Anyone ever have issues getting warranty service at dealers they didn't buy from?

[jyoshcyox]

Hey Gang, 2025 XL Hybrid AWD 4k Tow ~3000mi

I need to get some warranty work done, I bought my truck out of state due to price. I've never needed warranty work on any of the new vehicles I've purchased before, and I was just wondering if dealer service departments ever give you trouble for not buying at their dealership or refuse loaners if it requires extended service.. All of my previous experiences with dealer service departments were terrible so I typically completely avoid the dealership altogether but this being warranty work, I'm not going to pay out of pocket.

The issue for those curious. Im getting some slight wheel vibrations above 70mph, gets worse the faster you go.. around 80+ is pretty Bad and feels unsafe. I believe the build date was August 2025, so should have the "updated" Axles (hopefully not it), I dont often travel at those speeds so I havent been in a huge rush to get it taken care of, just hoping it's a tire balance or alignment issue (covered 12,000mi/12mo.) But another concern i have is the service tech beating the shit out of my truck since you have to drive fast to even notice..

It's bone stock, with a few interior accessories, I do plan on getting new tires and wheels but want this sorted first so the dealer doesn't try to blame me.

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[bbhaag]

I've never experienced this first hand but my brother did. He purchased a new Nissan Frontier(2017 model)from an out of state dealer because just like you it was cheaper for him. Well a few months later the CEL came on so he took it to the only local dealer and the service manager looked at him and straight up said "I see here that you purchased your truck from another dealer that is out of state. We'll get you in when we can." . Six months later he was still waiting for an appointment to "open up".

Not all dealers do this so it's more of a case by case basis but it can and does happen.

 

[DaddyDan]

I bought mine in Colorado and live in NM. I gave many dealers within several hours driving distance a chance at my business but finding a hybrid AWD XL with 4K tow proved to be difficult (and I didn't want to order, I'm trying to find a truck that is built in the 6 figures each year, not a Corvette.)

If you have issues, I'd report it to Ford. I'm sure they'd like to know how their dealers are treating customers. Hopefully because its a Ford there should be other dealer groups within a reasonable driving distance. (Ex: There is a dealer in town and a dealer in the next town over - an hour of driving but here in the Southwest not unreasonable.)

I'll also illustrate it with a story. My dad spent his working life as a John Deere salesman in a small county in the Midwest that had more than one John Deere dealer and a few within 45 min or so of his dealership. Of course customers would shop around (like any smart consumer) but then bring the tractor to the nearest dealer for most of their service. My Dad would grumble a bit, but ultimately the dealership was going to make money off of it. Even if it's warranty work engendering loyalty in the customer to make ongoing profits should be a goal.

 

[DaddyDan]

I've never experienced this first hand but my brother did. He purchased a new Nissan Frontier from an out of state because just like you it was cheaper for him. Well a few months later the CEL came on so he took it to the only local dealer and the service manager looked at him and straight up said "I see here that you purchased your truck from another dealer that is out of state. We'll get you in when we can." . Six months later he was still waiting for an appointment to "open up".

Not all dealers do this so it's more of a case by case basis but it can and does happen.

He should reach out to Nissan corporate - they are desperately trying to make a "comeback" and I'm sure would hate this attitude in their dealers.

 

[bbhaag]

He should reach out to Nissan corporate - they are desperately trying to make a "comeback" and I'm sure would hate this attitude in their dealers.

Yeah, he probably should have but the vehicle is now well past the warranty period(2017 model) and he is now thinking about purchasing a different vehicle. Because of his experience with the local Nissan dealership I can tell you he won't be looking at Nissans for his next vehicle.

 

[Raymundo76]

Hey Gang, 2025 XL Hybrid AWD 4k Tow ~3000mi

I need to get some warranty work done, I bought my truck out of state due to price. I've never needed warranty work on any of the new vehicles I've purchased before, and I was just wondering if dealer service departments ever give you trouble for not buying at their dealership or refuse loaners if it requires extended service.. All of my previous experiences with dealer service departments were terrible so I typically completely avoid the dealership altogether but this being warranty work, I'm not going to pay out of pocket.

The issue for those curious. Im getting some slight wheel vibrations above 70mph, gets worse the faster you go.. around 80+ is pretty Bad and feels unsafe. I believe the build date was August 2025, so should have the "updated" Axles (hopefully not it), I dont often travel at those speeds so I havent been in a huge rush to get it taken care of, just hoping it's a tire balance or alignment issue (covered 12,000mi/12mo.) But another concern i have is the service tech beating the shit out of my truck since you have to drive fast to even notice..

