Problems with my new 2011 MKX!

[Shredder]

As some of you already know, I got my MKX last Wednesday. Everything was great... until Saturday.

 

I thought I would share with you my recent experiences with my new vehicle.

 

So other than a small rattle that could be heard coming from the back seats when hitting bumps, everything was perfect. Then Friday night I went to gas up, in preparation for a long trip I was going on the next morning, and noticed that the hood was not aligned properly... basically, there was a bigger gap along the right side of the hood and very tight gap along the left. Oh well... not a big deal right? That can easily be fixed at the dealership.

 

So I hit the road the next morning... about 2 hours into my drive, I noticed that some of the LincolnTouch features stopped responding. Features that worked fine before, no longer activated on the screen. For example, sound settings, main menu settings, navigation settings, etc. The main sections would work - I could switch to Phone, Navigation, Audio and Climate... but most of the buttons on those relative screens would not work. I didn't panic... Touch system is version 1 and it is by Microsoft after all so maybe all it needs is a simple reboot, right?

 

Anyway, I continue along on my trip and then start hearing a strange sound when going over slight bumps coming from the front right side. And where I was going, the road had a lot of bumps so I could hear it a lot and the sound was getting gradually louder. So I pulled over and checked out the hood. I noticed that the hood (where the tight gap was) was rubbing along the edge and that's what was making the noise. So I raised the hood, had my head low to check the area being rubbed to see if there was any paint damage... and there wasn't. Grabbed a folded up napkin and was about to close the hood (to jam the napkin between the rubbing parts) and the pry bar holding the hood up suddenly snapped and the hood just dropped. Now luckily I was on my way to close the hood when it snapped and managed to catch it before it slammed shut. But the scary thing is it snapped about 3 seconds after I had my head down there looking at the area where the hood was rubbing. That hood could have slammed down right on my head... could just imagine how much that would've hurt (if I would've survived!!). The part that broke off is the base area that the pry bar is attached to... just snapped right off... can you believe that?

 

And to top it all off, I needed an alignment done (that part was done yesterday - dealership still has my MKX working on the other stuff). That was another thing I had noticed on my trip - driving at higher speeds, the car would constantly pull to the right.

 

AND FINALLY... my glove box is not installed properly... one end is shifted in, and the other end sticks out! Not a big deal but by now, every little thing wrong is really pissing me off!

 

Oh yeah, and only sometimes, at low speeds, when accelerating and turning, a loud rattle noise (like a muffler rattling) can be heard. It only happened 3 or 4 times since I got the car but still.......

 

Anyway, I didn't want to disappoint all of you who are waiting to get your Edges/MKXs but I thought I should share this with you. Plus, I needed to vent... I am NOT a happy camper right now.

 

I thought the new Ford/Lincoln was all about quality????

[igcitng]

Wow. I was kicking around the idea of a 2011 Edge and decided recently not to purchase the first year of the redesign. Glad I did.

 

This car sounds like a hot mess. They should take it back. It sounds like half of the parts are not bolted on properly. Actually, it sounds like it was dropped from the delivery truck. Something is very wrong. For the kind of money you spent, you should get a new one that was not built on a Friday. This is very disappointing to hear.

[Shredder]

Well I'm not willing to give-up just yet. All the things I've mentioned can be easily fixed... at least I think so???

 

But the scary thing is, I just got a call from the service dude at the dealership and they're still working on figuring out what's wrong with the LincolnTouch system. They said they need to keep the vehicle another day. So one more day of riding around in the 2011 Ford Focus rental they provided. They were kind enough to get me a rental, but I'd rather be driving around in my MKX... the car I waited so long to get and the car I spent a lot of money to drive.

[wilsons66604]

Well I'm not willing to give-up just yet. All the things I've mentioned can be easily fixed... at least I think so???

 

But the scary thing is, I just got a call from the service dude at the dealership and they're still working on figuring out what's wrong with the LincolnTouch system. They said they need to keep the vehicle another day. So one more day of riding around in the 2011 Ford Focus rental they provided. They were kind enough to get me a rental, but I'd rather be driving around in my MKX... the car I waited so long to get and the car I spent a lot of money to drive.

 

Tell the service dude to reboot it!

 

Sorry to hear this Shredder!

I'm really hoping they have worked out the bugs by the time they start building mine next week.

[Shredder]

Tell the service dude to reboot it!

 

Sorry to hear this Shredder!

I'm really hoping they have worked out the bugs by the time they start building mine next week.

 

I did tell the guy to reboot it... they don't want to listen to me. I don't want to tell them what to do but I'm a computer consultant and know a thing or two about computers (not that you need to be a computer consultant to understand the reboot concept). This is a software issue... the features worked before and then the system hung when I pressed one specific button and now half the buttons don't call up their respective screens. How the hell do you fix that? It's not like they can step through the LincolnTouch code... just freaken' reboot it. They said they don't know how to do it... so I told them to unplug the fuse. They said it wasn't that easy and that systems nowadays are very complicated. Well, I looked in the owner's manual and the fuse that powers the LincolnTouch system is #11... doesn't seem to complicated to me. If you can't reboot your computer because it hung on you, I can guarantee you that if you unplug the freaken' thing, plug it back in, and then power it up again, you will have successfully rebooted your computer. Unreal!!!!

