A new class action lawsuit alleges that Ford must issue a recall for corroding hoods on a wide range of Ford Explorer models. The corroding hoods are the product of contamination in the aluminum body panel, which results in bubbling and flaking paint, among other aesthetic issues.
What’s more, the lawsuit alleges that Ford has known about the hood corrosion issue for nearly two decades at this point, but failed to issue a recall or cover repairs.
Apparently, the corroding hood issue first started in the early 2000’s, when Ford Explorer construction was moved over to lighter aluminum panels with the intention of offering greater fuel economy figures.
The Ford Explorer corroding hood issue stems from iron contamination of the aluminum panel prior to the application of paint during production. Over time, the iron particles move into the aluminum body part, causing it to corrode.
As highlighted in a recent report from Car Complaints, Ford has already created several technical service bulletins (TSB) on the issue. The first was in 2004, followed by a second in 2006 and a third in 2016. A fourth TSB was issued in February of 2019 that recommended outright panel replacement.
The plaintiff also points out that the two-year extended coverage for body panel corrosion is limited, as it only applies to a body panel that “perforates,” that is, corrodes through completely. However, aluminum panels can’t perforate, making the warranty essentially meaningless with regard to issues surrounding corroding hoods on Ford Explorer models.
The lawsuit includes “All persons in the United States and its territories who, within the applicable statute of limitations period, and as shown by Defendants records, purchased or leased a new or used Ford Explorer.”
In 2018, a separate class action was filed addressing bubbling paint for 2013 to 2018 Ford Explorer, Ford Expedition and Ford Mustang models, all of which use aluminum body components.
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Source: Car Complaints
Comments
If ford are going to replace the hoods free of charge what is the need for a law suite?
Hi Gareth:
Can you tell me where you saw the notice that Ford has agreed to replace the hoods free of charge?
Thank you
Scott
I have had my hood painted twice due to this corrosion on my 2013 Explorer Limited.
Hi Gareth,
Has there been information regarding Ford replacing hoods or even tailgates? If so, where can one access this information? As I am going around in circles with Ford saying it’s not their issue. I have 2017 Ford Expedition.
Lisa, was your hood just repainted or was it replaced twice?
My 2014 Fusion aluminum hood is starting to corrode and blister on the leading edge. Ford should repair or replace the problem panels.
I thought Aluminum body panels were supposed to prevent corrosion.
my 2017 explorer hood is already corroding with oxidization bubbles and the piece of shit has been detailed and protected with wax + ceramics since inception. consult your lemon laws if your car is as bad as mine
Hell Ron. Same here. We have a 2017 Ford Explorer that has been kept in the garage since day one and the hood is bubbling in 4 spots. Only 32K miles. We are pissed. We did complete a few forms regarding a class action lawsuit but unsure where this will get us. This was our first Ford I purchased and will definitely be the last! $55K vehicle and made of crap.
I meant to say Hello Ron 🙂
Have a 2004 needs repainted
I have 2013 Ford Explorer hood has been bubbling since 1/16 have documentation from dealer saying claim denied several times. Do I have any recourse. Thanks
I have a 2012 Explorer. Hood started to corrode about 2 years ago. Now it’s peeling. I called Ford motor co. and they gave me a number for an attorney that was supposed to be handling the class action law suite but the number is no longer in service. Anyone have any further information?
I have 2013 explorer, it has been well cared for, rust bubbling up on the edge of the hood.
Please tell me how I can get help, The car was bought new, still looks new except for the hood.
please help, If Ford does not make it right, I have had 8 fords in a lifetime, this is the 4th
and last explorer.
Is there currently a Class Action Lawsuit regarding the Explorer Hood Paint? I can jump on. I was just informed that the paint is only covered 3 years or 36,000 miles. My vehicle is almost 5 years old, it started about 10 months ago
I have a 2016 ford explorer and the hood is for riding. What can I do about this. It has always been in a garage.
Please be aware that this is also occurring in Mustangs with aluminum hoods. Ford is refusing to cover the bubbling hood paint after 36 month even though the hoods were contaminated at their factories prior to painting
Are you willing to disclose which legal firm that is handling this class action lawsuit? Any contact information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I Have 2015 Explorer with same issue , I bought it ford certified and just noticed this issue on Hood. Is their a way i have join this lawsuit. I can share all details and picture of my Explorer .
