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7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$580
Average Mileage:
31,650 miles
Total Complaints:
29 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (12 reports)
  2. clean corrosion, repaint (7 reports)
  3. new aftermarket aluminum hood painted, no iron included plz (5 reports)
  4. replace with an oem hood and repaint (4 reports)
  5. after maket fiberglass hood (1 reports)
2011 Ford Mustang body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2011 Ford Mustang Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Oct 012012

Mustang GT 50

  • Manual transmission
  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I contacted both the Dealer and Ford Customer relations I was told it was a paint issue and had to have at least a quarter size hole all the way through to qualify as a warranty cover repair. I was at a car show when another Mustang owner pointed it out to me. Since my car has many modification on it making it a show car I spent my out money buying a replacement hood with an after market hood that I new would not rust. I did this because I was told it would continue across the front of the hood both inside and outside the front of the hood. I also know it isn't limited to just 2011 and Ford choose not to repair it or have me reimbursed.

- Ross H., Bear, US

problem #28

Dec 232013

Mustang 3.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

click to see larger images

body corrosion under paint

I'm reporting on this website since I have reported on other complaint sites in the past and it is still such a sore point for me to this day. I bought my first Mustang in the Summer on 2010... the new 2011 305HP V6 car. However, with less than 36,000 miles and less than 3 years from date of purchase I was told by dealership where I purchased it as well as other local dealerships that there was nothing they could do for me under warranty since it did not cover paint unless it was a corrosion issue that ate a hole completely through a body panel.

Since 2013 I have been driving this car for over 258,000 miles and 7 years with these ugly warts on the nose of my car that eventually popped and exposed the corroded bare metal. I did not feel that I should have to spend the money for a new steel or fiberglass hood and paint work which probably would have cost $1,000 to $2,000 dollars. Why try to fix existing hood when it is going to come back and why buy an OEM aluminum hood cause most likely it is going to come back in three years?

Basically, I have drove the car around for the last 7 years and everybody asks me what is going on with the hood and I tell them the whole story about how it is a known defective and that Ford choose not to address it. So hundreds of people who may have thought about buying a Mustang look at my car and immediately are turned off and will think hard before considering a Mustang or other Ford products. Furthermore, I decided to just drive the wheels off this car until it is ready for the crusher instead of trading it in on a newer model Mustang which would have happened if the hood issue had been addressed by Ford under warranty or a recall. As I travel down the roads over last 7 years with my paint issue, I look for similar year Mustangs on the road and in parking lots where I go and I look at the hoods... same issues with their hoods so it's not an isolated problem.

- Robert C., Hamilton, OH, US

problem #27

Mar 222012

Mustang LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,888 miles

Daughter bought this car new in November 2010. By March 2012 the paint on the edge of the hood had blistered heavily. Took car to our purchasing Ford dealer and the body shop took photos and sent to Ford. Ford replied that no claim could be made since the rust perforation didn't rust through the body panel. What Ford failed to advise us, was that the OEM hood was aluminum not steel and aluminum corrodes, not rusts. Ford refused to repair the hood. Later I came across Ford technical service bulletin # TSB 04-25-1 since superseded by TSB 06-25-15. This is a problem known to Ford, yet they do nothing to correct it. Shame on you Ford Motor Co.

- Jerry K., Forest Hill, MD, US

problem #26

Apr 012017

Mustang 3.2L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

body corrosion under paint

I have a 2011 Mustang ( 50,000 ml) that I take very good care of. It is cleaned and covered always. This month the front edge of the hood started bubbling under the paint. I went to my local Ford dealer and they told me that they have known about this for years but would do nothing. They told me to contact Ford. I called Ford Customer Service and was told to take it to my local Ford dealer and write a letter to Ford. If there is a class action lawsuit in progress please keep me informed and on the list. I'm a Ford lifetime customer who will never buy another Ford product if they don't make this right.

- Bruce B., Santa Barbara, CA, US

problem #25

Dec 282016

Mustang GT 5.0L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,050 miles

What a shame to have such a vehicle, bought for the looks and performance. The only Ford I own, 2011 Mustang GT/CS, garage kept and show room looks, except for the bubbling paint on the front of the hood. Very sad I must say! Ford should step up and fix these issues.

