- Report: #1186
Complaint Review: Ford Motor Company - Dearborn Michigan
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Ford Motor Company
Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A.
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RV Warranty Not Worth the Paper It's Written On
On June 1, 1999, after recently retiring, my wife and I purchased a 1999 Pace Arrow Vision from K & C RV, Inc. in Longmont, CO. We had looked for an RV for over three years and our decision to buy the top of the line gasoline model hoping for quality was not a snap decision.
Almost immediately we noticed the RV seemed sluggish when first beginning to move but not being familiar with this type of vehicle we thought perhaps it was the nature of the "beast".
Well, to make a long story short, the condition worsened until at times it would not go into gear at all. The first part of August we made an appointment to take the RV to the nearest authorized repair shop on August 18. They had the RV in their shop from August 18 until Sept 15 but were unable to properly repair it. The repair shop made some adjustments so we could take the RV on a long-planned trip to the East Coast but our trip was less than relaxed for the transmission continued to experience problems.
On November 15, we returned the RV to the authorized repair shop and it has been there ever since. Ford is unable to repair the problem that continues to make this vehicle unuseable and bothr Ford and Fleetwood (maker of the coach) have continued to stonewall us -- never returning calls, instructing the repair shop personnel not to call us and just generally neglecting to honor the warranty which accompanies this very expensive vehicle.
We met with the customer service representative for Ford from Denver, CO and he asked for two weeks to resolve the problem. That was two weeks ago and we have heard nothing from this individual. It appears as though our only option is to hire and attorney and proceed with a civil action. When a consumer buys an expensive item like this it seems like a total sham to have to hire an attorney and spend even more money to force a company to honor the warranty they provide at the time of sale.
If anyone has an suggestions for us, we would be very grateful.
Almost immediately we noticed the RV seemed sluggish when first beginning to move but not being familiar with this type of vehicle we thought perhaps it was the nature of the "beast".
Well, to make a long story short, the condition worsened until at times it would not go into gear at all. The first part of August we made an appointment to take the RV to the nearest authorized repair shop on August 18. They had the RV in their shop from August 18 until Sept 15 but were unable to properly repair it. The repair shop made some adjustments so we could take the RV on a long-planned trip to the East Coast but our trip was less than relaxed for the transmission continued to experience problems.
On November 15, we returned the RV to the authorized repair shop and it has been there ever since. Ford is unable to repair the problem that continues to make this vehicle unuseable and bothr Ford and Fleetwood (maker of the coach) have continued to stonewall us -- never returning calls, instructing the repair shop personnel not to call us and just generally neglecting to honor the warranty which accompanies this very expensive vehicle.
We met with the customer service representative for Ford from Denver, CO and he asked for two weeks to resolve the problem. That was two weeks ago and we have heard nothing from this individual. It appears as though our only option is to hire and attorney and proceed with a civil action. When a consumer buys an expensive item like this it seems like a total sham to have to hire an attorney and spend even more money to force a company to honor the warranty they provide at the time of sale.
If anyone has an suggestions for us, we would be very grateful.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Thomas
Belchertown,Massachusetts,
Power in numbers!!!
#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, November 28, 2002
Although I am not an attorney, I am very familiar with the "David and Goliath" syndrome you speak of. I have contemplated what my ultimate response will be to a similar situation that I am in. I honestly believe that brand of "blackmailing" is all that may work with these people. They dodge, become unresponsive and are even condescending and arrogant at times. They are the "Big Business" people who are chasing the fast buck... at the expense of integrity and honor. I would preliminarily hire a lawyer, to merely be a "mouthpiece" for you (no offense, to all the attorneys out there). You can have them draft a succinct letter to someone of power, representing your issue - and listing a specific ultimatum, with an absolute resolution date. At some point, the attorney may mention the consumer(you) are interested in the resolution to your particular case. However, if your case is not resolved in the time frame ascribed above, you may be surveying the RV community (in the creation of a "class action" lawsuit). Although I am also not a computer wiz, there are certainly programs out there - or all too happy (college or high school) computer officianados, who would love a "project." Namely, setting up a website that sends out e-mails w/your plight to anyone who uses specific words, receives other mail, etc.(I heard this is done). In this advanced technological age, it would be relatively easy (I would think) to get at least a handful of people with the same problem (who would join your cause, seeking justice themselves). Other "damage" that could be done, that I have contemplated, is to have a banner made (w/your e-mail address on it - maybe of heavy vinyl) with you email address (telling of your experiences) before they buy from the above dealership. As long as it's not hindering the operation of your R.V., drive around town, past their dealership, past campgrounds, outside of R.V. gatherings, tradeshows, swap meets etc. Let them know you will do so, exercising your God-given "freedom of speech" (you experiences, not slaner - check with a lawyer @ the differences). You will do so, unless they change your mind (and successfully resolve the problem - and your discontentment w/them). It would be poor judgment for them to "call your buff" in either scenario. Hope these strategies help (I think the latter is more practical and easier to accomplish).
