy. Years ago when the tire were prematurely blowing, they replaced hers free before anything happened-didn't have to, but did it , plus any service from a oil change gets the car washed for free. This equals a Lexus customer for life. You get what you pay for huh?

 

1500!!!! HOLY, I work in a dealer, and I charge 700-900 If I break all 8 plugs, Try a differnt Ford dealer. If you get a really good ECC tech they can get all the plugs out without breaking them.

 

When I used to do body work for a dealer every used Explorer that came in had to have that replaced.