- Mark A., Corydon, KY, US

problem #24

Jun 012012

Mustang 5.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 0 miles

You would think for $ 114k custom Roush Mustang with every option available, Ford would clean the welds before paint, guess again. This car has only seen water for car washes, car wash with wax, and yet it looks like it has been Alaskan salted road for 20 years. Corrosion everywhere. Under the hood, under the trunk, doors, under car, and just about every suspension part left unpainted. Why you ask? Because ford just doesn't care about quality. Cheap cheap cheap and if at all possible, just forget about it because your workers are lazy.

Well Ford, it's time to part ways. As with my other Ford/Lincoln vehicles, flaws are part of the design. Engineered to fail. Replacement at a premium. Repairs at an inflation as to ensure a trip to the junk yard.

Good by forever. Enjoy Mexico. Hope you get what you deserve.

- cashm, Slippery Rock, PA, US

problem #23

Jan 012016

Mustang

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I feel that this is an ongoing problem with Ford aluminum hoods. The oxidizing of the paint causes the hood to first start with bubbling paint, then to cracking paint. Being a garaged kept car with only 32,500 miles, this problem is not my fault. Ford is trying to stand on the age of the vehicle and not address the real problem.

Update from Dec 6, 2016: As of today 12/6/16, Ford is still sticking by their decision not to give and money allowance for the repair of my Mustang. The millage and condition of the car are not important to them. They are not taking any responsibility for this issue, that should definitely be recalled. I would NEVER recommend Ford service to take care of customer problems. I guess "customers DON'T matter" This is an ongoing problem that is evident by reading many websites on the internet. I know that I am not crazy, it is Ford................

- Joann P., Massapequa, NY, US

problem #22

Apr 112016

Mustang Pony Package 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,980 miles

I have a 2011 Ford Mustang V6 that is just out of warranty (41,811)... I baby my car and keep in it the garage year round. I just notice the paint bubbling on the front lip of the hood - after doing a little online research, it seems that it's not rust, but rather a corrosion problem due to Ford. The hood is aluminum and they did something wrong with the paint preparation. I've contacted Ford (haven't heard back), and I'm not sure if this problem is covered or not.

Update from Apr 14, 2016: The problem is not covered because my vehicle is out of the warranty period. I'm not sure what Ford deems an "ongoing issue". It seems that there are a number of owners with the same unacceptable problem.

The response from Ford Canada:

I am sorry to read that you are finding rust bubbles on your Mustang, in particular on the lip of the hood. Warranty coverage provided by Ford of Canada for this type of concern is for 3 years or 60,000 kilometers whichever occurs first from the warranty start date which was January 10, 2011.

I wish we could have given you a more favorable response, but as much as we would want to assist our loyal customers with the cost of the repairs outside the usual warranty, only recalls or Customer Satisfaction Programs can permit us to do so. Please be advised that when Ford of Canada recognizes an ongoing issue, a recall or Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) is put into place. Unfortunately on this case, there are no current programs that could assist you on your request.

- Dave V., Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada

problem #21

Apr 152015

Mustang GT 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,400 miles

My 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 Conv., (Triple Black), has badly blistering & bubbling paint on lip of hood in two areas in front just behind the pinch weld. The problem areas also show up on underside of hood in the same place. Some underside paint is beginning to fall off as the blistering is becomes worse. I have discovered in my quest that "Iron Contamination" corrosion causes paint blistering of the aluminum.

Pictures and a complaint was submitted to Ford by my dealers service director in April 2015.(My car was 4 years 9 months old). This will cost me approx. $1500 to $1700. I refuse to pay for their manufacturing mistakes.

Experts have told me that the problem is a result of iron contamination (iron in the primer) It has been found on many Ford vehicles with aluminum panels. Ref. (Ford TSB 06-25-15 of Dec. 11, 2006) and (Ford TSB 04-25-1 of December 27, 2004). Due to the fact that Ford repair departments use this iron based primer the issue will not be properly corrected and will occur again and that a complete hood replacement is the only acceptable solution.On April 23, 2015, I notified FMC Customer Service so Ford would be aware of my dissatisfaction. I was assigned a complaint case #.

What Assistance am I seeking from the Ford Motor Co? Complete replacement of the aluminum hood to include the priming and painting the hood, and all labor, & material costs. The new hood shall be installed on above mentioned vehicle.

On July 15, 2015 a second formal complaint call was made to FMC Customer Service. The rep. gave me another case #, and said that I would hear from her supervisor, within 24 hours. Again with no response. (Note, All calls are recorded).

