Headliner Issues after Side Airbag Recall Replacement

[MightyMaverick]

Just dropped off my Maverick yesterday to get the recall done along with an engine diagnosis to discover why I got a fault code for an AWD/4WD Powertrain Malfunction (Reduced Power) I've been reluctant to bring mine in because of the fact that a lot will be damaged/stained in the process as a result of sloppy and careless techs. However, I was pleasantly surprised when getting it back. It wasn't as bad as I thought. But it was far from perfect.

I had to touch up three finger prints, one on each side of the rear headliner underneath the grab handles and one underneath the passenger-side sun visor. I also noticed a new scratch on the driver-side A-pillar which I scrubbed with 303 Aerospace to help blend it in as well as another scratch on the upper right portion of the dash. I'm not very happy with that last one since it's in my line of sight. I had to agressively snap the passenger B-pillar trim into place since it was improperly fastened. Lastly, I had to tuck the seam of the headliner back into the rubber seal on my driver-side door. Just like someone else on here mentioned, don't expect your Maverick to be the same after getting the recall done. Sad reality.

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[Azmig88]

Just dropped off my Maverick yesterday to get the recall done along with an engine diagnosis to discover why I got a fault code for an AWD/4WD Powertrain Malfunction (Reduced Power) I've been reluctant to bring mine in because of the fact that a lot will be damaged/stained in the process as a result of sloppy and careless techs. However, I was pleasantly surprised when getting it back. It wasn't as bad as I thought. But it was far from perfect.

I had to touch up three finger prints, one on each side of the rear headliner underneath the grab handles and one underneath the passenger-side sun visor. I also noticed a new scratch on the driver-side A-pillar which I scrubbed with 303 Aerospace to help blend it in as well as another scratch on the upper right portion of the dash. I'm not very happy with that last one since it's in my line of sight. I had to agressively snap the passenger B-pillar trim into place since it was improperly fastened. Lastly, I had to tuck the seam of the headliner back into the rubber seal on my driver-side door. Just like someone else on here mentioned, don't expect your Maverick to be the same after getting the recall done. Sad reality.

And that made you pleasantly surprised because it wasn’t as bad as you expected.
This recall experience many people have had, is totally unacceptable.
The fact you chose to correct it yourself also says something about your faith in the dealer correcting it.
You’re a good person, Mighty.
I’m sorry you had this happen.

 

[MightyMaverick]

And that made you pleasantly surprised because it wasn’t as bad as you expected.
This recall experience many people have had, is totally unacceptable.
The fact you chose to correct it yourself also says something about your faith in the dealer correcting it.
You’re a good person, Mighty.
I’m sorry you had this happen.

I only say pleasantly surprised because I knew for a fact that it wasn't going to be perfect when getting it back, especially after hearing so many poor experiences on this forum. Sure, I could've made a hissy fit at the dealer and had them correct all of the mistakes but it's just not worth it in my eyes. It was mostly superficial and things I could easily correct myself. I shouldn't have to do it in the first place but I'm so used to detailing my car anyway so what's a little more work gonna hurt? Plus, the interior was far from perfect anyway. Since the Maverick is a budget built vehicle, the interior plastics are very brittle and scratch easily even when being careful. As a result, there are plenty of scratches anyway so it's not like the interior was pristine to begin with. If it was perfect, then I'd be really upset. But I'm trying to look at it in a more positive way.

 

[Azmig88]

I only say pleasantly surprised because I knew for a fact that it wasn't going to be perfect when getting it back, especially after hearing so many poor experiences on this forum. Sure, I could've made a hissy fit at the dealer and had them correct all of the mistakes but it's just not worth it in my eyes. It was mostly superficial and things I could easily correct myself. I shouldn't have to do it in the first place but I'm so used to detailing my car anyway so what's a little more work gonna hurt? Plus, the interior was far from perfect anyway. Since the Maverick is a budget built vehicle, the interior plastics are very brittle and scratch easily even being careful. As a result, there are plenty of scratches anyway so it's not like the interior was pristine to begin with. I'm trying to look at it in a more positive way.

As I said: “You’re a good person, Mighty”

 

[Edge Haley]

I do not think I would be lecturing the service writer or the technicians about keeping things clean or breaking clips.

To do so is an insult to their abilities and work ethic.

