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

[710-oil-614]

The dealer that sells you a Granger warranty is good at any Ford dealer.

I mean that dealer, would be Granger

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[bgn]

Dealers often don't want warranty work. It pays poorly, techs don't want it, and it's certainly not as high of margin as charging someone $120 to change a $15 air filter in 2 minutes for both the dealer and techs.

 

[sprubs]

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.

that was a seriously dumb move by that dealer. they get paid for warranty work and they could gain a new customer in the future for a purchase or more repair work.

 

[ice445]

Dealers often don't want warranty work. It pays poorly, techs don't want it, and it's certainly not as high of margin as charging someone $120 to change a $15 air filter in 2 minutes for both the dealer and techs.

Yeah, this is a far bigger factor than where you bought the car. If they're already swamped they have zero incentive to be helpful.

 

[HeyBales]

that was a seriously dumb move by that dealer. they get paid for warranty work and they could gain a new customer in the future for a purchase or more repair work.

And that's what you gotta make it sound like to get their interest.
Ask about their oil/filter change deals, avg time for maintenance items, ect.
Don't ask if you can buy your own fluids and filters at their parts counter, what those hours are.

Because the normal warranty work is a loss usually for all involved.
Now a tire - hopefully they don't halve that time down - some things really can't be done much faster.

 

[TheRealEman]

As you all may understand, dealers are not supposed to be like that. It used to be common decades ago but manufacturers and smart dealers learned that helping car owners like you in a highly positive manner increases the chance you’ll return for more lucrative, non-warranty work and even buy future vehicles there. Plus, people move great distances all the time, so it’s easy to have this situation.

 

[UTAlumnus]

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.

I had a dealer try to hold my truck until they got paid for repairing damage caused during the airbag recall while it was still under warranty. One call to Ford corporate & they changed their tune like a light switch was thrown.

 

[hurrah]

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.

I'm sure it varies with dealers but I've bought the last 3 Ford Trucks from a large dealer that carries a big inventory and deals in volumn and have had all of them serviced at a local small town dealer that has an excellent service department. They are glad to have the business and the service dept could care less where the vehicle came from.

 

[zen_]

Dealers often don't want warranty work. It pays poorly, techs don't want it, and it's certainly not as high of margin as charging someone $120 to change a $15 air filter in 2 minutes for both the dealer and techs.

This is the right answer, although I would add that warranty work isn't just lower margin, it's often a really bad deal for the techs actually doing the work who end up getting screwed on their flat rate pay. Dealers have kinda brought it on themselves though since the service departments have evolved from you'll pay a bit more, but get some things like a courtesy car and repairs with OE parts, to most people expecting to be taken advantage of, sometimes badly.

 

[Suzukiridr14]

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.

You should not have a problem from a local dealership. They get paid by Ford for doing warranty work, so it makes no differance where you purchased your truck. You may not get a loaner vehicle, that's up to the dealer.

 

[Alienenforcer]

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.

I wouldn’t think so. From what I understand, dealers make more money from service than the sale. I might be wrong. On the other hand, I would leave appropriate reviews on google and yelp if that happened to me. That does wonders.

 

[olderthanyourdirt]

Get into a dealership now. If it is a balance or alignment issue, normally covered
first 90 days/3000 miles. If they can't fit you in have them write the concern so there is a record.

 

[Lone Ridr]

Many moons ago I worked the drive at a Chevrolet dealership. When a warranty vehicle came in from another dealership, I would work on their vehicle AFTER all vehicles that were sold at my dealership were finished. We made a promise to our customers and we would keep it. They could bring it in an leave it and I would do my best to perform the service. I said this with kindness and respect. No vehicle that was left with us was ever removed for lack of service, some were serviced that day. It was rare for a vehicle to stay more than three days. Some people bought from us partially based on service and trust. I would try to give the customer a reason to consider us for their next purchase.

I'm pretty sure that rules that a dealership can't refuse warranty service still apply. If you buy it somewhere else, don't expect to get in the front of the line.

 

[todd92]

i have never been treated any differently obtaining service regardless of where I purchased the car. Service departments are separate from the sales department.

 

[Lone Ridr]

I worked closely with all salespeople at the dealership I worked at. Salesmen would often bring a prospective customer to my desk for in-depth discussion or explanation. I'm pretty sure that this isn't the case at modern dealerships. Most people on the drive weren't certified mechanics and worked on cars in the drive like I did. Maybe they should be better qualified. I find that most service mangers are qualified.

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