Body panel alignment issues

[Papaya]

Update:
Hello together.
My dealer buys my Mustang back. I got a call today to stop by and have a meeting with the general sales manager. He himself thinks that my car is a FORD fabricated nightmare. Instead in waiting what my CSM is finding out, he offers me $3,000 less I did pay for, takes off around $9,500 of a Race Red Ford F-150 XLT with SuperCrew cab and 302A package plus some other extras. He only takes off the $3,000 because of the hit and run from March. He also switches my ESP and other services over to the F-150 for no extra costs to me. If everything goes well I will drive tomorrow home with a 2015 2.7 EcoBoost.

Finally an end to my nightmares! I was completely surprised from his generous offer today. 1000% for my dealership. I could really feel that everyone who knows me was relieved to get an end to it.

I wished that every dealer would deal with all of you in the same way my general sales manager did with me. That would be the right thing to do IMO.

All the best for you guys!

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[Cars_1959]

THIS quote above is outstanding. I truly think that FORD did not intend to "drop the ball" on panel alignments. When the 2016 models arrive, enthusiasts can observe if all the panels, and rear windows were corrected, and they can observe if the trunk lid and rear fascia things are fixed. If someone "fixed it" at the factory, then this was a factory error all along. Now, if they DO NOT fix this...and the 2016 models STILL have all kinds of panels not in alignment or at least improved...THAT will mean everything davidw said above still APPLIES even if there is a chance to fix the issue for the 2016. That will speak VOLUMES if the 2016 models still have the same panel issues. I have not had time, but I do plan to visit some dealers to examine some 2015s first hand. I saw one today in front of me on my way to work. THESE cars look good. They get attention. The non enthusiast doesn't know about the panel issue.

IMHO this is seeming more and more likely the culprit. Just saw a TV documentary about driving in America and the Mustang rang out, as usual, as a car that created and is still setting the bar on this combination of performance and looks. With such a historic ICON under it's belt, despite return on investment stuff, the Mustang, of all Models deserves respect in all aspects of production. They've produced lots of media about the development of this great car but the truth has yet to get out about the care and attention to all aspects of production.

I"m still all in for a Ruby Red 2016 GT PP when they finally open the Ford order machine. But not hearing from Ford about the changes in the QC chain shows little respect for the history, performance and most of all the dedicated long time fans of Mustangs. I'm convinced they know about it, that's their job.

 

[Cars_1959]

I saw this on the web about another make and model that was having problems with QC. The fans of the car asked just how it happens that final production could produce so many problems and this was the answer from another fan:

I've been in product engineering for a few years so I get to see what goes or doesn't go into making a good reliable product. It takes excellence in all aspects: solid and conservative initial design, careful and detailed specs so the part manufacturers know exactly what is required, constant quality control and inspection of the incoming parts and assembled products, and continuing engineering to improve any late detected problems. Slip up in any of those and product quality suffers.

 

[GiddyUp15]

I saw this on the web about another make and model that was having problems with QC. The fans of the car asked just how it happens that final production could produce so many problems and this was the answer from another fan:

I've been in product engineering for a few years so I get to see what goes or doesn't go into making a good reliable product. It takes excellence in all aspects: solid and conservative initial design, careful and detailed specs so the part manufacturers know exactly what is required, constant quality control and inspection of the incoming parts and assembled products, and continuing engineering to improve any late detected problems. Slip up in any of those and product quality suffers.

I too am in Product Engineering, and this is accurate. I can also tell you that nearly everything will have some defects at initial launch and kinks to work out even after product has shipped to customers. I try not to be an early adopter for anything because of this, but in the case of the Mustang (and iPhones, lol) my impatience always takes over my logic!

 

[GiddyUp15]

Update:
Hello together.
My dealer buys my Mustang back. I got a call today to stop by and have a meeting with the general sales manager. He himself thinks that my car is a FORD fabricated nightmare. Instead in waiting what my CSM is finding out, he offers me $3,000 less I did pay for, takes off around $9,500 of a Race Red Ford F-150 XLT with SuperCrew cab and 302A package plus some other extras. He only takes off the $3,000 because of the hit and run from March. He also switches my ESP and other services over to the F-150 for no extra costs to me. If everything goes well I will drive tomorrow home with a 2015 2.7 EcoBoost.

