I had the panels replaced at my expense. I agree, Ford should pay for the defective panels but, I wanted it fixed and didn't like the way it looked. It wasn't worth the time & effort to argue and write to Ford about. This is a great vehicle and I will continue to buy from Ford.
I have noticed the fading of the side panels on many (every?) Expedition that I see of that year. Armor All works a bit for a short while, then it is back to being very bad...Hi maintenance. I feel that Ford should replace this defective issue. How can I get my local Ford Dealership to replace the side panels at Ford's cost? Are there any success stories out there?
I received a form letter from Ford saying they were sorry and they would have the dealership contact me. They have not done so. I have emailed the CEO and anyone else that will listen at Ford, but no response yet. If anything, I will never buy Ford again, and let everyone else I know what is going on with their customer service. I am embarrassed to drive this vehicle... it is bad..
I purchased my 2003 Ford Expedition about 5 months ago. The extreme fading on the side trim panels I thought could be fixed with commercial products. I started to notice the same defect on other Expeditions and so I researched it and came upon this site to find out many other owners had the same issue. So I brought it to a Ford Dealership. They told me the fading was caused from oxidation and that I would have to pay to have them replaced! And that they had never heard of this defect. Why should I have to pay for a mistake that was caused from Ford? They used the wrong plastic!!!! Please anyone who should I contact? The Ford Corporate offices???
- Valerie T.,
Portland, OR, US
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2003 Ford Expedition. Side Panels had turned white from Sun and Car Wash Chemicals.
We had Rockwall Ford in Rockwall, Texas call Ford and Ford was replacing all the side panels at zero costs to the owner since Ford had used the wrong plastic materials that had these reactions.
Have your dealer call Ford to get the approval if the dealer is not aware of the replacements which most of the dealers are not. Also, you cannot paint these panels, the paint will not bond to them.
I've encountered the same problem. I originally thought it might have been my detailer used a product to fade it, but it was the material they are made out of of. The sun will fade them within a year or so. FORD thinks it's just too bad. I have found a paint for the material to try an match the great looking rear and front bumpers. Will let you know how it turns out.
I own 2003 Silver-Birch Expedition FX4. About 1 1/2 years ago I noticed that the side panels were getting lighter. At first it was hard to tell because of certain lighting. It started out looking like it was scuffed or cracked. Since then they are an extreme eye sore. The front and rear bumpers look great and are made of a thicker plastic. I went to the Fargo, ND Ford dealership and was told they have been recommending people to their body shop to have them painted. I went to a body shop that I trust and they laughed at the idea of painting them. They stated all they could do is replace them with OEM side panels for about $500.00. I would do that if they would last more than 2 years. I have since read a Ford response that they are aware of the problem and only say NOT to have them painted. Funny!!! I have seen many more Silver and Blue Expeditions around with same problem. Would be nice to see them cop up to the faulty cheap plastic they put on a $35,000+ vehicle.
The side trim panels on both sides just above the step boards has faded signifcantly. I have seen several others that look the same way also. It starts to look like a kid has finger painted on them but it is just the way they have faded. Ford says its nothing to to with them. However the front and rear bumper look just as good as the day I got it. Any suggestions?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Overall the paint has held up well but the plastic panels fading really makes the vehicle look ratted out.
- Peter O., Virginia Beach, VA, US