Rear bumper gap experience

[bullitt5566]

I took my 2017 GT350 in to get the bumper gap fixed. Found out some interesting facts and curious about everyone else's experience. First the dealer said the TSB fix required drilling a new hole in each side of the body and drilling new hole in the bumper cover. The dealer was concerned drilling the bumper cover could lead to cracking later on. The dealer said flat out that most places would not want to perform the TSB. They also said the TSB would not really fix the problem because heating during the summer would cause the bumper to sag again. The dealer had the parts on hand, but said they would have to charge me for them, because the gap needed to be larger than 4mm to be covered under warranty. The gap was less than 4mm not covered under warranty. In the end they ended up adjusting the existing brackets which made the gap better, but not fixed like I expected. It also didn't cost anything. Did anyone else have to pay for the parts? Did anyone else know about the 4mm gap requirement? Did the dealer just not want to complete the required drilling? At the end of the day, If I'm going to pay for the parts, then I'll just do the work my self so I know it's right.

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[NDALLAS40]

I took my 2017 GT350 in to get the bumper gap fixed. Found out some interesting facts and curious about everyone else's experience. First the dealer said the TSB fix required drilling a new hole in each side of the body and drilling new hole in the bumper cover. The dealer was concerned drilling the bumper cover could lead to cracking later on. The dealer said flat out that most places would not want to perform the TSB. They also said the TSB would not really fix the problem because heating during the summer would cause the bumper to sag again. The dealer had the parts on hand, but said they would have to charge me for them, because the gap needed to be larger than 4mm to be covered under warranty. The gap was less than 4mm not covered under warranty. In the end they ended up adjusting the existing brackets which made the gap better, but not fixed like I expected. It also didn't cost anything. Did anyone else have to pay for the parts? Did anyone else know about the 4mm gap requirement? Did the dealer just not want to complete the required drilling? At the end of the day, If I'm going to pay for the parts, then I'll just do the work my self so I know it's right.

I'd call another dealer and ask them about the TSB over the phone. Sounds like total BS to me. When I read the TSB, I don't recall seeing a 4mm gap requirement. 4mm is huge. I took mine in 2 years ago, way before the TSB came out, and they got approved to attempt a fix on my car's gaps, which were well under 4mm. They did what they could, including replacement of several brackets, but the gaps are back 2 years later. I've gotten used to them now.

You should never have to pay for squat on a TSB repair. If you escalate this and try calling Ford Performance, I'd bet that dealer will catch some doodoo from management. And they deserve to.

 

[xXANCHORMONXx]

The big issue is not the bumper sagging

It’s the bumper itself.

The mold changed, has gotten old or something.

Take bumper off of a 2018 Gt350 and watch.

 

[Austinj427]

The big issue is not the bumper sagging

It’s the bumper itself.

The mold changed, has gotten old or something.

Take bumper off of a 2018 Gt350 and watch.

An 18 bumper would mitigate the issue?

 

[xXANCHORMONXx]

An 18 bumper would mitigate the issue?

I’ve found that the bumper shape is the issue. The sheet metal on these cars seem fine.

But to get a dealer to warranty a bumper is tough. It’s not cheap and would be an ordeal

 

[Austinj427]

I’ve found that the bumper shape is the issue. The sheet metal on these cars seem fine.

But to get a dealer to warranty a bumper is tough. It’s not cheap and would be an ordeal

Interesting.

Did you end up replacing your bumper? How did you find out?

Do the 15/early 16 cars have the issue? I guess a worn mold could be the culprit for the issues if they don't.

 

[xXANCHORMONXx]

I tested a friends 17 GT and it fit flawlessly.

Until it gets hit I won’t bother however.

 

[1814GT350]

What does the gap look like? Any pics? Curious to the size and severity of the gaps. Thanks!

 

[johnny1]

Doesn't matter what year. I had a 16 and have a 17 with it and have seen two 18's on showroom floor with it. Its hit and miss some do, some (very few) don't. Some one side more than other. And reported in more cases than not on the forums if you don't have it or see a car on showroom floor without it after car is driven some it shows up. More of us than not have given in to living with it rather than hope a dealership can actually fix it with the TSB (which is just a bandaid) It takes far more time than TSB allotted time pay to dealership to do the TSB. And several have posted that it ended up worse or came back.

 

[Nfs1000f]

One dealer never called me back and the other one that did it complained the time allotted was not enough. In the end I have the gap still, but it doesn't seem to be getting worse.

 

[ENGR23]

I took my 2017 GT350 in to get the bumper gap fixed. Found out some interesting facts and curious about everyone else's experience. First the dealer said the TSB fix required drilling a new hole in each side of the body and drilling new hole in the bumper cover. The dealer was concerned drilling the bumper cover could lead to cracking later on. The dealer said flat out that most places would not want to perform the TSB. They also said the TSB would not really fix the problem because heating during the summer would cause the bumper to sag again. The dealer had the parts on hand, but said they would have to charge me for them, because the gap needed to be larger than 4mm to be covered under warranty. The gap was less than 4mm not covered under warranty. In the end they ended up adjusting the existing brackets which made the gap better, but not fixed like I expected. It also didn't cost anything. Did anyone else have to pay for the parts? Did anyone else know about the 4mm gap requirement? Did the dealer just not want to complete the required drilling? At the end of the day, If I'm going to pay for the parts, then I'll just do the work my self so I know it's right.

There is no requirement that the gap needs to be larger than 4mm, and parts are covered under warrantee at no cost to the customer.
A properly installed TSB kit will improve the bumper gap and reduce sag over time significantly vs a reinstall with same parts.

18 MY mustang fascia skin will fit the sheet metal better, but is not compatible with the GT350 lower valence.

 

[JTVUDOO]

Went to my local dealer who made me come in for an official technician inspection and validation of my bumper sag. (what?). I went in on a 7:00 am appointment just to inspect. When I hadn’t been written up by 8:15, I left. My local sucks.

 

[sguido2]

I conquered the gap repair today minus the dealership. Closed the gap by 3 mm.

 

[1814GT350]

Anyone have a pic of a NON repaired bumper gap.. Curious .. Thanks!

 

[NDALLAS40]

Anyone have a pic of a NON repaired bumper gap.. Curious .. Thanks!

I do, but I'm not publishing it. Just go to your nearest Ford lot. At least half of all Mustangs have it.

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