I have a 2016 Expedition, the paint is starting to bubble on the lift gate and peeling on the front grill. Is it possible to join the lawsuit?
Today I was notified by my mechanic that I had corrosion under the edges of my hood on my 2016 Ford explorer…
Has anyone had their Hood Replaced Free of charge by FORD?
No they keep trying to talk it down, wait on it to ho away…Looks like the lawsuit was filed in Delaware…Need to see the follow up Jury Trial..r
I also have a 2016 with the corrosion on the edges of the hood. I had to pay to get it fixed. I also had a clear bra on the front that will cost me $$ to replace it. I am not happy with Ford. They need to make these problems their expense.
Is their a way i can join that trial , as my 2015 Explorer hood is also having paint bubbling issue .
My 2013 explorer has been well cared for looks like new except for the hood corrosion, I have owned many fords this will be my last one. Ford did nothing but deny and make poor excuses. [email protected]
My 2018 explorer bought in august 2018 is starting to bubble on the front of the hood! Its not even 2 years old!!! This is insane! Thank god I’m leasing it, I wont be the one suffering the depreciation…
My 2018 Explorer is doing the same thing. Have you had any luck with Ford. I just had them take the pics and give me the I have to send the pics in and get back to you speech.
I’m leasing mine as well and they are replacing my hood at no charge. I’m at 26k miles. Go to your dealership.
I bought a 2015 Ford explorer new. It has been kept in a garage and been well maintained. I
noticed last week the bubbling along the hood. I’m really upset by this. The mileage is only 56000.
This was an expensive vehicle.
I would like ford to give me a new hood if it is continue to bubble after painting it.
I have a 2018 Ford Exploer that has started to bubble. Is there any update on replacement of the hood? If they do replace will they replace with aluminum or steel? I will be stopping into my dealership this week to see what they are will6 to do.
I have a 2018 Ford Exploer that the hood has started to bubble on the front edge of the hood. Is there any update on replacement of the hood? If they do replace the hood will they replace with aluminum or steel? I will be stopping into my dealership this week to see what they are will6 to do.
So far Its a No go…
I requested a appointment with the Ford Rep in my area…
I have owned 4 Explorers …now I have a 2016 in excellent shape with 22, 800 miles only.
I purchased a 5 year Extended Warranty…
If its not honored…I will seek legal action.
So far Its a No go…
I requested a appointment with the Ford Rep in my area…
I have owned 4 Explorers …now I have a 2016 in excellent shape with 22, 800 miles only.
I purchased a 5 year Extended Warranty…
If its not honored…I will seek legal action.
Are you willing to provide a legal counsel contact information assisting with this?
Took my explorer into my local dealer. Told the body shop manager that I bought this vehicle from them 26 months ago and have multiple spots of corrosion on my hood He came out and took pictures, filed a claim with Ford and had my hood replaced at no charge.
I have 2017 Ford Explorer Sport same thing bubbles across the hood. I complained and Ford created an incident ticket…but No action! just a ticket that will remain opened for decades. This will be my last one. BTW, Ford build tough!
Go to your dealership. Filing a complaint with ford did nothing for me on the Hankook tire issue either.
Have you tried your dealership? The dealership I took mine to said that they replace 2 – 3 a week. All covered 100% by Ford. Good Luck
What dealership did you take your to?
I purchased a Ford Explorer 2016 and have found that the hood has corution bubbles . Who should I get in touch with.
Ray, I would take it into your dealership. You have 5 year unlimited mile warranty. I had the same corrosion problem on the hood of my 2018 explorer. The dealership took care of everything. I took it in on a Tuesday, they filed a claim with Ford, ordered a new hood and had new hood painted and installed, everything completed at no cost and had my explorer back in 2 days
I just heard back from one of my local dealerships and they told me that because I have 42,xxx miles on my 2018, I wasn’t covered for the corrosion on the hood. I may have to go to another dealer to see what they say. BTW, I bought it used 1 year ago.
Someone needs to step up and take of this, my truck and many of my friends trucks have bubbling paint at the edge of the hood and then it chips off
I have this same issue on my 2018 Limited and only 26.8K miles on it. I’ll be calling my dealership tomorrow as this is a Monday as I’m writing, and rather than get the runaround first weekday into their scheduling, decided to wait and call on a Tuesday. Noticed bubbling on the edge of my hood in the middle above the blue oval and on the left side (drivers) above the headlight. This is my 7th explorer since the 80’s, and I just might be moving on to something else. This is nuts if they won’t fix it. We will see.