[Dreamss]

I was waiting to read "and then I woke up and the nightmare was over"…guess it wasn’t a dream

[MOFSTEEL]

I told everyone this would be happening. This may be the first but certainly not the first person with an issue.

I hope everything gets fixed.

[wilsons66604]

I did tell the guy to reboot it... they don't want to listen to me. I don't want to tell them what to do but I'm a computer consultant and know a thing or two about computers (not that you need to be a computer consultant to understand the reboot concept). This is a software issue... the features worked before and then the system hung when I pressed one specific button and now half the buttons don't call up their respective screens. How the hell do you fix that? It's not like they can step through the LincolnTouch code... just freaken' reboot it. They said they don't know how to do it... so I told them to unplug the fuse. They said it wasn't that easy and that systems nowadays are very complicated. Well, I looked in the owner's manual and the fuse that powers the LincolnTouch system is #11... doesn't seem to complicated to me. If you can't reboot your computer because it hung on you, I can guarantee you that if you unplug the freaken' thing, plug it back in, and then power it up again, you will have successfully rebooted your computer. Unreal!!!!

 

I hear what you're saying. I'm a computer consultant also and I do know that it can be frustrating when dealing with the un-savvy.

There has got to be some kind of a <ctrl-alt-delete> for the computer.

I wonder if the service techs have been trained on this car.

[ablb]

I did tell the guy to reboot it... they don't want to listen to me. I don't want to tell them what to do but I'm a computer consultant and know a thing or two about computers (not that you need to be a computer consultant to understand the reboot concept). This is a software issue... the features worked before and then the system hung when I pressed one specific button and now half the buttons don't call up their respective screens. How the hell do you fix that? It's not like they can step through the LincolnTouch code... just freaken' reboot it. They said they don't know how to do it... so I told them to unplug the fuse. They said it wasn't that easy and that systems nowadays are very complicated. Well, I looked in the owner's manual and the fuse that powers the LincolnTouch system is #11... doesn't seem to complicated to me. If you can't reboot your computer because it hung on you, I can guarantee you that if you unplug the freaken' thing, plug it back in, and then power it up again, you will have successfully rebooted your computer. Unreal!!!!

Like you I know a couple of things ( that would be 2) about computers.

 

" then the system hung when I pressed one specific button and now half the buttons don't call up their respective screens. "

 

Sounds like a hardware problem.

 

I REALLY DO NOT LIKE touch screens and THEY DO NOT like me.

 

I can't answer my Motorola Backflip, the answer part of the touch screen does not work for me. BUT it does for my wife, son and a friend.

 

ab

[igcitng]

Last weekend the usb part of my Sync stopped working and taking the fuse in and out as suggested here made it work again, so not a bad idea. Maybe try another dealer? Not loving the Focus huh? When my PTU had to be fixed the rental company gave me a 3/4 ton dodge pickup with towing mirrors on it. That was interesting. They never match the rental to the driver.

[Fury 0f Osiris]

Well the Edge/MKX were delayed for over a month specifically because of issues with the My Ford Touch, so it unfortunately makes sense that there are bugs. And as far as the glove box and hood being off center/misaligned, that most defiantly does not mean the whole batch is bad. In fact, I have been working on quality testing for the new Jeeps for the past 3 months, and small misalignments are common, and vary from car to car. I know Ford is on a higher lever as far as quality, but the idea is the same.

[Shredder]

Shredder, did the dealer or Ford express a particular interest in the broken hood support rod? Sounds like this could be a definite safety hazard if it's a widespread defect and logically a hood support rod would be the same in large numbers of vehicles. Any pictures of the broken part?

 

Sorry, no pictures of the broken part. Got back from my trip late Sunday night and brought the vehicle at the dealer near my place (not where I bought it from) first thing Monday morning... all they did was the allignment and spent a bit of time trying to fix the Touch issues. Then suggested I bring it to the dealer that I bought the vehicle from. So Tuesday morning (yesterday) brought it in there and haven't seen my vehicle since. I'm hoping I will have it back by the end of the day today. I'll take a picture of it then since I know that peice won't be fixed... they have to order some parts in order to fix that.

[Shredder]

Shredder, did the dealer or Ford express a particular interest in the broken hood support rod? Sounds like this could be a definite safety hazard if it's a widespread defect and logically a hood support rod would be the same in large numbers of vehicles. Any pictures of the broken part?

 

And to answer the other part of your post... when the service consultant called me back yesterday, he mentioned something briefly about the pry bar issue. I was busy at work when he called so I was kind'a selectively listening... think he mentioned that Ford was aware of the problem and some documentation was recently sent to dealers about this but to be honest, I'm not really sure. Crazy stressed and busy at work... all I wanted to know was when my car would be ready!!! I will ask when I go get my vehicle and will post what they tell me later on.

[igcitng]

Is there a reason why more cars are not made with the hydraulic-type hood lifts instead of the stick to prop it up? Not that they couldn't fail also, but sounds better. Out of all of the problems listed with this new car the one that bothers me the most is the hood prop failing. That could have been tragic.

