Hello from Idaho

[Casc8r1]

I'm in a quandry. I recently learned of the problem which plagues many owners of 2004 F-150's with the Triton 5.4L gas engine, that being faulty spark plugs. When I decided to buy my truck in 2004 one of the enticing factors was the manner in which the new Triton engine had the plugs in question installed, with no need to replace same for 100K miles. In checking with my dealership and another local Ford dealer, only to be informed that the plugs should be replaced at 50-60K miles to avoid potential breakage problems due to internal carbon buildup in the cylinders. I was shocked to learn that it would cost upwards of $300 just to replace the faulty spark plugs and that would be dependent on whether additional shop charges might be added to remove any broken spark plugs. In my honest opinion, if the manufacturer (Ford) had installed faulty parts (spark plugs) in their Triton engines, shouldn't this be considered a routine recall issue with no charge back to the customer? I've had to return my truck to the dealership on three separate occasions for recall action with no charge for the service rendered. We are a long time Ford family with numerous purchases of fine vehicles, from Mustangs, Escorts, Probe, Focus and Taurus vehicles over a substantial number of years and are accustomed to dealer resistance to resolve some issues which appear to only be important to us as customers.

 

What really frosts me is the fact that I wrote a letter to Ford Customer Service in Dearborn, MI, to voice my concern and complaint, only to receive a reply that thanked me for my input, with no mention of the specific issues that caused me to correspond with them in the first place. In what appears to be an automatic form type response, under the name of Christoper Willis, in the Customer Relationship Center, he stated that feedback from customers is important to Ford to provide higher quality vehicles and improved service to Ford's customers. He went on to state that "We recognize the needs of the buying public ir we are to be successful in today's competitive market." (sic) He thanked me for sharing my thoughs with Ford, but that was that so to speak. My complaint was obviously ignored, which is the most disappointment to me and my family as long time Ford customers. I have heard of others having various bad experiences with Ford products, but until now we have never experienced such to this extent. I now believe that if customer service is no to be found, maybe our business should be taken elsewhere.

 

I am not sure if this "airing" of this issue is being addressed to the proper forum or not, but felt I had to do something. Thanks for your time and any suggestions as to an appropriate course of action would be most appreciated if satisfaction could be found. Ford has a proud history of achievements and I find it hard to believe that loyal customers such as ourselves no longer matter.

 

Casc8r1

[NickF1011]

Try posting about this in the F-series section of the forums. There are plenty of owners over there that have been through the same aggravation. Hope you find an adequate solution!