Took mine in. Ford is covering the hood issue. New hood will be installed and painted. Again, I’m at 26k miles, so I’m not sure if that’s why they are covering it. Out of a vehicle for 3-4 days, but worth it. BTW – if you have Hankook tires on you Explorers, there are claims available as well for unusual wear due to defects and wearing down too soon. Your dealer needs to file the claim. There is a board here about that issue as well you should research.
My 2013 FORD Explorer Limited has started to bubble in the front middle part of the hood. My dealership Rep indicated that the fix or repairs were not covered because I’m out of my 5 year warranty. He also indicated that I should contact Corporate for further action. I purchased this Ford as new and it has been well maintained with low mileage. FORD needs to replace my hood at their expense. Is this how FORD customers are treated????
i have had many Fords in my life, 4 explorers, been to Ford for help on my hood, they
would not do anything, it is my last explorer or ford ever.
We have 3 ford explorers all with the same problem.
2014,2015 and 2016.
Does anyone have the contact for the class action.
My 2016 Ford Escape has this same problem, I know this forum is focused on the Explorer but does anyone know if this is an issue on the Escape as well?
My 2015 Ford Explorer hood has bubbling paint. When I took it to the dealer prior to my warranty expiring, it still was not covered. The only way it would have been covered is if there was an actual rust through hole. I have a 20 year old Chevy Tahoe with less bubbles than may 2015 Ford Explorer and it only started at age 15, and no holes. I have never owned a vehicle that did this at 5 years old. I am trading it in for a Chevy Traverse on saturday! Gotta get what value I can before the whole vehicle starts to bubble. My husband was against the ford since I bought it. Never buyng a ford again, going to stick with my chevy dealer from now on.
Reply to Sandy, They only repair if you are within the 3 year 36k mile warranty. It is not covered in the remaining 2 year warranty unless it has a hole from it.
Yes, I think I’m going back to my Toyota dealership. This will be my last Ford purchase. Still waiting to hear about this class action suit.
I am getting ready to get my hood repainted this coming week, I hope I get reimbursed
I have a 2011 that I bought a year ago used it had a bumble in the hood did not know about Ford’s defect at the time went through car wash and it took the paint right off Hood I had an estimate to have it fixed was $2,200 open the hood and found more on the inside of where the latch is what can I do
i have a 2010 ford explorer it looks brand new the paint on the hood and roof is cracking and bubbling ford could care less so GMC here i come
My 2017 Ford Explorer was purchased in sunny California and has rust forming under the paint. How to push a lawsuit against the company is requested. I paid $55,000 for a lemon. First the dealership crashes it into a pole as they are taking it through their carwash after day 2 of purchase. That was driver door and left fender damage. Now we have a rust bubble on the very front of the hood under the paint. We also have the more expensive red paint that is a premium. What a piece of junk.
Hi my name is Jeffrey Long i bought my 2010 ford limited explorer the paint is cracking so bad on hood and roof its a mess but ask any dealer here they will tell you it looks brand new show room looks
My 2018 Ford Explorer is starting bubble who should I contact about this problem please. Thanks, steve
I own a 2017 Ford Explorer and the same thing was happening to my hood. I contacted the manager at the local dealership where I bought the vehicle and told them I am going to get an attorney if they don’t fix this and they did replace the entire hood at no charge to me. You need to mention there is a class action lawsuit pending for this issue and they are aware of this.
I have owned 8 Fords in the last 20 years, I will never own another one unless Ford does
right by my 2013 Explorer, it looks new but Hood is pealing and cracking. Clearly Ford does
not care about quality or their customers.
I agree!!! I have owned several Ford trucks and now my 2013 Explorer is Bubbling. So until FORD agrees to fix it, I’m not purchasing anything else from them. I’m going back to my Toyota dealership.
I have a 2013 Ford Explorer with chipping paint around the hood. I have filed several complaints with Ford Motor Corporation and nothing. I have also submitted a claim at with my neighborhood Ford Dealerships Body Shop and as of today no response. I really hate the sight of my hood because the rest of my truck is just fine. Just hoping for a positive response on getting this resolved. I’ve really on several websites that the paint used during certain years was defective so why is it left on us as the customers to repair.