Finally an end to my nightmares! I was completely surprised from his generous offer today. 1000% for my dealership. I could really feel that everyone who knows me was relieved to get an end to it.

I wished that every dealer would deal with all of you in the same way my general sales manager did with me. That would be the right thing to do IMO.

All the best for you guys!

Glad they worked something out for you! Surprised you went for another Ford product let alone another new model. How were the body panels and such on the F-150s looking? I have been thinking that Ford probably put more focus and resources on the F-150 which is why the Mustang launch has been such a nightmare

 

[Papaya]

Explained

Glad they worked something out for you! Surprised you went for another Ford product let alone another new model. How were the body panels and such on the F-150s looking? I have been thinking that Ford probably put more focus and resources on the F-150 which is why the Mustang launch has been such a nightmare

Off-topic:
Actually my sales guy Gavin was a bit nervous showing me some 2015 F-150. But he had no chance. The general sales manager did sent me a mail yesterday and I was in there in no time. He ordered Gavin to show me some F-150's and I was positively surprised not to see these "waves" on the panel edges because the foreman in the body shop did say they had also alignment issues. (Maybe I am use to the bad panels on my Mustang :shrug: )

Gavin had a bigger problem to find a F-150 what didn't run sky high in pricing. They sell mostly lifted toys - $70,000 and up. Or they sell bare trucks for fleets. The window sticker on my Mustang was $43,500 CAD and I didn't like to go over that limit. I needed heated seats and thought a tow package for emergencies would be needed too. Only one he could find without ordering was a $52,899 truck with the 302A package I liked.

My biggest worries were my service packages because they stick normally with the vehicle. I would have lost around another $5,000 CAD. But Mike told me right away that he will transfer them to the truck because he is only happy when he can fix my troubles in full.

With around 8 weeks waiting time for a factory order, he brought the truck down to around $43,000ish to get me as fast as possible out of the Mustang. I did actually sent a message to my CSM how she could help us. (dealer and me) I mean. The dealer loses a lot money in that deal. I lose money. (Not even talking about my winter tire set I bought )

I hope that explains a bit the situation. Your question to "why another FORD"? I had never ever that trouble with a Ford vehicle. Not in Europe and in North America. I never thought I would drive a F-150. Now I got one with a lot of gimmicks and site steps. :ford:

 

[Blaster]

Other than a droopy driver's side muffler which was immediately replaced with a Magnaflow, and the insane clutch pedal assist spring, my Vert has been flawless. Just stunned at the excellent build quality outside and in. First new Ford since 1988. and no Fords since 1998. Built near end of April probably had something to do with it.

 

[Cars_1959]

I too am in Product Engineering, and this is accurate. I can also tell you that nearly everything will have some defects at initial launch and kinks to work out even after product has shipped to customers. I try not to be an early adopter for anything because of this, but in the case of the Mustang (and iPhones, lol) my impatience always takes over my logic!

Yeah, my patience wears out too. Hearing some good news about fixes (3rd stoplight) and how and many are through Ford. I am way over on the plus side now and willing to get a 2016 GT.

This Forum sharing has been the best for finding out about the new Mustang.

 

[5starr0]

My "emergency" re-order of rear glass was done Thursday, let's see if they call me today. I did get my BBB paperwork in the mail.

 

[Papaya]

3rd rear window!

My "emergency" re-order of rear glass was done Thursday, let's see if they call me today. I did get my BBB paperwork in the mail.

