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

[WJOHNM]

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.

It depends on the dealer, it unlikely you will ever get a loner for warranty work. Most dealerships have plenty of work and short on tech's. I can tell you from experience working for dealer their customers come first and the only way you will see a loaner is if it's cash profitable job. Don't be surprised if they give you a appointment 2/3 months down the road

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[jyoshcyox]

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.

It's covered 12 months / 12,000 miles

 

[dbbii]

While not specific to the Maverick, my wife has a 2018 Lincoln MKX. We bought it at a dealer about an hour away from us. Bought at the end of the model year. I have a local mechanic that does most of my work. MKX has had some A/C fan problems. Unit was replaced under warranty twice by a local dealer. 3 or 4 days each time. No loaner. Dealer was a bit of a PITA, trying to claim maintenance wasn't done properly. Vehicle has 70k miles on it now. Got a notice from Ford that the vehicle is recalled due to a software issue that affects the emissions. However, since it is a recall, local dealer actually sent the mobile unit to my house to update the software. First time I ever had this happen.

 

[Suzukiridr14]

The dealer I bought my vehicle from doesn't sell Ford Protect warranties so can't even be an issue.

If you want a warranty, get one from Granger Ford.

 

[710-oil-614]

If you want a warranty, get one from Granger Ford.

Already have my warranty through Granger. Just saying my dealer can’t give me crap because they don’t even offer it

 

[MaverickDragon]

Already have my warranty through Granger. Just saying my dealer can’t give me crap because they don’t even offer it

Whether they sell the warranty or not is irrelevant.
A Ford warranty like offered through Granger AKA the Ford Protect, requires a Ford dealer via a contract to honor the warranty, provided the required repair is legitimate.

While a dealer may not provide the "best" service, they risk their franchise license for refusal, as although dealers manage their own operations, adhering to Ford's guidelines and standards isn't optional.

 

[710-oil-614]

Whether they sell the warranty or not is irrelevant.
A Ford warranty like offered through Granger AKA the Ford Protect, requires a Ford dealer via a contract to honor the warranty, provided the required repair is legitimate.

While a dealer may not provide the "best" service, they risk their franchise license for refusal, as although dealers manage their own operations, adhering to Ford's guidelines and standards isn't optional.

Yes I am fully aware of how it all works but that doesn’t stop dealerships for making comments about not purchasing it through them.

In my case I told the dealership I’d buy it through them for $50 more than granger charges so they get a little from it and they said they don’t sell Ford Protect warranties and to go ahead and purchase through Granger.

 

[MaverickDragon]

@710-oil-614
Obviously your dealer can't make that as a legitimate complaint.
I wonder why they don't offer to sell it. Did they ever say?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

@710-oil-614
Obviously your dealer can't make that as a legitimate complaint.
I wonder why they don't offer to sell it. Did they ever say?

I had my oil changed yesterday and asked the finance guy about dealers not doing ford extended warranty work. His reply was "it is not uncommon for some dealers to claim that they do not participate in the extended warranty program". Also of interest @Darryl was my door vin tag was missing (fell off or stolen?). My dealer is contacting Ford for followup as they will have to take picture of it if I have a warranty claim such as my half shaft or extended ice milage due to knock sensor problem, etc.

 

[MaverickDragon]

@MakinDoForNow
Wow - No idea they could opt out of a Ford sponsored extended warranty.
I noticed in your post the feedback was "it is not uncommon for some dealers to claim".
Anyone can make a claim, but that doesn't mean it's legitimate.

I took a look at Ford's website, and it appears the dealer's position seems to be in conflict with Ford's statement under the "Where can I go for service" FAQ:
" Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plans and Ford Protect Extended Service Plans are honored at any Ford or Lincoln dealer throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico."
Note the lack of a caveat indicating any participation requirement in that statement.

I wonder if the dealer making that claim has been challenged on their position.

One could call Ford and ask.
If the opt out is true, Ford needs to revise their statement, or if false, the dealer needs to stop claiming that they don't need to honor the warranty. Either way something is rotten in Denmark.

 

[todd92]

They can no more opt out of extended warranty repairs than they can opt out of normal warranty repairs. Why would they want to? Ford is paying them to do the work.

 

[Darryl]

Our dealership sees warranty work as $$$. Period! Sometimes our manager gets a bit in his feelings when a customer that usually buys from us chose to purchase from another dealer. But we view them bringing the vehicle to us for warranty service as an OPPORTUNITY to win the customer back. So we're usually glad the customer chose us. As for a loaner, we have a limited supply. So usually our regulars get priority. But if the vehicle will be here for a long time. They usually try to work something out with a rental company through Ford.

 

[Darryl]

@MakinDoForNow
Wow - No idea they could opt out of a Ford sponsored extended warranty.
I'd assume that strategy only works where the Ford dealer options are limited.

Our dealership views warranty work as AN OPPORTUNITY to win the customer to US for their further service and even their next purchase. We don't turn ANYTHING down. Although warranty reimbursement is less than customer retail, it's SURE money. Warranty sometimes is a bit of a pain to deal with. But sure money is always good. It doesn't make sense for a dealership to refuse work

 

[Darryl]

Same, I'm in PA, flew to OK, to pick mine up got $5200 off MSRP.. local dealers didn't believe me, even though I had a buyers order, saying "they're gonna hit you with adds" suprise they did not.. locals were only willing to go about $1500.. Maryland was about 3k off MSRP BUT crazy adds broughtit back to around $1500, I tried almost every dealer in PA, OH, MD, NY, IN, IL.. no one would touch that price.

Our dealership has no problem doing warranty work on a vehicle bought elsewhere. It's an opportunity to win the customer back to our dealership for future service. Warranty work is viewed as SURE MONEY. And it's an opportunity for our service department to win the customer back for their next purchase. Sometimes our service manager can sense a customer that is apt to give a negative survey to Ford regardless of what we do. So they may HOPE he goes elsewhere. But we'll still do the work and TRY to make them happy. Bad surveys cost the dealership money

 

[jyoshcyox]

@MakinDoForNow
Wow - No idea they could opt out of a Ford sponsored extended warranty.
I noticed in your post the feedback was "it is not uncommon for some dealers to claim".
Anyone can make a claim, but that doesn't mean it's legitimate.

I took a look at Ford's website, and it appears the dealer's position seems to be in conflict with Ford's statement under the "Where can I go for service" FAQ:
" Ford Protect Premium Maintenance Plans and Ford Protect Extended Service Plans are honored at any Ford or Lincoln dealer throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico."
Note the lack of a caveat indicating any participation requirement in that statement.

I wonder if the dealer making that claim has been challenged on their position.

One could call Ford and ask.
If the opt out is true, Ford needs to revise their statement, or if false, the dealer needs to stop claiming that they don't need to honor the warranty. Either way something is rotten in Denmark.

I thought it was strange but the dealer I bought from didn't sell Fords extended warranty either they offered a 3rd party extended warranty, they probably make more than from Ford.

I opted out of extended warranty.. have been considering buying one from Granger but think I will just put the money in a savings account. I dont really plan to keep the car much longer than 5 years but things/plans change.

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