Ford is Bullies

I want to start my story by saying that Ford Motor Company South Africa is a bunch of bullies.

I drive a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak 10 speed bi-turbo 4x4. My vehicle had its first transmission failure on +-13500Km, it had its second transmission failure +- 8500km after the first one.

After I bought my vehicle as a brand new vehicle from Eagle Ford I had a aftermarket bumper (Rhino Bumper) and suspension (Ironman Suspension) fitted to my vehicle. Both these products are world renown and fitted world wide to allot of Ford vehicles as well as in South Africa. These products are also fitted to Isuzu, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi to name a few. I also fitted proper tires seeing that I will be driving allot of gravel roads and off-road. Doing the stuff Ford claims its best at in its class. FORD BUILT TOUGH.

I had my first transmission failure on my way on holiday. Ford had to recover the vehicle next to the road. Ford supp**** me with a loan car during the time my vehicle was being repaired at Eagle Ford.

During this time Ford was fully aware of all the modifications that was done on my vehicle. Fords service engineer even complimenting me on my vehicle and stated that Ford appreciates it when people kits out the vehicles because it expands Fords brand in the market. Not ones had Ford complained about the modifications or stated that I must take the vehicle back to factory standards.

Ford ended up sending out a recall on the 10 speed transmissions for a faulty gear inside the transmission. Please take into consideration that my fathers Everest 10 speed transmission failed after 2500km. Ford gave him a entirely new vehicle.

Ford replaced my vehicles transmission with a new transmission they also replaced the faulty gear on the new transmission before fitting it to my vehicle. Ford agreed to extend my warranty and road side assistance, this while they are fully aware of the modifications that was done on my vehicle.

After I received my vehicle back I have done +- 8500Km and had the second transmission failure. Ford informed me via telephone that they will not repair, replace my transmission under warranty. According to Ford the transmission failure is due to the after market bumper that was fitted to my vehicle. I have requested the assistance of a mechanical engineer, he inspected the component that failed together with Eagle Fords workshop foreman and manager and myself, as well as the cooling system of the transmission. According to him it is a mechanical failure of the component and it has got nothing to do with the bumper that is fitted to my vehicle. Ford also informed me that my warranty is now canceled due to the aftermarket modifications that I made to my vehicle.

I have requested Ford to please put everything in writing to enable me to take the case to the ombudsman, they have ignored all my requests (Call recorded). I have also asked them to proof their statements, I have also not received any feedback from Ford. I have requested for meetings that we can resolve the issue, they have ignored all my requests.

Ford can not stand behind their products, they can not admit they are having big issues with these vehicles. I have read up on the internet about the 10 speed transmission, according to the world motoring industry this is the worst transmission Ford has ever used. And now they want to pass the bucket to the customer and the world c;lass aftermarket products that was fitted by professional fitment centers.

Ford refuses to take ownership of this issue.

I will say it again: Ford is bullies and hides behind the fact that they think they are so power full.