Warranty isues?

Question

A while ago i threatened to take ford to court because they wouldn't stand by their warranty terms.
My grievance was that they wouldn't replace the wheels on my car as they had got marks on them because the varnish had broken down and water had got to the alloy.
Anyway it seems my threat of a law suit worked as they are now going to replace my wheels.
After all that , my question is,am i within my rights to ask for a years guarantee on the new wheels?after all if you have a new pump fitted to your washing machine then it's guaranteed for 12 months isn't it?

Answer 1

All Ford parts come with a 12 month/12,000 miles warranty, covers labor also since it was installed by a dealer. This even applies to parts installed under new car warranty if the warranty has since expired.

Answer 2

You cannot have warranty on warranty.

Where you claim within the warranty period any part replaced is covered only for the remaining period of the warranty.

Under the terms of the warranty a supplier agrees to repair or replace any part that fails or becomes defective.

In law they have fulfilled their agreement.

This applies to cars or washing machines.

The exception to this is where you make a ccontribution towards the cost.

An example would be if in your case you had kerbed the vehicle and caused scuffing of the wheels. Not unusual. If Ford had agreed say a 75% contribution to replacing your wheels then normal warranty would apply.

Where you purchase an extended warranty from the manufacturer then different rules apply.

An example would be that 3 months before that warranty expires you have a repair that is covered by that warranty. Irrespective that it is sold by the manufacturer, the warranty is treated as if you personally paid for the repair.

You would in such a case claim as a parts warranty repair.

You should always keep a record of what repairs are done and where for both paid and extended warranty.

Should you sell a vehicle then any unexpired parts warranty may be passed to the purchaser. Providing you supply supporting documentation.

This is of particular importance where you replace a cam belt. Manufacturers typically warrant these on a time mileage basis. 40K of 4 years whichever comes first. This warranty only applies where manufacturers parts are fitted.

Buying a cam belt from an accessory shop would normally only have a 12 months warranty - as most people average only 8k per year then if it fails in year 3 then you could have an expensive repair on your hands.

Answer 3

Unfortunately not as the wheels are being replaced under warranty Ford is under no obligation to issues a new warranty on them. However if your car is still under warranty the wheels will be covered under that policy.
If you are feeling lucky though there’s no harm in trying for an extra guarantee, if they agree get the agreement in writing, but don’t be surprised if they say no.
PS If you have any work carried out under warranty on your car or washing machine the parts or repair are only legally required to be covered under the terms of your original policy.

Answer 4

I think that the warranty doesn't cover the finish on the wheels. If you go out and scratch the wheels, however you do it, and then you want to complain about the finish.

To me, that is the same as having a screwdriver in your back pocket and then getting in the drivers seat and driving. Would you expect them to replace the seats?

Ford did you a service, they are trying to keep you as a customer. Be thankful. Remember this when you get another car.. good luck.

Answer 5

all ford parts have 1 yr /12,000 mile warranty. usually in a case like this it takes a ford auditor to come to the dealer to look at it. If he oks the repair it goes then to another rep who has to answer to more high -ups in ford. Its like insurance companies... they find ways as to not have to pay for a claim. I do warranties for FoMoCo. I have had to kick back engine claims because of customers not keeping oil change records. Its gotten to the point when a part failure happens the dealer has to send that part back to ford. Then ford goes thru R and D to see why it failed. Also with NGS diagnostic systems they can track engine performance mods, rpm speed etc its all there on printouts so its harder to get claims paid anymore. I can authorize a claim and have it chargeback later only to find customer neglect ( high rpm or oil not changed or low oil etc) Most importantly as my bosses keep telling me . Ford wants to kick the Japanese's butts in quality and reliability. And they have started with the new fusion and taurus high ratings. the f series are coming out soon.

Answer 6

Well done! The new wheels should be under warranty, but check, and if Ford say no, insist. You've come this far, go for it!

Answer 7

If they have got their priorities right the new wheels should have been given a better lacquer process, thus stopping the problem. A years warranty should also be given.

Answer 8

thing is your car still works if the wheels are tarnished. Its purely cosmetic, a pump on a washing machine is a working part. I think you've done well to get the new wheels, but i should leave it there, what else do u want warranty / guarantee on? If the quality doesnt last on the wheels you will just have to live with the fact that ford dont build quality cars...