50k mi update: 2018 Raptor

[shank_guru]

NOTE4: Nope

 

[Chris retired grunt]

Greetings,

My 2018 just crossed 50k miles and I thought to share an update—as I’ve been thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the vehicle during my ownership. I’m extremely diligent and critical when it comes to vehicles—and am in no form/fashion a Ford fanboy. I do believe in tipping my hat when something exceeds expectations.

This is an N=1 sample size, thus simply an observation based on one truck with low mileage.

NOTE1: I purchased the Raptor in 9/2020 via CarMax (manufactured in 10/17 and sold in 1/18) as a one owner truck with documented service by the Ford dealership every 5-9k miles. I have since put 20k miles on it—as a daily driver to work, loaner “mule” to our kids, mild off-roading, and road trip vehicle where significant snow is frequently encountered in the winter. My Raptor isn’t babied other than maintenance.

NOTE2: One of my professional colleagues voluntarily assessed/dug into my truck at various points—as that is what we nerds do. He is far more skilled mechanically than I—and the only complaints were that the driver side door creaks when opened (lube needed). He also noted that the tailgate hinges needed lube. Nothing noted with the engine/transmission/drivetrain systems nor wiring/electrical systems (no chafed/loose connections/alternator/starter/etc issues). The cam phasers are original—and hopefully remain so over time.

NOTE3: I’ve maintained a 5k mile service interval by Ford w/OEM full synthetic, tire rotations, and all recommended services. I did have the front/rear diffs and transfer case serviced at 31k miles—as I added a Ford Performance rear diff cover then. Otherwise, the only “mods” were an AEM dryflow air filter, RIGID triple lights, and OEDRO rear under seat storage.

NOTE4: I personally clean/lubricate the panoramic roof and rear sliding window 2x annually—and keep tire pressures at 36F/34R. I keep the exterior clean/waxed and leather surfaces treated. It lives in the covered garage at work, home, and on vacation—as much as possible.

NOTE5: CarMax installed the Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires just before my purchase—and after 20k miles, minimal wear, nice ride comfort at 36F/34R (they usually warm up to 39F/37R) after driving for a bit, or slightly more if very hot out). They are amazing in snow as we spend a good deal of time in CO during ski season and they are as good as any AT tire I’ve ever used. The weight hasn’t hurt my MPGs as I’m running about 15.6mpg (based on the computer) since the last oil change. I drive bumper to bumper in metro traffic and tend to cruise at 75-80mph on the highway. My kids tend to drive it like they stole it—but that is another topic.

NOTE6: Negligible/imperceptible oil consumption, stock brake pads/rotors still good, and the blue Fox shocks aren’t leaking and performing well enough for me—can’t tell if damping has changed as I hit the speed bumps in the neighborhood. I did have to change the cabin air filter and wiper blades. The leather seats/steering wheel look great and the rear seat has a minuscule tear due to my son’s dog.

In conclusion, 50k miles is low mileage—especially for a daily driven 4 yr old truck. My family has owned two used 90s-00s Land Cruisers which were trouble free (211k and 193k respectively) which are my gold standards to which I compare everything—although both were also taken care of by the previous owners. Hopefully they are still out there somewhere racking up the miles (in a South/Southwestern climate so that they don’t rust to pieces).

I hope the next 50k are every bit as uneventful for my Raptor as I plan to try to keep it for 150k plus.

Fingers crossed.

I have a 2018 also with a little over 52000 miles and run the same tires. Also no problems yet.

 

[Mister Pinky]

You’re a meticulous nerd @KAH24 and I love you for it. Society needs more of this precision in everyday life.

