I purchased a 2002 Windstar and recently it has sprung transmission leaks. I noticed it as drops on my driveway. The van now has 40,000 miles which is 4000 over the warranty. I took in to a dealer to check it out and they told me it will cost 1400 to lift the transmission and make repairs. I called the company and asked since it was so close to warranty if they would help. They called me back after a few hours and said they regret any inconvenience, but they would not help. Here is the e-mail I sent after they declined help. I wrote,

So in other words you are not standing behind your product and are not willing to go the extra mile to show your appreciation for my dedication to your company? I'm sure losing one customer is of no consequence to Ford, but I will strive to convince anyone I know, family and friends that Ford will not stand behind their product, as you have shown. I understand I was given an answer, but I asked because I thought my complaint should be reconsidered. Obviously it was not.

What is laughable is their response, like they really care, but still are not going to help. Here is their response.

Dear Daniel,

Thank you for contacting Ford Motor Company on 08/22/03. We appreciate the time you have taken to write us, expressing your dissatisfaction over the decision you were rendered earlier.

As previously communicated to you on 08/22/2003, our records indicate that you contacted the Customer Relationship Center (CRC) via phone and our Customer Service Representative provided an answer to your inquiry.

Since you have indicated that you are dissatisfied with our response to you, we have performed another search of the resources available to us to respond to your inquiry. Regrettably, we are not able to provide you with an alternate response. We have however documented your comments for future reference. If any additional information regarding this matter should become available in the future, please let us know.

Feedback from valued customers like you enable us to know what our customer needs are. We hope to use this information to improve our services and to enhance the loyalty of our customers. Our quest for excellence in customer service is an ongoing and evolutionary process. Your feedback will help us reach the next level.

At Ford Motor Company, we consider the satisfaction of our customers as one of our most important objectives. If you have any other inquiries or concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to address them.

Isn't that funny. They tell you how much your feedback means, then tell you we care, but not really. I have always bought foreign cars for their quality and I really hoped Ford would prove me wrong. Just remember, Ford stands for Fix or Repair Daily.