2018 Raptor Early Fuel Injector Failure

[Bluenoser]

Hi. My first post. I'll appreciate forum members' advice on how I should proceed given my recent experience below...

Picked-up my new '18 Raptor on Aug. 28 during business trip to Columbus, WI. During return drive (approx. 150 miles on odometer) experienced significant engine vibration and yellow engine light started blinking. Lots of white smoke visible from exhaust pipes. Had to pull into nearest Ford Dealership in Dubuque, IA. Turned out to be failed fuel injector into cylinder #1. They replaced injector and fuel line connector.

Two days after repair, yellow engine light came on - steady this time. Took to local Omaha Ford Dealer. Diagnostic codes suggested testing fuel pressure and to perform a couple of well-defined drive cycles. Codes cleared so took possession again.

Next day, the dreaded steady yellow light appeared again. Same Omaha Dealer tells me they need to replace catalytic converter. They also had to replace the oxygen sensor (apparently after the Service Technician accidentally broke it during install of the new catalytic converter). I'm scheduled to p/u the vehicle this afternoon.

Next week I'm scheduled to speak with the Ford Regional Customer Service Rep. re. my options moving forward. Apparently, they want to review all the Dealership's uploaded repairs for my VIN# on their "OASIS" system (?) before discussing a resolution plan.

So... I'm wondering what advice you have for this disgruntled new Raptor owner. I love my new truck, just want it to work reliably. Thanks very much for your time.

Cheers!

 

[pastorwug]

Well, if you were in Calif. the Lemon Laws work really well. Discuss replacement and don;'t settle for "Maybe" or "No."
I'd start the process and be a bulldog about it until you feel the issue is fully resolved.

 

[OPT PRIME]

I’d call this one a fluke. If an injector went bad it could’ve caused the cat issue..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[carsonmd]

Please keep us updated. Thanks.

 

[zombiekiller]

i had two injectors fail and a munged up fuel rail from crap gas. techs originally thought i needed a new motor due to jumped timing. I feel your pain.

 

[smurfslayer]

It sounds like you’ve been the victim of
1) a failed part
2) poor troubleshooting and diagnostics
3) incomplete problem resolution.

You’re on your 4th visit for repairs related to this first failed part; the injector, correct? Did they ever do the fuel pressure test, or just cleared the codes and have you drive out?

This is troubleshooting by the code reader and the problem with that is that it assumes the codes produced are accurately indicating what the problem is, and the tech assumes that it’s the only problem.

You say you like the truck, and want it to be reliable, so if your objective is to keep the truck, I’d make them cough up a full coverage extended warranty as a result.

If you’re soured on the truck you can start the corporate conversation about a buy back. I think that’s a little premature now, but it’s a pretty poor showing by both Ford and the dealer service departments involved.

Don’t mention “lemon law” in your discussions. That’s always an option for you, but once you file papers, your relationship with every dealer is adversarial. I had service visits after filing papers just for maintenance and every time I visited the dealer during this time period a regional service rep would inspect my vehicle looking for the ability to void my warranty. Keep that option in your back pocket unless you really need it. Right now, you have the manufacturers attention.

You’re a customer who’s paid for something and the seller hasn’t fully delivered. were it me, I’d tell the rep this is a poor reflection on your company and your agents, i spent my money on an industry leading vehicle in a class entirely of its own, not some run of the mill econobox. I would emphasize my dissatisfaction at the incomplete efforts to date and indicate my intolerance for further powertrain issues. I think a reasonable resolution is they offer you either a longest duration / full coverage ESP either free or at a significant discount and an agreement that upon any further powertrain issues in the next nn months, we go straight to a buy back.

negotiate from there.

good luck.

 

[Bluenoser]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful responses. VERY informative. I REALLY appreciate it very much.

I hope to speak with Ford's Regional manager by end-of-business tomorrow. I'll be sure to let everyone know the agreed-upon resolution.

Thanks again!

 

[bo1966]

It sounds like you’ve been the victim of
1) a failed part
2) poor troubleshooting and diagnostics
3) incomplete problem resolution.

You’re on your 4th visit for repairs related to this first failed part; the injector, correct? Did they ever do the fuel pressure test, or just cleared the codes and have you drive out?

This is troubleshooting by the code reader and the problem with that is that it assumes the codes produced are accurately indicating what the problem is, and the tech assumes that it’s the only problem.

You say you like the truck, and want it to be reliable, so if your objective is to keep the truck, I’d make them cough up a full coverage extended warranty as a result.

If you’re soured on the truck you can start the corporate conversation about a buy back. I think that’s a little premature now, but it’s a pretty poor showing by both Ford and the dealer service departments involved.

Don’t mention “lemon law” in your discussions. That’s always an option for you, but once you file papers, your relationship with every dealer is adversarial. I had service visits after filing papers just for maintenance and every time I visited the dealer during this time period a regional service rep would inspect my vehicle looking for the ability to void my warranty. Keep that option in your back pocket unless you really need it. Right now, you have the manufacturers attention.

You’re a customer who’s paid for something and the seller hasn’t fully delivered. were it me, I’d tell the rep this is a poor reflection on your company and your agents, i spent my money on an industry leading vehicle in a class entirely of its own, not some run of the mill econobox. I would emphasize my dissatisfaction at the incomplete efforts to date and indicate my intolerance for further powertrain issues. I think a reasonable resolution is they offer you either a longest duration / full coverage ESP either free or at a significant discount and an agreement that upon any further powertrain issues in the next nn months, we go straight to a buy back.

negotiate from there.

good luck.

I used the lemon law on TWO Harley Davidson bikes. A 2003 Fatboy and an 2008 streetglide. I actually had better service from the dealership I used after starting the process. Needless to say I'm done with HD and on a Vaquero so can't tell you how it would be now

 

[smurfslayer]

I don’t think HD is really in the same league as the big 3 + Honda, Toy, & Nissan. In fact, Honda sells more scooters than HD does motorcycles across their entire line. Car manufacturer counsel are teams of law firms, not a single. My suit was back in the 90’s, but my VIN was flagged the day I filed. every dealer visit after required the service dept. to get permission from a regional rep to even perform maintenance. They sent the regional rep at every dealer interaction, searching for a way to void the warranty while the suit was ongoing. Hopefully, Ford steps up here and does the customer right.

From the outside, it’s been my impression that as case law has matured; GM losing the poor quarter mile times case was helpful, consumers don’t face the legion of excuses to proclaim abuse. I see more reports of manufacturers, realizing they have a loser on their hands, offering buy backs where previously that was unheard of absent a lawsuit. I’m not saying it’s all sunshine and roses, just that it seems to have improved over the years.

 

[Bluenoser]

So here's what Ford has offered:

• No charge 5-year / 75,000 miles "Premium Care" Extended Service Plan (ESP) with a $100 Deductible. This program starts when the original OEM 3-year / 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty expires.
• No charge 3-year / 45,000 miles Premium Maintenance Plan with $0 Deductible.

I put a lot of miles on my vehicle (estimate 24,000 miles/year) so I asked for an ESP with more miles. He said this was as good as it gets. I only got offered the maintenance plan after they rejected my efforts to secure a longer extended warranty.

They sent the attached brochures for my review.

I'll welcome your thoughts on this offer.

Cheers!