On July 28, 2015 I again called again FMC Customer Service and spoke with still another rep. with ref. to my case # . I then asked to be transferred the supervisor, but she was not at her desk. I left a voice mail for her to call me back and once again, did not receive a phone call. I have not had any notification from Customer Service dating back to the original complaint in April.

In my opinion there is no-one in the FMC who REALLY CARES about the individual consumer.

During the last call Ford Motor Co. offered me a courtesy of $400 towards the estimated repairs and/or replacement costs hoping I would go away. I promised them, I would not go away, and I will continue to pursue this matter until it is rightfully resolved. Since the last unanswered call, 7/29/15, I have sent an e-mail and wrote a personal letter containing all the above info. Very sorry for the length of this rant !!

- romar1062rp, Oakdale, NY, US

problem #20

Jul 152013

Mustang GT/CS 5.0

  • Manual transmission
  • 20,000 miles

Purchasing a Brand new car should be a hassle and worry-free experience. Not 2 years after purchasing my 0-mileage Mustang GT/CS, I noticed bubbling in the hood of the paint at the lip. Concerned, I took it into the dealership where they clearly have heard and knew of the issue. The technician was not surprised by the bubbling and even gave a "check this out" when we popped the hood. The entire under-side of the lip was corroded. "Seen it a hundred times" he said. They won't cover it under warranty - they never do. But he took an estimate. I've filed 2 claims with Ford (Currently in the process of speaking with a regional customer support representative) and the issue is still on-going. Wrong phone number, lack of contact, and general uncaring nature of Ford. A tiny bit of research shows that this issue goes back years and years to the early 2000's.

To think Ford has not changed its process by now is only slightly less frustrating than the fact that they don't stand behind their products and create a TSB or other bulletin to address the issue. Really a Piece of work, Ford. I will not give up my claims and bugging Ford. This is their responsibility - one they've known for years, and they will be held accountable.

- Lewis B., Newark, DE, US

problem #19

Apr 102014

Mustang Convertible V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

body corrosion under paint body corrosion under paint body corrosion under paint

I purchased my 2011 Ford Mustang in 2010 and prior to this never had any complaints or issues about my car. Last year after my Bumper to Bumper warranty had expired I was cleaning my car and notice my paint looked like it was bubbling under it. I took it back the Ed Schmit Ford Dealership (Who's out of Business) in Ferndale MI, to inquire about repairs and they took pictures, submitted it to Ford Motor Company and told me that there was nothing they can do and would offer me a discount on the defect to get repaired.

I was mad as HELL!!! I could not believe that they refused to fix a problem that came from defected materials that they installed and painted at the factory. My family has been buying Ford Products for years and my father worked for the Ford Motor Co. This is unacceptable and I'm outraged to think I will have to correct something that was defective from the manufacturer, As far as I'm concerned "my money wasn't defective at the time of purchase, fix my damn car!!!"

This is some Bullshit! Ford need to step up to the plate and recall these hoods, if they don't take full responsibility my next car will not be a Ford! Civil Law Suit is where I would like to be included.

- moniedh, Detroit, MI, US

problem #18

Sep 062012

Mustang GT 5.0L V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 9,000 miles

click to see larger images

body corrosion under paint body corrosion under paint body corrosion under paint body corrosion under paint

Well, it's a shame I got the car I always wanted, paying with the product of long hours at work, not to mention I was deployed in Afghanistan at the time of purchase, to come to find out I bought a rust bucket. Hopefully the guys at Ford solve this problem for the future buyers, specially when the new F150 is made out of aluminum itself.

- avalentin, Mayaguez, PR, Puerto Rico

problem #17

Aug 012014

Mustang Premium V6 3.7L

  • Manual transmission
  • 28,000 miles

click to see larger images

body corrosion under paint

I have owned Fords all my life and I am 53. My dad owned and operated a Ford Dealership in the 1970's. I have had 6 different Mustangs as well as many other Ford vehicles and have never had an issue with corroding paint on any of them that has materialized as fast as it has on my current 2011 Mustang. I am very articulate about the appearance of my cars and take excellent care of them but this corrosion issue is beyond anything I can do and prevent. It is a manufacturing issue and I was told that unless it is so bad that there is a hole in the metal before 5yrs then Ford will not do anything about it. This will devalue my car in the future if not fixed and I should not have to pay out of pocket if this is a known issue from Ford. It will certainly cause me to think again before I purchase another Ford as I expect the vehicles to last for at least 10yrs if taken care of before any paint issue were to surface.

