Bad quality door locks on expensive vehicles

I bought a Ford Everest XLT brand new in 2017 for almost half a million rand. I use the car relatively little and have covered 93000 km in the last eight years. I don't even drive it on dirt roads, and everyone tells me that my car is well taken care of. However, the back door lock has had problems for the past 2 years (so from 6 years old). The vehicle was serviced today at Humansdorp branch. The report is that the lock on the back door is faulty and at a cost of R4 900 need to be replaced. How can a car of that price and that well taken care of develop such an expensive problem with a door lock? This means that Ford is using poor material (locks) and expect customers after six have to spend such large sums of money to keep essential items working. Is this simply a way for Ford to squeeze money out of their customers? How can they expect a pensioner to spend such amounts on the locks of doors for a relatively new and extremely expensive car that needs to be replaced. I have driven vehicles for up to 18 years that have NEVER caused such problems. Ford should explain the problem with door locks (which are obviously poor quality on an expensive vehicle).

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: Your frustration is understandable; especially given the high cost of the vehicle and the effort you've made to keep it in excellent condition. Here are some factors and steps you might consider addressing the issue: 1. Manufacturing Standards and Warranty • Longevity Expectation: At this price point, it's reasonable to expect premium materials and durability. A failure of the back door lock after six years could indicate a potential quality issue, especially if the vehicle has been meticulously maintained and lightly used. • Warranty: Was the vehicle under warranty when the issue first arose? Many manufacturers provide extended warranties for components, and it's worth checking if this applies to your vehicle. 2. Service and Quality Assurance • Service Record: Since the car has been regularly serviced, the dealership or service centre should have flagged any early signs of wear. You can question why this issue wasn't detected earlier. • Component Quality: Ford should explain whether the lock’s failure is a common issue or a rare defect. This transparency would help restore confidence in the brand. 3. Comparison with Similar Vehicles • Your experience with other vehicles lasting up to 18 years without such problems raises valid concerns. Ford should clarify how their component quality compares to competitors. 4. Escalation Options • Contact Ford South Africa: Write to their customer service and escalate your concern. Provide evidence of your vehicle's maintenance history and emphasize your disappointment given the vehicle's cost and care. • Request Goodwill Compensation: Given the circumstances, you can request Ford to cover the repair cost partially or entirely as a gesture of goodwill. 5. Consideration for Other Customers • If you suspect this is a widespread issue, other owners may have experienced similar problems. Joining online forums or contacting consumer advocacy groups can help gauge whether this is a systemic issue. 6. Social Media and Reviews • If you don’t receive a satisfactory response, sharing your experience on social media or review platforms can prompt a quicker resolution, as companies often prioritize public relations concerns. It's entirely reasonable to expect better quality from such a high-end vehicle, and you’re justified in seeking a detailed explanation and possible compensation. Let me know if you'd like help formulating a formal complaint with Ford SA.