Ford Dealerships refusing service to Ford lightnings.

[Raphlen]

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.

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[RickLightning]

I bought a 2021 Mach-E in July 2021, and a 2022 Mach-E (my May 2021 Mach-E order that came in 50 weeks later) from Varsity Ford. When I went looking for a Lightning, I found them out of state. Varsity told me upfront, if you buy elsewhere, we won't service it. I bought in Missouri, and they refused to service it. I switched dealerships.

Reasoning was "we have 1 EV tech and our customers come first". Reason I took all my business was that they gave me the excuse for 2 years. I suspect they still only have 1 EV tech today. Same with my new dealership, but they don't care where you bought the vehicle.

Dealerships have the right to refuse to work on your vehicle, they are independently owned. Ford knows, and can do nothing and will do nothing.

 

[TaxmanHog]

@Ford Motor Company just another straw on the camels back, at some point the loss of loyal customers is going to hurt you.

 

[Bigred]

Luckily I haven't had that problem. I bought from a podunk TX dealership. When I had my HVB drive train faults, i had it towed to a big city dealership in hopes that the EV techs would be more experienced. They repaired it no problem.

 

[Scorpio3d]

I purchased mine in Maryland and I live in Texas and I’ve taken it to a “local” dealership and had good success with any CSP‘s, repairs and routine maintenance. I know some of the other local forum members have used another local dealership with success as well!
Just depends on the dealership! Ford should crucify (or perhaps pull their franchise) those that don’t work on Ford vehicles!!

 

[21st Century Truck]

I purchased mine in Maryland and I live in Texas and I’ve taken it to a “local” dealership and had good success with any CSP‘s, repairs and routine maintenance. I know some of the other local forum members have used another local dealership with success as well!
Just depends on the dealership! Ford should crucify (or perhaps pull their franchise) those that don’t work on Ford vehicles!!

...sounds like a great road trip!

 

[Robert1380]

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.

That absolutely blows! Sorry to hear that. I assume you’ve contacted Ford directly? The dealers may be privately owned but I would think that there’s some mechanism in place requiring them to provide warranty service under the Ford banner. I’ve never heard of such a thing as what you’re describing. And I’m pretty sure that if Ford dealers refuse to provide service that Ford corporate could pull their charter. Maybe I’m wrong but if I were you, I’d be making some calls.

 

[RickLightning]

@Ford Motor Company just another straw on the camels back, at some point the loss of loyal customers is going to hurt you.

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

 

[Grumpy2]

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.

It appears that EVs are viewed by half of the Ford Dealers as a terrible future, and many will respond that way. Remember Farley's plan that dealers squashed?

https://www.freep.com/story/money/c...im-farley-unveils-plan-ev-model-e/6981544001/

It takes work, but research all the dealers in your area, how many Lightnings on the lot, etc. Stop by and ask how many techs they have. I also have privately shared with Forum members experiences with dealers within my area.

My dealer is 2 hours away, past 4 others, and it has worked for me.

 

[trev5150]

The antiquated dealership Model needs to die. I would have been somewhat sympathetic if you couldn’t buy the truck there then therefore it would make sense that you couldn’t have it serviced there because the dealership is not prepared for EV’s with respect to technician training, specialized tools, diagnostic and charging equipment, and so on. But this business model doesn’t serve the customer at all. It’s an anachronistic mechanism by which shady businessmen forced manufacturers to allow them to take advantage of people by using as many sleazy predatory practices as possible. It needs to go.

 

[RocketGhost]

I believe that refusing warranty service is a violation of their franchise agreement with Ford. I would call Ford and let them know.

 

[TaxmanHog]

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

I've noted the lack of presence as well, @Administrator might want to remind them of the waning goodwill

 

[Lytning]

I've noted the lack of presence as well, @Administrator might want to remind them of the waning goodwill

I am guessing the @Ford Motor Company AI license expired.

 

[Bwanapete]

I bought mine from Burdick Ford in Central Square, NY (just N of Syracuse).They have been very happy to work on my Lightning and I strongly recommend them. I have heard that Romano Ford sells but does not service Lightnings. I have seen Lightnings with Romano license plate frames parked waiting for service at Nye Ford in Oneida, NY.

 

[Robert1380]

I believe that refusing warranty service is a violation of their franchise agreement with Ford. I would call Ford and let them know.

Yep. I don’t believe (and I may be wrong) that a Ford dealer can deny service simply cuz they don’t want to. I’d go as far as contacting an attorney in the matter and see what they say. If this is in fact illegal and they have pulled this shit on severa people that purchased the Lightning, there may be a class action here. Any attorneys in the house???

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