This will definitely be my first and last Ford.
The Ford explorers have been having this bubbling paint and corrosion issue on the aluminum body panels especially the hood for decades. HOWEVER, I do not see complaints or comments about this problem happening to the ROOF PANEL! I have a 2017 Ford explorer sport 3.5 liter twin turbocharged EcoBoost that I bought in July of 2020. This vehicle currently has 44,000 miles on it and I have already seen evidence that makes me suspect that the hood has been replaced, but I am starting to see bubbling and corrosion on the roof right above the windshield. I hope that Ford is ready to eat the cost of a new roof, not to mention I am smelling coolant when the vehicle is running and I am outside of the vehicle near the passenger side of the engine. I heard a faint air noise when the vehicle was off the other night like air was escaping from somewhere in the engine on the passenger side and the next night when it was running while parked and I got out of the vehicle, I smell the sweet smell of coolant. I have had this vehicle in to the dealership three times already for loss of power and weird and harsh shifting and idling issues over the past month, but you know how it goes, it’s like the Ford dealerships do not know how to diagnose problems or investigate concerns without a problem code coming up in the computer. My next plan of action will be to contact Ford regional manager and have my issues escalated or the alternative will be a lawyer to start enacting the Lemon Law! I really wanted to love this vehicle as I loved my 2012 Ford explorer limited, but for something as new as this with little miles, it is already proving to be a waste of my time and money!
I have a 2017 Ford Explorer that is garage kept and we paid extra to get a clear coat on it to protect it fro damage ! However it is corroding UNDER the paint all along the front of the hood !!! What can we do to get in on this law suit ???? Thank you .
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!! We work hard to buy something nice and don’t expect it to look like hell when we take such good care of it .
I have a 2017 Ford Explorer that is garage kept and we paid extra to get a clear coat on it to protect it fro damage ! However it is corroding UNDER the paint all along the front of the hood !!! What can we do to get in on this law suit ???? Thank you .
Also has anyone’s headlight got moisture in it and blown the bulb or their led strip around the light stopped working ? To replace the entire housing is over $1200 at our Ford dealer and that’s just the cost of the headlight assembly!!!!!! Can you replace the led strip any cheaper than replacing the entire assembly???? HELP PLEASE !!!!
Reply
Has there been any follow-up to this case? Last docket I have seen was filed 9/2019 where there was a deadline given to Ford of 11/2019.
I have a 2017 explorer that only left the dealership on January of 2018 with 500 miles on it. It was bubbling in the hood,they just finished repainting it,but they refuse to do the roof that also is bubbling. I have no doubt that I’m never going to buy Ford again. No I have to probably fix it myself,if anyone knows were to go to get in to the law suit,let me know. Thanks
I have a 2017 Ford Explorer Sport that I purchased from a Ford Dealer about a month ago. It has 48K miles on it right now. I noticed the bubbling before I bought it and made sure the dealer promised to correct it. Luckily I got it in writing cause they sure are dragging their feet. I have an appointment on Thursday to get it looked at by the dealers paint and body guy. I have loved everything about the car but am sad that Ford is not owning up to this when there are so many issues with these aluminum panels.
Does any one know how this would work with a leased car? We have the same bubbling paint issue. It’s a 2018 ford Explorer. We had inspected before the lease turn in date. The dealership is claiming that we have to pay for it. How is the the consumers fault? So frustrated.
Hi I bought a 2013 explorer last August I did notice bubbling on the hood and tail gate and told them about it before I bought it of course to get more of price , I would think that they new about the suit but didn’t say anything to me that doesn’t seem right but I will bring it up to them to see what I can do . I’m going to bring it in to get it fixed just because.
High all,
Hope you can help me out or point me in the correct direction.
2014 Ford expedition El. 65,000 miles. I have an extended warranty from auto guard covering mechanical problems and Rohrman pivotal finishes 7 year exterior paint & interior protection.
Paint bubbling on front hood, rear tail gate and the bottom of the doors.
Anyways I brought the vehicle into the dealer to repair the paint problem. First they told me that it is covered and will be repaired. However they had a rep from Ford deny the claim because it was not a rust through. All the service people were surprised that Ford would not cover the paint issues..