 

[Badgertits]

I've serviced my 2018 every 5k miles and about to hit 70k total miles. I have had the following:

Transmission re-flash at 13k miles for harsh shifting.
Cam phaser replaced at 20k miles
Moonroof rattles fixed
Frozen door locks around 40k miles
Drivers side seat heater element replaced around 40k miles
Cam phaser replaced at 50k miles
Moonroof rattles fixed
Seatbelt locked up
21B10 applied for cam phasers
21N08 applied after cam phaser programming caused engine shudder
Seatbelt locked up again (Getting fixed this week)
Leather cracking on red stripe on steering wheel (Getting fixed this week)
Moonroof rattles...again (Getting fixed this week)

I still love the truck and have the premium ESP out to 125k miles, but man...this **** gets old. My previous two Toyotas were only in the shop once for repairs over an 8 year period, broken shaft on an aftermarket shock. I think it goes without saying that I will never own a Ford without also having a warranty in place. If Toyotas could match the performance of the Raptor and update their interiors/styling, I switch back in a heartbeat.

And if Toyota could come up w/ an original thought/design & brought back an honest new interpretation of one of their legit HALO vehicles they would have, but they cant…..so instead they paid BMW to do it #facts #irrefutable

 

[RotorHead695]

And if Toyota could come up w/ an original thought/design & brought back an honest new interpretation of one of their legit HALO vehicles they would have, but they cant…..so instead they paid BMW to do it #facts #irrefutable

Having to fight with Ford to get a seatbelt fixed that they already have serviced once under warranty is making me consider Toyotas again regardless. I'm also having to fight with them about moonroof tracks....they say is a wear and tear item....and I've never opened it since the last repair they did under warranty. My moonroof has only been opened by me around 5 times in 70k miles. Hell, the dealer has probably opened it more than I have. Why did I buy a multiple thousand ESP if I'm goin to have to fight to get things like a seatbelt fixed? I don't mind if things break a little more as long as there is an economical and less resistant path to remediate it.

At least Toyota recognizes their limitations.....I need a truck that works more that one from a performance division. #facts #utility

 

[FordTechOne]

Having to fight with Ford to get a seatbelt fixed that they already have serviced once under warranty is making me consider Toyotas again regardless. I'm also having to fight with them about moonroof tracks....they say is a wear and tear item....and I've never opened it since the last repair they did under warranty. My moonroof has only been opened by me around 5 times in 70k miles. Hell, the dealer has probably opened it more than I have. Why did I buy a multiple thousand ESP if I'm goin to have to fight to get things like a seatbelt fixed? I don't mind if things break a little more as long as there is an economical and less resistant path to remediate it.

At least Toyota recognizes their limitations.....I need a truck that works more that one from a performance division. #facts #utility

The roof opening panel is a maintenance item. It needs to be lubricated with Krytox grease periodically to keep the seals in good condition.

You’re making baseless assumptions that a Toyota wouldn’t have any issues. That’s a fallacy that arises from the fact that Toyota’s vehicles are outdated and lacking many features that their competitors offer. Their recent redesign of the Tundra proves that, good luck with that POS.

2022 Toyota Tundra Turbo Wastegate Issues Keep Piling Up

Arguably the most popular full-size pickup in the United States of America right now, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has had a few quality-related issues thus fa...

www.autoevolution.com

 

[Badgertits]

The roof opening panel is a maintenance item. It needs to be lubricated with Krytox grease periodically to keep tbe seals in good condition.

You’re making baseless assumptions that a Toyota wouldn’t have any issues. That’s a fallacy that arises from the fact that Toyota’s vehicles are outdated and lacking many features that their competitors offer. Their recent redesign of the Tundra proves that, good luck with that POS.

2022 Toyota Tundra Turbo Wastegate Issues Keep Piling Up

Arguably the most popular full-size pickup in the United States of America right now, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has had a few quality-related issues thus fa...

www.autoevolution.com

View attachment 346601

Fords not the only manufacturer not shy about separating the body from the frame I see!

Yeah…neighbor has an issue w/ his new Tundra as well, said it was engine lights not sure if it was turbos yet

 

[RotorHead695]

The roof opening panel is a maintenance item. It needs to be lubricated with Krytox grease periodically to keep tbe seals in good condition.

You’re making baseless assumptions that a Toyota wouldn’t have any issues. That’s a fallacy that arises from the fact that Toyota’s vehicles are outdated and lacking many features that their competitors offer. Their recent redesign of the Tundra proves that, good luck with that POS.

