Diagnostic Fee?

[7393Fusion]

We had our 2014 Fusion towed to dealership for the dreaded shift cable bushing repair which we were under the impression was a recall. The dealership is trying to say they'll have to charge us $150 fee for a diagnostic test just to "confirm" it. Does anyone who works at a Ford dealership know if I can have this fee waived? It seems a little steep for diagnostics especially when I already know what the issue is. Thank you in advance for your assistance. 

[twintornados]

10 hours ago, 7393Fusion said:

We had our 2014 Fusion towed to dealership for the dreaded shift cable bushing repair which we were under the impression was a recall. The dealership is trying to say they'll have to charge us $150 fee for a diagnostic test just to "confirm" it. Does anyone who works at a Ford dealership know if I can have this fee waived? It seems a little steep for diagnostics especially when I already know what the issue is. Thank you in advance for your assistance. 

 

What gave you that impression?

[bbf2530]

10 hours ago, 7393Fusion said:

We had our 2014 Fusion towed to dealership for the dreaded shift cable bushing repair which we were under the impression was a recall. The dealership is trying to say they'll have to charge us $150 fee for a diagnostic test just to "confirm" it. Does anyone who works at a Ford dealership know if I can have this fee waived? It seems a little steep for diagnostics especially when I already know what the issue is. Thank you in advance for your assistance. 

 

Hi 7393. There are several possibilities, here are a few (short version):

 

If there is an actual "recall" (an incorrectly overused term nowadays) for the issue your Fusion is having, there would be no "diagnostic fee" and the repair would be covered.

 

There could be an SSM or TSB about this issue. Those are not recalls and any Diagnostic Fees would depend on the parameters of the SSM/TSB.

 

If there is no "recall", the Dealer may be within their rights to charge a diagnostic fee. However, if you have the vehicle fixed at the Dealership, the Diagnostic Fee should be credited to the repair bill.

 

For starters, you can input your VIN on the NHTSA website to access any vehicle recalls that apply to your Fusion: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

 

More information (an applicable recall number?) would be helpful. Good luck.

 

 

Edited July 15, 2020 by bbf2530

[HotRunrGuy]

This?   https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2018/RCMN-18V471-9906.pdf

 

HRG

[bbf2530]

Hi HotRunr. Thanks for the research.

 

So 7393Fusion...if your Fusion falls within the 18S20 recall dates, and the recall was not previously performed, the repair should be free, with no Diagnostic Fees.

 

The quick way to see if your Fusion falls within the recall dates/parameters, will be to use the NHTSA recall website listed above.

 

If this recall covers the issue with your Fusion, and the Dealer still insists they can charge you a Diagnostic Fee, then contact Ford Customer Relations immediately.

 

You should have received a recall notice if you purchased your vehicle new, or purchased it used and registered it on the Ford Owners website.

If you purchased used and did not register it with Ford, I would recommend you register it now on the Ford Owners website, located here: https://owner.ford.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1Keh3LzP6gIVkInICh3zPgV0EAAYASAAEgJyqPD_BwE&searchid=160581195|13270894275|&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMI1Keh3LzP6gIVkInICh3zPgV0EAAYASAAEgJyqPD_BwE%3AG%3As&s_kwcid=AL!2519!3!267771591263!e!!g!!ford owners

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited July 15, 2020 by bbf2530