2013 Ford Escape SEL AWD 2.0
I leased from new and received Dec. 28/12 a Ford Escape 2013 2.0. Everything seemed ok with the vehicle. A few TSB's were performed on it - nothing major. Then at around 6,500 kms the vehicle started to stall. I called the dealer and brought it in Aug. 12/13. They did a variety of tests and could not duplicate the issue. I got the car back and went on with life. Approximately a month later and more stalls and the check engine message appearing, I brought it back on Sept. 20/13. They performed a wiggle test. TSB 13-7-5 was followed (map sensor, wire sensor ably, replace signal return splices, verified repair - ok. I got the vehicle back. October came and stalling happened when I was accelerating. I brought it back on Oct. 22/13. More tests, could not duplicate and they contacted Ford hotline - replaced throttle body. Got the vehicle back. Winter came and went. The vehicle was idling rough/surging but not stalling. Summer came the vehicle started running rougher and starts stalling again. The service engine light comes on too. Back to the dealer - June 11/14. They verified the stalling concern and performed a road test with PID recorder monitor, found when stalling occurs. Another call to the hotline - throttle body is required to correct concern. They replaced the throttle body again, verified repair, state engine running smoothly. Got the car back. Later in June, problems start again. I've had enough. I called the dealer and want answers, set up an appointment to see the general manager. The general manager advises us on 3 options: 1. have their lead technician personally look at the vehicle, 2. trade in the vehicle at a substantial hit to me, 3. CAMVAP. Left dealer to think. But before I did, I was advised by the dealer that they could get me into a new 2014 Escape with the same features as my SEL for $150 more a month. That was rejected outright. I left dealer extremely upset. Onto July 2/14 - back to the dealer. This time they are to connect a flight recorder. Anytime a stalling or surge happens, I am to press the button on the recorder. Over the weekend, the flight recorder was pressed 3 times and brought it back to the dealer for them to analyze the data. I made an appointment with the dealer for July 15/14 as their findings had found that they needed to replace the valve body and torque converter. They claimed no more shudder and vehicle runs smoothly. Sept. 4/14 the vehicle stalls, Sept. 5/14 engine fault light, the car surges, shudders, shakes. That's enough for me. My husband takes the vehicle on Sept. 5/14 to the dealer and demands to see the general manager and the service manager. The service manager doesn't show up and the general manager and another employee show up. He explains the story from the beginning to that day. He asks them if they are willing to take back the vehicle. The GM says no way. He then asks if they would take back the vehicle that they can not fix after 6 tries and provide me a vehicle of similar options. The GM says no, not going to happen. He asks them if they stand behind Ford products - no answer. He asks them if their dealership stands behind Ford products - no answer. He told them that many other people have relayed similar stories on the internet. GM said he disregards most of these stories - the employee laughed. Thoroughly not pleased with the attitude and smirks of these two gentleman, he got up and left.
Now on to Ford Customer Service - I had been in contact with Ford CSR after the first meeting with the GM in June 2014. I was told that we had to deal with the dealer to resolve these issues. I asked if I could go to a different dealer - CSR stated that we should stay with the selling dealer. That's when we agreed with the GM to put on the flight recorder. On Sept. 4/14 I reached out again to my CSR and left a message.I have not heard back since.
If I go to CAMVAP I'll get fleeced. I know that this has been really long winded but I needed to get this off my chest. The lease of this vehicle has been a big mistake. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.