To have someone who may not know you from Bob the oil guy tell you how to do your job can be taken as a lack of belief that somone is able to perform their job without instruction from someone who is not going to do the job, had never done the job, and who is expressing their lack of respect for the technicians ability.
I know it would bother me.
tom

You live in a fantasy world.

I was first told that they needed 3, maybe 4 days, because they would not know what parts were needed until it was "torn in to"...then order the parts...that could take 24 hours...and was told that only 1, maybe 2 service people knew how to do the airbag recall, especially in replacing the headliner.

Well, I dreaded the rear seat airbag recall due to other's experience on this site, and it panned out to be a 4-day job...and as others mentioned, received the Maverick back with two black greasy handprints in the middle of the ceiling liner...now regret having it done. Noticed the handprints at pickup but needed the truck after being without it for 4 days and decided I'd try to clean the hand prints myself versus having them possibly making it worse and keeping truck for more days.

Others beware of these common complaints. If I had a "do over" I'd have pointed out to the Service Manager how others have had handprint stain problems. My Service Mgr had no clue what work was being done.

Edit: I will add that FORD Motor Company was first class in communicating and apologies for the inconvenience of this recall. When delayed 3 or 4 months for delivery Ford shipped me the FIT kit of printed accessories. Within 48 hours of getting the airbag recall done...I was pleasantly surprised with a letter of apology for the inconvenience of my time and A $40 Yeti insulated coffee mug for dealing with the inconvenience.

 

[Azmig88]

Well, I dreaded the rear ceiling airbag recall and it panned out to be a 3 day job...and as others have mentioned, received back with two black greasy hand prints in the middle of the liner....now regret having it done.

Others beware of this common complaint.

Regrading the skilled professional technician:
Thank God you didn’t stick YOUR nose into HIS business by giving them a heads up, leaving rubber gloves on the seat, or any other things an ignoramus might do!
They may’ve gotten their fragile ego insulted. Then they would have done a sloppy job….. or maybe they might have made a 1/2 day job drag out a long time.

THESE RECALL PROBLEMS ARE TOTAL TORO CACA!!

 

[grumpyunk]

Do you (any one who wants to lecture techs on how to do their job) think ANY of these recalls have been done by techs that know their job? Any done where things went just right, no cracks, not smudges, no grease stains and all parts seem to fit as they did before?
I expect there are techs that take pride in their work. Some.
Call it what you will, pathetic, unacceptable, whatever, the techs that make a mess will not listen to customers.

Matter of fact, most dealerships do not let customers near their techs.

Good luck telling them how to do their job.

I didn't want to have a recall, and will undergo the procedure hoping to come out in one piece afterward.

If things are not good, the service writer who releases the vehicle will hear from me at that point.

I hope things go well, but as noted will not be in touch with the tech, not allowed into their work area, and will be dropping the Mav off to have the recall. Not much chance for interaction.
The service writer was already defensive when I stopped in to schedule the work when I noted the flat rate for the job was 2.5 hours(?) and wanted to show me all the panels that were removed/replaced, and VERY defensive about needing me to 'drop it off' with no guess as to the time it would take. As if I can drop off for their convenience with no 'done by' time mentioned.
Seems we have two sets of people. Those that don't know which end of the screwdriver to stick in their ear, and the pros that have been doing interior work for years. The luck of the draw is what you get.
If they leave a mess, document it and complain. I have no other solution, and think lecturing the tech (if you can even talk to them) is a waste of time.
Have fun.

 

[Azmig88]

Do you (any one who wants to lecture techs on how to do their job) think ANY of these recalls have been done by techs that know their job? Any done where things went just right, no cracks, not smudges, no grease stains and all parts seem to fit as they did before?
I expect there are techs that take pride in their work. Some.
Call it what you will, pathetic, unacceptable, whatever, the techs that make a mess will not listen to customers.

Matter of fact, most dealerships do not let customers near their techs.

Good luck telling them how to do their job.

I didn't want to have a recall, and will undergo the procedure hoping to come out in one piece afterward.

If things are not good, the service writer who releases the vehicle will hear from me at that point.

