Ford Dealerships refusing service to Ford lightnings.

[TaxmanHog]

So, is there anyone from Ford listening?

Yes, @Ford Motor Company is reading our posts, they help where there is a possible intervention or support opportunity, but there is no guarantee that they can 'convince' dealers to do what they do. In many industries, skilled labor is in demand, try getting any skilled tradesman to do anything is a challenge (JMHO).

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[RickKeen]

... Ford must fulfill the warranty under most state laws ...

OP's beef is with Ford. Contact them and tell them you have a warranty claim.

 

[chl]

OP's beef is with Ford. Contact them and tell them you have a warranty claim.

And mention the uncooperative dealership, perhaps.

 

[COrocket]

It’s absolutely crazy to me that Ford corporate allows dealer policies like refusing service to certain models that Ford sells, or only servicing cars they sold. One of the few remaining advantages Ford has over newer competitors is a comprehensive brick and mortar repair network, and certain dealers have found a way to sabotage the EV roll out. It reminds me of our local dealership who refuses to sell Lightings for a penny under MSRP and for somehow still has 2023s on the lot. Then I take mine in for some recall work and the service department acts surprised that I was willing to drive across state lines to save thousands.

 

[davehu]

They haven't been here since 4/30/25...

not true, click on their name and see a listing of post... one was just 41 minutes ago

 

[davehu]

It’s absolutely crazy to me that Ford corporate allows dealer policies like refusing service to certain models that Ford sells, or only servicing cars they sold. One of the few remaining advantages Ford has over newer competitors is a comprehensive brick and mortar repair network, and certain dealers have found a way to sabotage the EV roll out. It reminds me of our local dealership who refuses to sell Lightings for a penny under MSRP and for somehow still has 2023s on the lot. Then I take mine in for some recall work and the service department acts surprised that I was willing to drive across state lines to save thousands.

Fords franchise agreement does require dealers to service any Ford that's IN WARRANTY, but out of warranty they are free to prioritize their own customers.

 

[RLXXI]

Fords franchise agreement does require dealers to service any Ford that's IN WARRANTY, but out of warranty they are free to prioritize their own customers.

THIS^^^ is the correct answer. I worked at a Ford dealer for 11 years and we would prioritize our customers that purchased from us 1st, everyone else last. We never refused to work on anyone's vehicle, not even a Dodge or Chevy, if it rolled in we worked on it.

Hell one time I had to go out in the woods to replace a busted hydraulic line on a skid steer, wasn't no Ford either. It was the dealer owners dad though so there's that lol.

We were not allowed to refuse warranty work that we were qualified to work on. Keep in mind my experience is over 20 years ago, there may be changes I'm unaware of.

 

[Maquis]

Fords franchise agreement does require dealers to service any Ford that's IN WARRANTY, but out of warranty they are free to prioritize their own customers.

I think it’s a bit more complicated when it comes to EVs. I don’t believe Ford will reimburse the dealer for EV-specific warranty work unless it is performed by an EV-certified tech. The limited supply of certified techs creates bottlenecks and I guarantee you the dealer’s customers will get priority.

 

[RickLightning]

not true, click on their name and see a listing of post... one was just 41 minutes ago

When I posted, it was true. No posts from March 20th to July 15th verifies that.

 

[RickLightning]

Fords franchise agreement does require dealers to service any Ford that's IN WARRANTY, but out of warranty they are free to prioritize their own customers.

Doesn't matter what a franchise agreement says. Facts are facts. Fact - many of us have had Ford dealerships refuse to work on our vehicles, even when they are EV certified, and the vehicle is in warranty. Ford has been advised of this, and their response has been to try another dealership. They took no action.

My former dealership, where I bought a Fusion Energi, and 2 Mach-Es, told me prior to buying my truck out of state that they would not service any EV not bought from them, regardless of my history with them. When the service manager said this, I brought the matter to the GM and owner. His response was that the service manager makes the call, and he backs him. Their reasoning was "we have one EV tech, and customers come first." Didn't matter that they had no Lightnings to sell at the time...

I think it’s a bit more complicated when it comes to EVs. I don’t believe Ford will reimburse the dealer for EV-specific warranty work unless it is performed by an EV-certified tech. The limited supply of certified techs creates bottlenecks and I guarantee you the dealer’s customers will get priority.

Yes, as we both know. And your Hawaii experience is well documented in the forum.

 

[ElectrifyingMe25]

The 2023 Lightning I bought a year ago has been a great vehicle for 20,000 miles. No complaints until now. I didn't purchase it locally; as a matter of fact, I had to purchase my Ford truck out of state. However, I do live near other Ford dealerships, so I had no concerns with warranty service. But now I've gotten the dreaded powertrain malfunction/reduce power error, which limits my truck to 57% power and 60% charge. The experience at the dealership has been dreadful. I called one dealer, Watertown Ford, and they said they weren't taking new appointments because I didn't purchase the vehicle there. Then I received a call from Danvers Ford telling me that my appointment was canceled and they refuse to work on any Lightnings unless you buy them there. How can Ford sell a vehicle and then have dealerships refuse to honor its warranty? I've bought many vehicles over the years, and none have experienced dealership service as bad as this.

If I were you, I'd do what you are doing..... post your story to every social media outlet you can get to. Make them famous. Facebook, X, Ford Forum once a month, and a local billboard if you can afford it.

 

[Robert1380]

It’s absolutely crazy to me that Ford corporate allows dealer policies like refusing service to certain models that Ford sells, or only servicing cars they sold. One of the few remaining advantages Ford has over newer competitors is a comprehensive brick and mortar repair network, and certain dealers have found a way to sabotage the EV roll out. It reminds me of our local dealership who refuses to sell Lightings for a penny under MSRP and for somehow still has 2023s on the lot. Then I take mine in for some recall work and the service department acts surprised that I was willing to drive across state lines to save thousands.

Really makes you wonder how these dealers stay in business. I think they keep the doors open by the service department and not so much the sales.

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