- mgrant, Austin, TX, US

problem #16

Oct 012014

Mustang Pony 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Never heard of the issue with paint on the Mustang until I had to get it painted. Why is the paint warranty on a car mileage-based and not calendar-based is beyond me.

- monfortjr, Brandywine, MD, US

problem #15

Oct 012013

Mustang GT 5.0L

  • Manual transmission
  • 24,000 miles

Have talked to local Ford Dealership, state Ford will not paint unless corrosion bubbles burst.

- dawilki11, Mineral Ridge, OH, US

problem #14

Dec 222014

Mustang GT 5.0L V8

  • Manual transmission
  • 23,000 miles

click to see larger images

body corrosion under paint body corrosion under paint

This is the 3rd mustang I have owned and I absolutely love my car. I keep my car in pristine condition - it is practically brand new. The fact that the paint on my hood is beginning to bubble and flake due to a manufacturers defect is very upsetting. I have researched the issue and see that MANY people have had the same problem from 2007, you would think this issue would have been addressed. When I spoke to the dealership they stated IF Ford was to cover the repair they would have the hood repainted. This is unacceptable to me, first because of the IF, second because obviously this is going to be a continuous issue even if the hood was re-painted. The seam-sealer is contaminated with iron and causing the corrosion on my hood, it needs to be replaced. I would like to be included in any lawsuits occurring for this issue. It is very upsetting to me the fact the Ford has known of this issue and kept its consumers in the dark. As I mentioned before, this is the third Mustang I have owned and I would hate to get rid of it, but for principle purposes I will no longer buy from Ford if they do not accept responsibility for this issue.

- Lisa K., Patchogue, NY, US

problem #13

Sep 122012

Mustang V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,825 miles

I have a 2011 Mustang- with corrosion on hood. It was fixed by FORD under the warranty. ( HAD 30825 MILES) I thought it was going to be ok but no it is back. Ford will not fix it this time - I have close to 40k miles.

The Ford dealer who did the work COUNTRYSIDE FORD in Clearwater said it is past the time they will make it right. like 60 or 90 days- IT IS TOUGH FOR THE CORROSION TO COME BACK IN 60 OR 90 DAYS. Now, I have found out many Mustang have this problem with some even suing FORD. class action I have contacted Ford and told them about the problem with no help.

I AM GOING TO BUY A NEW SUV AND GUESS WHO IS NOT GETTING MY BUSINESS- i have had Fords in the past but will be going to Lexus or Toyota. These hoods were painted wrong by the factory and FORD will not stand behind their product.

PLEASE READ MORE ON THE INTERNET BEFORE YOU BUY A FORD WITH AN ALUM. HOOD !!!!!

- William C., Clearwater, FL, US

problem #12

Oct 312014

Mustang 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

I noticed aluminum hood corrosion under the paint around the pinch welds, as well as corrosion under the paint of the trunk lid around the pinch welds, to the point where it is beginning to flake off. This car is less than 5 years old and has less than 45k miles on it. I am highly disappointed in Ford because the only fix is to clean the corrosion and repaint the affected parts, and it will likely just corrode again. I'm going to try and see if it's covered under any warranty but I am not getting my hopes up.

- chrispy1991, Bloomington, Il, US

problem #11

Mar 272013

Mustang GT 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,039 miles

no paint chips no dents but corrosion on the front edge of the hood. aluminum hood shouldn't be corroded the way it is, most likely contaminated before the paint process. car is not winter driven this corrosion should not have happened. typical ford paint.

- Robert H., North bay, Ontario, canada

problem #10

Oct 062012

Mustang Perf Pkg V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 22,000 miles

I reported my problem to my dealer yesterday, I've had blistering on the hood since 2012. I decided to wait to file a complaint with Ford because of all of the history that has been recorded by all of you, my thinking was to allow the blistering to spread and to show just how much it consumed the hood area. The assistant body shop manager called and informed me that my claim was denied because the rust hasn't gone all the way through. I chuckled and said " That's funny since when does aluminum rust." I plan on contacting Ford directly with all of my resources, to establish my complete dissatisfaction with their product and customer service for this issue. Is it possible that absolutely nothing gets accomplished by my complaint, maybe, but this must be answered by Ford.

We love our cars, and will go to great lengths to care for them. All we ask is for Ford Motor Company to stand by their product, and most importantly their customer. After all, theirs is not the only car or truck out there to be purchased.

- boxcar3003, Countryside, IL, US

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