I hope things go well, but as noted will not be in touch with the tech, not allowed into their work area, and will be dropping the Mav off to have the recall. Not much chance for interaction.
The service writer was already defensive when I stopped in to schedule the work when I noted the flat rate for the job was 2.5 hours(?) and wanted to show me all the panels that were removed/replaced, and VERY defensive about needing me to 'drop it off' with no guess as to the time it would take. As if I can drop off for their convenience with no 'done by' time mentioned.
Seems we have two sets of people. Those that don't know which end of the screwdriver to stick in their ear, and the pros that have been doing interior work for years. The luck of the draw is what you get.
If they leave a mess, document it and complain. I have no other solution, and think lecturing the tech (if you can even talk to them) is a waste of time.
Have fun.

If I’m understanding you correctly, YOU spoke to the service writer about the flat rate of 2.5 hours. (FYI-I agree that’s not enough)
But if memory serves me correctly, you said this discussion is discouraged to take place with the mechanic OR the Service Writer. Getting cold feet, Master Tech?
So….flip a coin, light a candle and hope for the best?
That’s quite reassuring.
You have it done. I’ll respect your choice and I sincerely hope it goes smoothly for you and everyone else.
I won’t have it done. You respect my choice
It’s probably best for all concerned.

 

[Radman73]

I feel lucky. Wiped up a couple of finger prints and everything else looked good.

 

[RR - All the way]

Had mine done today. Arrived at 8:10 and left at 10:05 with oil change and tire rotation also done. Service knows a I live 40 miles away, so got right in with appointment. Another advantage of a medium sized dealer. No visible problems with installation.

It is an EB, so no, they did not keep my vehicle for the latest hybrid recall........

 

[Azmig88]

Had mine done today. Arrived at 8:10 and left at 10:05 with oil change and tire rotation also done. Service knows a I live 40 miles away, so got right in with appointment. Another advantage of a medium sized dealer. No visible problems with installation.

It is an EB, so no, they did not keep my vehicle for the latest hybrid recall........

Nice to hear a positive story.
Congratz!

 

[grumpyunk]

AzMig: If I’m understanding you correctly, YOU spoke to the service writer about the flat rate of 2.5 hours. (FYI-I agree that’s not enough)
But if memory serves me correctly, you said this discussion is discouraged to take place with the mechanic OR the Service Writer. Getting cold feet, Master Tech?

I am not sure what you mean... I spoke w/service writer and he did not want to admit a 2.5hr flat rate allowed hours for the job. I have no idea what they (techs/dealer) do when the hours are longer. My take is mixed as one Ford tech (Ford Boss Me) on YT indicated it was not that difficult once you had done one. OTOH, lots seem to report very spotty service.
I will not be allowed to talk to the tech nor observe anything done. They have chains(plastic) across the doors to the service bays to keep customers from the actual work.
I am not going to bad-mouth all techs, and repeating, feel that a professional will not appreciate being told how to do their job. If you ever worked on something technical, and had your boss hovering or a customer watching every move you made, somehow it seems to take longer to get the job done, and somehow also you feel constrained for fear of looking/acting like a Freddy-Fumblefingers who types the wrong thing, drops the wrenches, or chooses the wrong tool/instrument and has to go back and get the correct item. I have seemingly almost always invited my boss to return to their area of expertise and let me do my job. Some will disagree, and want to helicopter over their workers. I expect to be trusted to do my job without a helicopter hovering over my every move.
In this case I will subject my Mav to the minions and hope for the best. I will try to get the service writer to give me a firmer estimate of the time involved as I do not plan on leaving my truck there in an open-ended state.
Wish I could get the 'mobile' service to do the job here at home.
I understand there is a TSB to install a new headliner for all curtain replacement recalls. Anyone heard more official news on that?
tom

 

[Edlundell]

My sunglasses cubby won’t open anymore since the airbag recall was done. Small price to pay, maybe, seeing as I don’t use it, but then when it’s time to pass it on to the next guy, I’ll probably have to knock off a grand or two if I don’t get it fixed.

 

[Azmig88]

AzMig: If I’m understanding you correctly, YOU spoke to the service writer about the flat rate of 2.5 hours. (FYI-I agree that’s not enough)
But if memory serves me correctly, you said this discussion is discouraged to take place with the mechanic OR the Service Writer. Getting cold feet, Master Tech?

