Balzr

After receipt of yet another hood from Ford that the body shop rejected, I requested a meeting with the Ford Factory Rep.. I was notified to leave my X on Tuesday nite for his inspection on Wednesday, I requested I really wanted to be there when he inspected the vehicle, however, was told they couldn't guarantee a time. Late Wednesday I was notified that the Ford rep inspected my X and dispositioned as acceptable and no action to correct the defects would be authorized. I stated once more to the dealer that I really wanted to discuss this issue with him in person, I was told if I 'demanded' to talk to him direct he would call me. I don't know if I was more disappointed or stunned at his response. You'd think a factory rep would insist on meeting with a customer pertaining to a Quality issue vs making a statement like that. When he finally did call I was told he didn't see the defects and felt the appearance was acceptable, for some reason he reviewed the vehicle inside the service bay (not outside) and never discussed the issue with the body shop manager. Sales was there, however, when we inspected the hood 3 days prior and they also didn't think it was 'that bad'. If you talk to anyone in the body shop they walk right up to it and point it out, all agree there is a stamping/distortion issue on our hood as well as the replacements. It is obvious they didn't want me there nor did they want the body shop involved. I was also told this is a production line vehicle and if I was expecting perfection, I would always be disappointed. I was told that if I didn't detect this defect at time of purchase, that after I signed the papers, it was now my problem. Buyer beware on a Lincoln?? I cannot express how diappointed I am in Fords attitude. This is a $40000 vehicle and I am told I am being too picky?? I have worked with the dealer for 5 months trying to get this resolved and have been very patient and professional about it. The dealer initially had offered to grind/fill the defects, however, a couple of body shops I reviewed this with both agree, it is very thin steel and not a good idea to repair it. If I planned on keeping it, it should be replaced. All I want is a new hood that doesn't have these creases/dent. Haven't even started to worry on whether it can be color matched correctly yet. Guess its time to contact Lincoln directly.

I checked my door tag , was built June/2007. Update to hood issue, We were notified by my dealer they had one pulled from factory, don't know if it was in stock or off assembly lineset, however, body shop manager was concerned with Quality of it and wanted me to inspect it prior to proceed with prep/paint. The replacement hood, even in primer had creases on both sides and this one (different than previous 3), also had the dent in it like mine, almost same distance from front edge. Body shop manager says he has noticed same type defect on few others as well. Ford definitely has an issue with one or two of the stamping dies. I went around front and looked at 3- 2008's, 1- White and 2- Blue Ink with no lines or kinks. Other 07's on lot look good as well. Dealer is attempting to get someone from Ford to look into. Rest of vehicle is great, this is only cosmetic, however, I'm a car guy, really stands out in sunlight, worst at nite with indirect lights. Really disappointing for such an expensive vehicle. 4 months and counting, We'll see where it goes from here.

I have a 2007 MKX, after delivery (Aug 4, 07) I noticed both edges of the hood have a crease/kink which appears to be a result of the stamping/forming die. The leading edge of hood also doesn't align with fenders. Appears someone tried to 'tweak' it at assembly. To make matters worse, my dealer has obtained 3 replacement hoods from parts distribution and all have similar defect. I have looked at appr 10 on thier lot as well as numerous others in my travels and they are flat/smooth along the edges and front lip aligns with fenders. Looks like early production had a Quality issue which was fixed. I've requested my dealer go to factory for a hood off line, Has anyone else seen this issue?? Any suggestions on how to get someones attention at Lincoln to get this resolved??