2022 Toyota Tundra Turbo Wastegate Issues Keep Piling Up

Arguably the most popular full-size pickup in the United States of America right now, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has had a few quality-related issues thus fa...

www.autoevolution.com

View attachment 346601

Never had a moonroof on any previous vehicle that breaks because it's not used. My take on Toyotas is based on my experiences with owning them. I can only compare what I have experienced. Many flawless Toyotas and one **** of a Ford that constantly needs repairs. The fact that my local Ford dealer's service department sucks doesn't help. It took 4 trips and 4 days without my truck to fix the seat heater alone. They called me saying nothing was wrong with the seat heater because it wasn't throwing codes. I asked, "Did anyone sit in it and turn it on?" Seriously....this is what I've been dealing with.

 

[FordTechOne]

Never had a moonroof on any previous vehicle that breaks because it's not used. My take on Toyotas is based on my experiences with owning them. I can only compare what I have experienced. Many flawless Toyotas and one **** of a Ford that constantly needs repairs. The fact that my local Ford dealer's service department sucks doesn't help. It took 4 trips and 4 days without my truck to fix the seat heater alone. They called me saying nothing was wrong with the seat heater because it wasn't throwing codes. I asked, "Did anyone sit in it and turn it on?" Seriously....this is what I've been dealing with.

A moonroof is much different than a roof opening panel. The ROP is multiple times heavier with an exponentially larger sealing area. It requires some very basic maintenance to keep it in good operating condition. The Tundra never had a ROP until the new model debuted for 2022, so your comparison is not valid.

As far as dealers, yes, they can be hit or miss. It too bad, but that’s the unfortunate reality of the dealer franchise system, and not unique to any specific manufacturer.

 

[smurfslayer]

@FordTechOne has hit the major points

Never had a moonroof on any previous vehicle that breaks because it's not used. My take on Toyotas is based on my experiences with owning them. I can only compare what I have experienced. Many flawless Toyotas and one **** of a Ford that constantly needs repairs.

Like many, I’d neglected to preemptively lube the moonroof and paid the price in a broken track when I opened it after a long period.

However, I have had a large panel moon roof break on a previous vehicle. I don’t seek out moon roof vehicles, nor do I really seek out black vehicles, despite having owned I think 8 of them.

You can work around the known moonroof ‘limitation’ by regularly lubricating the glass panel seals with the expensive but effective Krytox grease and by popping the moon roof to the vent position FIRST, before moving the glass rearward. - so - open to vent. close from vent. IF the opening was loud, open to vent again, it should be quieter, close from vent. THEN move the glass panel rearward.

I’d be please as punch if Ford removed the moonroof option from the Raptor altogether, but that’s another discussion. Since we have it:

1) use it regularly, don’t just leave it closed for months or years on end and then decide to open it.
2) don’t assume that someone else won’t open it either. Like service personnel, friends / family who may need to use the truck.
3) lubricate the glass to rubber seal contact area, frequency depending on climate. About once per year is probably enough.

They called me saying nothing was wrong with the seat heater because it wasn't throwing codes. I asked, "Did anyone sit in it and turn it on?" Seriously....this is what I've been dealing with.

So, give them your Ford customer service card when it comes time to pay the bill. if it doesn’t throw any codes in the reader, there isn’t a problem, is there?

What? They don’t like that answer?

You’ve got a stealership service department that isn’t doing their job, which means a service manager that needs an attitude adjustment. That’s just the WRONG ANSWER.

If the service manager doesn’t seem to get it that this is the wrong answer and wrong way to treat a customer, you need to go somewhere that actually cares about customers.

This can even happen at good service departments. My old local didn’t have a moonroof qualified tech and had to outsource repairs. So, their default analysis was “busted moonroof tracks” / order parts while vehicle waits / schedule with moon roof shop / deliver, pick up, call customer back to come get the truck. As you can see there’s a lot of latency in that process and it took me 2 tries to get the repair done. When I got it back there were greasy fingerprints all of the truck around the moonroof and doors. So that only added to the sour experience.

Your customer experience is definitely being negatively impacted by the stealership. You should let them know that your expectations have not been met and that you expect better.