[choff1138]

So sad for you Shredder but way to be optimistic about it getting fixed. I am happy that you still just want it fixed/replaced rather than a completely different car. Good luck and I hope the dealership is good to you!

[Shredder]

Well... got a call from my dealer and most of the things I listed were fixed or addressed. The myTouch system automatically rebooted itself this morning... service dude had no idea why but he said that it's now working again! That's all I care about.

 

My hood was realigned but they will have to order a new part in order to fix the pry bar thingy (whatever it's called). The part that they need is not even available by Ford for the dealership to order. No big deal for now I guess... it's not like I will ever open the hood for anything.

 

They're trying to realign the glove box right now and find those rattling sounds I described and they said I can come pick it up at the end of the day!

[tpm419419]

Well... got a call from my dealer and most of the things I listed were fixed or addressed. The myTouch system automatically rebooted itself this morning... service dude had no idea why but he said that it's now working again! That's all I care about.

 

My hood was realigned but they will have to order a new part in order to fix the pry bar thingy (whatever it's called). The part that they need is not even available by Ford for the dealership to order. No big deal for now I guess... it's not like I will ever open the hood for anything.

 

They're trying to realign the glove box right now and find those rattling sounds I described and they said I can come pick it up at the end of the day!

 

 

All in all Shredder it sounds like your vehicle will be ready to roll. Good luck with it and enjoy!

[Shredder]

All in all Shredder it sounds like your vehicle will be ready to roll. Good luck with it and enjoy!

 

Thanks.

 

And you're right, in the end, the issues weren't that bad... except for the pry bar snapping where it could have seriously hurt me.

 

I guess what really bothered me is that it all happened at once only a few days after getting the vehicle. I haven't reached the point where I wouldn't recommend this vehicle to anyone yet. It's still an amazing car!

[LIVIO]

Thanks.

 

And you're right, in the end, the issues weren't that bad... except for the pry bar snapping where it could have seriously hurt me.

 

I guess what really bothered me is that it all happened at once only a few days after getting the vehicle. I haven't reached the point where I wouldn't recommend this vehicle to anyone yet. It's still an amazing car!

 

Shredder.....glad to hear everything is working out for you.

 

Livio

[Shredder]

More news... dealer just called me to say they need to keep my vehicle another day to fix the rattles.

 

But hear this, they told me they will not fix my pry bar that snapped off because it's not covered under warrenty. Can you beleive this... thing snaps 3 days after I get the car... almost kills me... and I apparently have to pay for them to fix this? UNREAL!!!

 

This is the first Ford product I've ever owned... and so far... NOT GOOD!!!!!!!!!

[akirby]

More news... dealer just called me to say they need to keep my vehicle another day to fix the rattles.

 

But hear this, they told me they will not fix my pry bar that snapped off because it's not covered under warrenty. Can you beleive this... thing snaps 3 days after I get the car... almost kills me... and I apparently have to pay for them to fix this? UNREAL!!!

 

This is the first Ford product I've ever owned... and so far... NOT GOOD!!!!!!!!!

 

That's BS. EVERYTHING is covered under the bumper to bumper warranty unless you did something that caused it to fail.

[mleber]

More news... dealer just called me to say they need to keep my vehicle another day to fix the rattles.

 

But hear this, they told me they will not fix my pry bar that snapped off because it's not covered under warrenty. Can you beleive this... thing snaps 3 days after I get the car... almost kills me... and I apparently have to pay for them to fix this? UNREAL!!!

 

This is the first Ford product I've ever owned... and so far... NOT GOOD!!!!!!!!!

Give them a good "SHREDDING". Glad most issues are addressed. I cant believe the pry bar comment, but glad you didnt get hurt. I have NEVER heard anything like that, everything is covered. Take it up the food chain if you must. That is a HUGE QC concern for Ford. The liability of hurting someone or worse is something they need to know about, not just the fact that it is BS that they said it is not covered on day 3.

 

Best of luck with all.

[Shredder]

After Ford Customer Service contacted the dealer, dealer said they would do it. But it'll be a big job and to be honest, I'm tired of not have my vehicle to drive around in. Not only that, but I'm dropping it off again on Tuesday and they will provide me with a rental again so they can take all the time needed to find and fix the rattling coming from the back.

 

I'm okay with them fixing the pry bar issue with steel plates and clamps (or however they're gonna do it). 1) It'll prevent them from taking my whole front end off and to be honest, I don't trust the guys at the dealership to do this... or at least do it well. 2) It'll probably be a sturdier solution for the pry bar anyway.

 

Right now, if they can just fix the rattling noise, I'll be happy.

[Grey]

I've been around vehicles for many years and have never heard of a "pry bar" - can someone describe this part?

[akirby]

I've been around vehicles for many years and have never heard of a "pry bar" - can someone describe this part?

 

Grabbed a folded up napkin and was about to close the hood (to jam the napkin between the rubbing parts) and the pry bar holding the hood up suddenly snapped and the hood just dropped.

 

And no - I have no idea why he calls it that. I also cannot believe that a hood prop rod would snap in half for no reason.