Clearcoat failure already on my 2004 Mustang

[autocare]

Originally Posted by David Fermani

I believe Ford's paint warranty (like most manufacturers) is only 1 year from the time of delivery. Why would someone get an Attorney involved for a couple hundred bucks? You're kidding right? Just because the finish on a piece of trim is starting to have problems doesn't equate the car to be a lemon? Your thinking is a little extreme.

Hey David
The failure is not on a piece of trim, is it? He does state its the clearcoat. I see this paint failing completly in a couple of years. So no I dont think I am being extreme at all.

If I recall correctly a vehicle paint warranty for failure was for a couple of years, rust I believe was up to 10. Ive been out of the USA for a while now and dont remember. But again, he should call Ford or see his dealer and complain. Like I said before I have seen cars be bought back by the manufacturer, and they kicked and yelled all they could, but at the end a savy consumer will have their problem resolved.


This is for paint peeling but you might find it of help.

The Center for Auto Safety


Let us know how it turns out.

In my search to educate myself on paint warranties I found something that might help out.

Legal Advice From Phil Edmonston

[David Fermani]

Originally Posted by autocare

Hey David
The failure is not on a piece of trim, is it? He does state its the clearcoat. I see this paint failing completly in a couple of years. So no I dont think I am being extreme at all.

After you clarified this, I went over the pictures again and made a mistake on the location of the problem. Sorry. I thought it was on the trim next to the roof. Here's what I've experienced on 1 of my Mustang's in that location. By the way, that trim piece is painted basecoat/clear.



What strikes me as odd is that it's gotten worse over time. The brown really looks like the primer that wasn't covered with enough base. That shouldn't bleed through more as time goes on? I've seen alot of cars with similar condition. The only way to fix it correctly on this vehicle is to remove both the front windshield & the back glass and also both trim pieces on each side so that there won't be any shabby tape lines. That sucks.

[Stratous]

Ford should atleast cover their cars for 3 years. If the dealer won't do anything, the Ford should.

I know Chrysler was covering their cars for 5 years, then went to 3...If I'm not mistaken they are back up to 5 year coverage with the life-time powertrain.

Just start bitching...The squeeky wheel gets the greese.

[David Fermani]

I just check with my local Ford dealership and here's their warranty:
1 year on acid rain
3 years on paint defects & failure
5 years on rust-through

[CkretAjint]

What would one do in this situation if they are out of warrenty? Asside from a repaint. Could I just aplpy lots and lots of polish and wax (carefuly applying)???

My poor car

[Stratous]

The polishes and waxes are designed to be applied on clear coats, not paint.

Unfortuneately the areas are only going to get worse.