You guys are so lucky with the BBB and Lemon Laws in the USA. I honestly don't know if I would go all the way through a court. Lucky me, my dealer had a chat with the body shop manageress including the guys who worked on my Mustang and ended the sad story right after the 4th attempted of fixing the issues. Not even talking about that he has to replace the front discs with pads (TSB) and my driver seat cover because it is lose after only 5,000 km / 3,300 miles. They measured the car and it isn't crooked. Cross numbers are OK. Only numbers are off on page 7, showing the floor. Stays the question about the body panels itself as the foreman and manageress pointed out. Because they can't get my front of the car even. (Passenger side is low and driver side is 3/4 of an inch higher on the hood to align with the fenders. :doh: )

I hope your window comes without a crack now. Gosh! It is now the 3rd rear window they shipping out for you. :doh:

 

[5starr0]

You guys are so lucky with the BBB and Lemon Laws in the USA. I honestly don't know if I would go all the way through a court. Lucky me, my dealer had a chat with the body shop manageress including the guys who worked on my Mustang and ended the sad story right after the 4th attempted of fixing the issues. Not even talking about that he has to replace the front discs with pads (TSB) and my driver seat cover because it is lose after only 5,000 km / 3,300 miles. They measured the car and it isn't crooked. Cross numbers are OK. Only numbers are off on page 7, showing the floor. Stays the question about the body panels itself as the foreman and manageress pointed out. Because they can't get my front of the car even. (Passenger side is low and driver side is 3/4 of an inch higher on the hood to align with the fenders. :doh: )

I hope your window comes without a crack now. Gosh! It is now the 3rd rear window they shipping out for you. :doh:

It was delivered today, i emailed the parts department manager. They said the service guy was supposed called me. He had not yet called me so i tried to reach him. Some other person answered and left me on hold for a while without returning so I had to hang up. Going to call back again, because they love leaving it in my hands to follow up with them without them calling me. The more annoying thing is i'm going out of town for a wedding on thurs, i'm sure they wont find time to get my work done. Once again my blood pressure rises

 

[davidw76]

You guys are so lucky with the BBB and Lemon Laws in the USA. I honestly don't know if I would go all the way through a court. Lucky me, my dealer had a chat with the body shop manageress including the guys who worked on my Mustang and ended the sad story right after the 4th attempted of fixing the issues. Not even talking about that he has to replace the front discs with pads (TSB) and my driver seat cover because it is lose after only 5,000 km / 3,300 miles. They measured the car and it isn't crooked. Cross numbers are OK. Only numbers are off on page 7, showing the floor. Stays the question about the body panels itself as the foreman and manageress pointed out. Because they can't get my front of the car even. (Passenger side is low and driver side is 3/4 of an inch higher on the hood to align with the fenders. :doh: )

I hope your window comes without a crack now. Gosh! It is now the 3rd rear window they shipping out for you. :doh:

That's very interesting. So the car is straight and the panels themselves are badly formed from the factory? If so, the best plan for the rest of us might be to wait until they fix the panel production and then demand brand new panels. Of course, that is assuming they ever fix it!

 

[5starr0]

That's very interesting. So the car is straight and the panels themselves are badly formed from the factory? If so, the best plan for the rest of us might be to wait until they fix the panel production and then demand brand new panels. Of course, that is assuming they ever fix it!

the colors would never match up then

 

[Papaya]

That's very interesting. So the car is straight and the panels themselves are badly formed from the factory? If so, the best plan for the rest of us might be to wait until they fix the panel production and then demand brand new panels. Of course, that is assuming they ever fix it!

I thought about it over the last couple days and when the manager gave me the news I did walk around the lot with that stupid feeling in my stomach if you know what I mean. Than the manager and I had a chat and again, when we talked about the new Mustangs, I had this stupid feeling. My wife and I talked last weekend and we were both sad that it ended like that with our Mustang. It's like you take a little boy his toy away. But with the car now in January, April and May again a couple weeks in the body shop, it makes the change to a complete different vehicle easier. Maybe FORD can't make smooth panels anymore. The Mustang panels look really bad if you look at all the pictures posted in this forum. Yes. If you are 6 ft away it looks somehow nice. But a closer look and the nightmare starts. With no trust in FORD fixing the panel issues, I am better off with the F-150. Hey I did choose again a new EcoBoost engine. Now it is a mix of what I wanted right away. V6 plus EcoBoost.

 

[yellowragtop]

So Papaya says he no longer has a 2015 mustang but now he has an ALUMINUM BODIED 2015 F-150?

Isn't this like going from the frying pan into the fire ?

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