It's bone stock, with a few interior accessories, I do plan on getting new tires and wheels but want this sorted first so the dealer doesn't try to blame me.

had no problems with Larry H. Miller Ford

 

[notfast]

But another concern i have is the service tech beating the shit out of my truck since you have to drive fast to even notice..

Unless the dealer is willing to bend the rules, they cannot violate traffic laws to verify a customer concern.

 

[Hunters Edge]

I don't think it will make a difference. For one a dealership is based on profit, like any business. Second every department in that dealership has to make profit, hit their nut and compete with other departments new car, truck, used vehicles, service, parts, and body shop if they have one. Lastly the old saying location, location, and location has some truth behind profitablity. That being said usually 2 ways a dealership brings in customers, one is the lowest price, the other is excellent service. Guess which one increases customer base long term and keeps the dealership afloat during bad times or recessions?

Like already has been posted if you have issues contact Ford and get it resolved. On the opposite side if you had a good experience make sure you fill surveys and questionnaires out accordingly good and/or bad.

OP good luck but doubt you will have an issue

 

[ScottyC]

When I had my 2021 Bronco - bought it at a dealer a few towns over due to no ADM. When it came time for service, I went to the locally owned Ford store that tried to crack me a 5K markup and they serviced the vehicle just fine. My expectations of a loaner was low and at that time, I had a second vehicle anyway....so I just made the appointment for the warranty work and dropped it off. They gave me a courtesy ride home. They fixed the issue and I got a ride back to service department with zero issues. I did not expect them to "bend over backwards" but the repairs were adequate and I was satisfied. I bought my Maverick from them without any issues.

 

[DaddyDan]

I don't think it will make a difference. For one a dealership is based on profit, like any business. Second every department in that dealership has to make profit, hit their nut and compete with other departments new car, truck, used vehicles, service, parts, and body shop if they have one. Lastly the old saying location, location, and location has some truth behind profitablity. That being said usually 2 ways a dealership brings in customers, one is the lowest price, the other is excellent service. Guess which one increases customer base long term and keeps the dealership afloat during bad times or recessions?

Like already has been posted if you have issues contact Ford and get it resolved. On the opposite side if you had a good experience make sure you fill surveys and questionnaires out accordingly good and/or bad.

OP good luck but doubt you will have an issue

Absolutely correct.

The dealer I worked with in Colorado gave me excellent service and a fair price given that I was dead set on a hybrid XL AWD with 4k tow and ultimately on Eruption Green. They knew full well that I would not be returning for service BUT gave them glowing reviews on Ford's surveys and Google. In the future if I were set on a particular Ford I would given them first crack at my business and if I heard a friend or acquaintance looking for a particular Ford I would recommend the dealer.

In the eyes of a long term business strategy this seems like a win for them.

Conversely I will be judging the local dealer by the service I receive.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

Absolutely no warranty problems with my local (not purchased at) dealer, but then again, they get all my Works oil changes and such on my 3 vehicles. I guess if you avoid them, not much incentive for them to go above & beyond.
Honestly, the Service Dept seems pretty disconnected from the Sales group.

HRG

 

[Joe Strummer]

Could be as simple as your wheels need balancing. Also, Ford ships the Maverick with 45 psi pressure. Your pressure could be too high.

 

[Tiger Dude]

My dealer picks up mine or does it in the driveway even though I bought it across town (because the idiot sales manager didn't believe me that the order bank was open).

 

[jyoshcyox]

Yeah I'm totally aware there should be absolutely no difference in service received irregardless of location of purchase. Separate depts and separate financials..

I've just heard otherwise. I was talked into an Oil change package at a dealer in purchased a previous car from, made an appointment and still had to wait over 3 hours for my oil to be changed (I never went back, money wasted) but my time was more valuable than the remaining 2 oil changes, when you can literally get a drive thru oil change.. I used to do it myself when I have owned used vehicles but with new vehicles I want the paper trail just incase there's an issue I dont want them to void my warranty because I didn't "dot an i or cross a t" or lost a receipt..

As far as "bending over backwards", I don't expect a loaner if it's gonna be a couple hours, or overnight.. but if it's going to be Days or Weeks, I can't be without a vehicle for that long.. I'm a completely reasonable human being.

 

[jyoshcyox]

Could be as simple as your wheels need balancing. Also, Ford ships the Maverick with 45 psi pressure. Your pressure could be too high.

I reduced the tire pressure myself because the dealer did not.. I'm aware I stated my hopes that it's tire balance or alignment issue in the OP.. thanks for the input tho!

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