I am not sure what you mean... I spoke w/service writer and he did not want to admit a 2.5hr flat rate allowed hours for the job. I have no idea what they (techs/dealer) do when the hours are longer. My take is mixed as one Ford tech (Ford Boss Me) on YT indicated it was not that difficult once you had done one. OTOH, lots seem to report very spotty service.
I will not be allowed to talk to the tech nor observe anything done. They have chains(plastic) across the doors to the service bays to keep customers from the actual work.
I am not going to bad-mouth all techs, and repeating, feel that a professional will not appreciate being told how to do their job. If you ever worked on something technical, and had your boss hovering or a customer watching every move you made, somehow it seems to take longer to get the job done, and somehow also you feel constrained for fear of looking/acting like a Freddy-Fumblefingers who types the wrong thing, drops the wrenches, or chooses the wrong tool/instrument and has to go back and get the correct item. I have seemingly almost always invited my boss to return to their area of expertise and let me do my job. Some will disagree, and want to helicopter over their workers. I expect to be trusted to do my job without a helicopter hovering over my every move.
In this case I will subject my Mav to the minions and hope for the best. I will try to get the service writer to give me a firmer estimate of the time involved as I do not plan on leaving my truck there in an open-ended state.
Wish I could get the 'mobile' service to do the job here at home.
I understand there is a TSB to install a new headliner for all curtain replacement recalls. Anyone heard more official news on that?
tom

On April 23rd you wrote this:
I do not think I would be lecturing the service writer or the technicians about keeping things clean or breaking clips.
To do so is an insult to their abilities and work ethic.

O.K.. I’m finished playing with your head LMAO

I’m finished on this topic
But before I go, let me say something to help you sleep better:
EVERYthing you say, and said, is 100% correct.
I will refuse to believe anyone might have a different thought or opinion, starting NOW

Again…. LMAO
OK. *Done*

 

[Montana]

Yea I never trust other people with my vehicle - least of all: Dealerships.

It's unfortunate I even have to take a vehicle in for recall work, but I know what to expect. The Ford Dealer near me tried to charge me over $100 for an oil change that was supposed to be free. The only reason I even let them do it was because I had no plans on keeping the vehicle and didn't want to waste my good Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. Of course, they ended up using my "ford points" to cover it. I couldn't care less once it was done and over with. I never let shops touch my vehicles for that reason. I figured if it got me out of the door quicker, then problem solved. They also did an "inspection" that I never asked for. It was in there for the oil change and to address the outdated ill equipped AGM battery in the 2.5L Hybrid Escape. They have a TSB on it but said the battery was "still holding charge" even though it was at 17% and I would get constant deep sleep notifications. What a joke. Another reason why I chose the Ecoboost Mav instead of the Hybrid.

Fingerprints and stains are just negligent. Another one that bothers me is when they don't use a protective layer over the paint. They just lean on the vehicle and scratch everything up. I live in Montana - I don't need more paint scratches and dings from a mechanic - there is enough from the road itself.

Anyways. I feel your pain, @MightyMaverick, and the many others in this thread. It might not solve everything and is very situational, especially if they have to disconnect the battery, but you can always invest in a 3 way dashcam and a battery pack. In 2023, EVERYONE should be driving with a dashcam at minimum, but the safe way is with the external battery pack and "parking mode". This way, when the battery is disconnected, the camera still runs parking mode for as long as the battery packs allow it to. I've used them for years now. I Always review the footage and it's pretty hilarious watching people realize they are being watched. Not to mention, the stuff that takes place around my vehicle in parking lots... jeez...

Blackboxmycar.com will steer you all in the right direction. Cover yourself. Don't be afraid to call out shady work or the workers doing it.

I have my appointment setup for the airbags and this is the 3rd day of ownership - and I already got the "powertrain malfunction" message. I posted in another thread about it, but I had it in the Escape too. It's an easy fix for them, but still... having to let someone else do the work sucks. I wish they would just supply parts to those capable of doing their own work. I'd gladly sign that waiver of liability. There are states that protect people and allow user repairs to be done by the owner along with maintenance, and there are those that raise red flags about everything down to the oil change. I would rather deal with the fight against me for "improper repairs" than to trust others working on something that literally holds my life in it's hands every time I hit the tarmac. Unfortunately, the closest thing to that is shelling out beaucoup bucks for parts. No thanks.

Lastly, both repairs shouldn't take more than a day. They did the powertrain repair on my Escape in about 3 hours and that was likely them taking a coffee break and chatting with other employees too. Parts availability waiting time is obviously something different, but for the work to take multiple days? Unacceptable and terrible planning/work ethic on their part. /rant

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