I want to add our complaint to the list of so many with the same issue regarding corrosion along the exterior hood on our 2013 Ford Explorer.

After reading over 100 complaints from consumers like ourselves regarding this exact same issue, the reply from Ford is their standard disclaimer of responsibility. Our case, like so many others involves corrosion on the edge of an aluminum hood – which should not happen! Ford has cleverly worded their paint warranty to cover only corrosion with perforation. This is unbelievable as aluminum will not perforate from the corrosion. The paint adhesion will fail, bubble and finally chip/peal. This leaves many consumers like myself with a bad impression of Ford’s commitment to quality. Galvanic corrosion can only be caused by improper preparation of materials and inadequate application of the paint. No car this new should have any issue with corrosion and a reputable manufacturer should honor the claim of so many as it is an obvious default in the product. Ford’s claim to have customer satisfaction as one of its most important objectives is a joke

I have also noted that Ford has been inconsistent in taking care of this problem. They continue to deny claims for this issue and only positively respond when dealers strongly appeal on behalf of the consumer. In this regard, we respectfully asked ourdealer for assistance to take this matter to a higher level at Ford. They need to take responsibility and do the right thing and replace the hood on our car. Absolutely NO reply from the dealer to appeal our case.

This is our first Ford in a number of years and will likely be the last if this is the commitment Ford has regarding building a quality product that they will stand behind. When people ask how do we like our Explorer, the reply will be tainted with dissatisfaction of having a known quality issue not honored by Ford Motors. At this time how can we in good conscience recommend Ford to anyone. We can’t.

This issue should be a recall by Ford, but they continue to deny there is a problem. THIS IS WRONG!....And fellow consumers need to be aware.

This car's hood began rusting about a year after I bought it brand new at omeara ford in 2012 but like most people I'm busy so I didn't get around to taking it back until about 8 months ago. Even tho I paid for the best extended warranty they refused to pay a dime. What really chaps the cheeks is that they are well aware of the problem and will not even meet me half way with the new hood that is needed. totally arrogant, let them eat cake corp. as many have already stated on this site I will NEVER buy a ford again. This isn't the only problem I've had with this car but its the most egregious.

The cost of repairing or replacing the hood on my 2013 Ford Explorer should be covered by Ford. It is apparent that it is a manufacture defect on several of the vehicles and it is in multiple states that the issue is present. Ford cannot say that it is due to the climate or materials used by DOT that cause the damage. I took my Ford in for an estimate and I was quoted over a grand to replace and have the hood painted. I was lost told that if I use the current hood and have it painted that most likely the bubbling would reoccur and it sounds like several other owners have experienced the same feed back. This problem is not from traditional wear and tare, it stems to a manufacture defect that Ford is well aware of. Why should we have to eat the cost of repairing a defect although it is only cosmetic and not a safety issue it is still costly?!

I noticed the bubbling/chipping of paint on the lip of my hood about 2 months ago and I've been in a battle with Ford ever since. They are not wanting to fix this since I'm past the warranty but of course I didn't notice it until recently! They offered me $100 towards the repair which is a total joke since it will cost close to $1,000 to fix.. If I take the $100, I have to have it repaired at a Ford location. Refusing to do that too since I don't want to give them any more money than I already have to!

My car is only 3 years old but it might as well be 13 with the way it looks. I spent way too much money on this car for this to happening and its embarrassing for me to drive it around. I'm no longer a proud Ford owner! It's ridiculous that they refuse to fix what is obviously a defect with the paint. They need to take responsibility for this! I will never be purchasing a Ford again as the customer service is a complete joke!

It appears that over the years it has been brought to the attention of Ford Motor Company that the aluminum materials that you are using to construct the hood of your vehicles, is causing corrosion of the paint resulting in bubbling across the hood.

After being a loyal customer to Honda for over 20 years, I decided to make a change to a larger SUV and spend a good amount of money more to drive a Ford Explorer. Just 2.5 years ago I spent nearly $40,000 on a one year old used vehicle and have had nothing but a great experience with it prior to this occurring. I also purchased the 125,000/7 year warranty on the vehicle to make sure I was protected against any unforeseen circumstances. Little did I know, the unforeseen circumstance would be a paint issue that Ford is very well known for. I recently went into the Flood Ford dealership to express my concern and was told to file a claim since I was distraught over this happening to my vehicle. The claim was denied due to the car having almost 60,000 miles on it.

As a first time Ford customer, the denial of this claim is very disturbing. If this was something that was due to wear and tear I would not have the same reaction that I do to this known paint defect. I can whole heartedly say that I will never again purchase a Ford vehicle because of the poor customer relations of Ford.

I bought my 2013 Explorer brand new and I noticed the bubbling this year. I took it to Crossroads Ford Service in Cary, NC and they called this de-lamination versus corrosion and sent me to the place they have sent other vehicles with the same problem to get an estimate. Cost came out to be $821.33 and I was contacted by Ford Regional Customer Service Manager, Jolynn Legault (ext. 77722) that they would pay for half of the cost to repair. I asked her to escalate and I was contacted by Michael McGee | Customer Operations Manager | FCSD 321-435-1466 | eFax: 1-866-663-9223. Here are his response:

First response after asking Jolynn Legault to escalate:

"Your case was escalated to me by your Regional Customer Service Manager, Jolynn Legault as you had requested supervisor contact. I attempted to call you but were unable to reach you.

The circumstances which you outlined concerning your 2013 Explorer have been given careful consideration.

Ford Motor Company considers the satisfaction of its owners to be one of its most important objectives. We commit very substantial resources and effort in a sincere attempt to resolve the concerns of our owners. However, limits must be placed on those efforts. Although we regret not being able to meet your expectations, our review indicates that the prior decision is appropriate. Therefore, we are unable to increase the assistance that was previously offered by Jolynn. If you would still like to move forward with those repairs with the previously discussed amount of repair assistance, please reach out to Jolynn.

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company, we hope you understand our position on this matter. We look forward to servicing your vehicle in the future."

Second response after asking for reconsideration:

"We appreciate the time you have taken to bring this matter to our attention.

Although warranties are designed to cover unpredictable situations that may occur, we are always willing to consider individual requests for assistance beyond the warranty period. We hope you understand, however, that we must place limits on our post-warranty adjustment policy. Unfortunately we are unable to assist above the amount we have already offered as goodwill on the cost of these repairs. We apologize that you feel this is an injustice but are standing on our prior decision.

Again, thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company."

Like most here, my SUV was garaged and washed regularly. I will be complaining to the BBB and complaining to my local news to see if they can assist. Ford knows their manufacturing process of these hoods caused the bubbling and they have since changed the process on newer models to fix the problem. BTW: I have also sent a message to Mark Fields, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company via LinkedIn asking for assistance.

Like most, this will be the last Ford I buy. I find their lack of effort to remedy the problem deplorable, dishonest to consumers, and a breach of trust to return customers they say they value. I suggest you all contact these individuals. I think it is horrible that they fix some customer's vehicles and not others. I think the only way to get their attention is to complain, expose them for breach of trust, or sue.

Good luck on your vehicles...

JamesM - USAF Retired