I paid over $4,000.00 for the extended warranty 84months or 75,000 miles..
My warranty will expire in May 2021..
I have made an appointment with the dealer to drop my vehicle off for repairs: mechanical, engine noise and the smell of burning antifreeze, wheel protection peeling off, running boards stop working, paint bubbling & peeling, driver seat trim broken that hold the switches for the power seats, power window regulator broken.
When I made the appointment the service person started to give me a hard time and never heard of the above warranty’s. He told me to bring a copy of the warranty.
Well this is set up for Monday April 26, 2021..
Anyways, I’m sure ill get the run around at Schaumburg Ford.
Hoping for legal advice or input to back up my claims.
Thanks
Your issues sound like the dealerships in central Florida, I was having transmission issues with my 2017 explorer ,I took it in there, they said there’s nothing wrong, I drove it back to Ohio, took it to the dealership where I got it,it had a blown seal. These dealships that don’t want to do the work suck and shouldn’t be in business. Beechmont Ford in Cincinnati is great, they’ve always done me right. Always.
Does anyone know the current status of the suit and/or what ford will do. I have a 2017 Explorer 37K miles and just noticed the bubbling paint on the hood. Also, two weeks ago the side panel windshield trim flew off as my wife was driving 65 MPH on a highway. I’m really questioning Ford’s overall commitment to quality.
My 2012 explorer hood is peeling and bubbling in multiple spots. This has been an on going issue haven’t wanted to repair it due to knowing that it will happen again.
I just noticed that the paint is bubbling on my 2017 Ford Explorer on the right front of the hood. I’m taking it to the dealer on Monday to see if this wil be repaired for free or not.
Good Luck!!! I’m done with FORD.
My hood is bubbling on leading edge every 5 or so inched (weld points?) I also had to pay to get roof rack fixed. Ford finally issued re-call 3 months later. Took a month but they reimbursed me for repair.
I just got our hood replaced (2017 Ford Explorer) due to the paint bubbling on the front edge. To my pleasant surprise, Ford covered the entire repair stating that I still had 45 days left on my corrosion resistance warranty. Now I will keep my fingers crossed that same thing doesn’t happen on new hood or other areas.
This lawsuit needs to be extended to include Ford Escapes. Our 2013 is rusting at the hood and bubbling. It should not happen – in this short time period of ownership!
I have a 2016 ford explorer and I have paint bubbles on the front of the hood multiple spots. Hope ford does the right thing.
Not only is my hood bubbling and chipping away on my 2016 Ford Explorer with 32k miles but now my transmission is being replaced and two months out of my five year warranty. Customer service is horrendous. I will never buy a Ford again
So I’m wondering what I can do as well. My 2011 Explorer hood is completely rusted underneath. I had it repaired 2012.
I have a 2017 explorer with hood issues as well any updates on whatever to do? I bought mine new it’s got 61,000 miles on it, with the white Pearl paint and the hood around the lip bubbling up and blistering. I’m not happy.
I don’t think it’s right you have to pay 149.00 for the map updates in the sync when you pay 49,000 for a car, anyone else have any thoughts on that?
My 2017 Ford explore has the same problem that everyone’s yelling about the front hood is corroding underneath the paint and is popping and someone tell me if the Ford dealers are covering this issue
I’ve ordered a new Ford Danger for 2022 and I was thinking about canceling the order in Fords not gonna take honor their warranties on the hoods what do you think that is the wrong way
I purchased a 2019 Ford Explorerand recently noticed my paint is bubbling on the front off my hood. For what thes cars cost and the time that Ford has had with this issue, I think they should fix every Ford hood that has this issues. I have owned 8 Fords since 1966 and my 2019 Ford Explorer I purchased used in 2021 has had thus issue. This has been ongoing. They should fix all these.
Looking for can tack number for lawsuit
I have a 2019 Ford explorer that looks like rust bubbling under the pain all the way across the front. This looks like definitely a FORD issue that should be fixed. So far getting no where with it on repair.
Has there been any updates on weather Ford will cover these hoods? I have a 2016 Ford Explorer and the paint is really bad on the hood only.
Hello All,
2019 Explorer Sport owner here, I am also having the bubbling hood paint issue, was/is there any way of getting this covered by Ford, or am I to just buy myself a carbon-fiber hood for way less that what the dealership is trying to charge?