Auto Repair Horror Stories
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Horror Stories (29 Stories)Click here to Submit your story
Shelly Mandi said:
slegrand@mgc.state.ms.us
March 30, 2016 at 10:01 am from 69.60.33.224
Never Buy A Lincoln

I bought a brand new 2013 MKZ hybrid. I bought every single little option available. So you can imagine that it exceeded $45,000. I must say that I have LOVED this car. No mechanical problems. Great gas mileage. Beautiful ride/beautiful car. BUT I am now ready to trade (03/30/16) only to learn that with only 43,320 miles my car is only worth $18,000!! I understand about car depreciation but that's crazy! To add insult to injury, the Lincoln dealer only offered me $14,000! I was totally insulted! I would have traded up to a 2016 that day had they not been so insulting! I will NEVER BUY A LINCOLN again! I had no idea how bad their tradein value history is! Plus there have been several recalls and the dealer never had the parts! So I'm trading up to a Lexus! I've done my research this time, and am looking forward to this luxury car holding its value better than Lincoln. Never again Gray Daniels Ford Lincoln, Brandon MS
DNathaniel said:
dbailey3@prodigy.net
October 29, 2014 at 10:30 am from 192.234.99.10
Horror Story

I love my 2009 Lincoln MKZ but I'm very upset with the issue of the PTU (transfer case) I only have 69000 miles on my car and I have to replace the PTU, was told I had no oil in it. I only take my car to the dealership where I bot it for all the maintance, they changed the trasmission fluid in March this year and now I have problems after problems
Johnk98 said:
johnk829@gmail.com
July 30, 2014 at 1:14 pm from 73.183.49.5
Offbeat

Admiring the hard work you put into your site and detailed information you offer. It's good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same unwanted rehashed material. Wonderful read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. fkkegbbekbde
john bennett said:
jbennett@gathbenlaw.com
June 10, 2014 at 1:34 am from 68.195.43.211
Horror Story

Bought a 2004 Certified pre owned lincoln aviator in 2007 with 35000 miles of it from smithtown lincoln , smithtown new york. Before I get started this dealership is fantastic great service and very responsive. The vehicle has had full Cpo warranty coverage with extensions on the ford esp since we purchased purchased. Here is what has been replaced so far: factory DVD player, factory radio cd player, multiple front and rear hubs, multiple coil packs, ignition switch, locked automatic shifter, two power window motors, steering rack twice, two control arms, engine at 78000, transmission, transfer case, engine failure again at 128000 replaced after it took four months through lincoln to locate a replacement long block, steering rack again, left control arm the list goes on and on. This vehicle has been babied and has had oil changes ever 3000 miles and all factory service done. The dealership is great. The car is a lemon. It has now been in the shop at dealer for the last 22 weeks for repairs. The dealer with no support from lincoln has provided me with a loaner. Lincoln in fairness to them has covered
Every repair under their warranty. For anyone considering paying their hard earned money for an aviator run do not walk away these vehicles are potential horror shows. If you don't get an esp warranty you are on your own and the cost of repairs is mind boggling. Just my two cents be careful out there. Happy motoring as esso used to say.
Don Gillock said:
July 22, 2013 at 2:06 pm from 64.91.176.17
Make and Model

To Joe KevlarWhen a car company builds a sport model with 300 + horsepower,a sport shifter, 4wheel independent suspension and disc brakes, do you think people buy a car like this to go to the store and church on Sundays?
Don said:
mr572u@earthlink.net
July 22, 2013 at 2:00 pm from 64.91.176.17
Make and Model

I had my 2004 Lincoln LS in the shop five times to replace coil packs, one at a time. After the fifth one I asked them to look into the recall I had heard about that replaced all the coil packs, all the spark plugs, and a windshield wiper seal that leaked rain right on top of one coil pack. They did the total recall but told me that was the last time. I laughed and said, "Only if my Max Care runs out". It was 770 from the day I bought the car from Carmax. Luckily, I got rid of the car while all was well..
Debbie P said:
pigal2u@gmail.com
April 9, 2013 at 9:02 am from 24.149.126.85
Success Story

After buying my lincoln MKS I had some things added and done to it. My dealerhip brought my car to me while I was traveling 100 miles away. Yes, my car is only 6 ms old but I love it and the dealership I bought it from. My son has the same car that is 4 yrs old and still loves it. My bestfriend has a MKZ that is 6 yrs old and wants to upgrade to a good used MKS like mine. Having been in the auto industry myself for 10+ years, some years ago, I can tell you that all makes and models have there lemons. That is why they make lemon laws. Sir, sell your bad one and buy something else. Life isn't perfect in any way shape or form. :)
Jim said:
jmars35264@aol.com
March 26, 2013 at 12:22 pm from 97.97.82.32
Success Story

I have a 2009 Lincoln MKZ that I purchased used 2 and a half years ago and have had one issue with it. The battery went after 3 years and it was replaced 100% under warrenty. Linclon has the highest customer satisfaction of any American make and has had so for the past several years. This never buy a Lincoln guy says his transmission went at 42000 miles and Ford wouldn't fix the car. That's strange because the car came with a 7 year 70000 mile engine and transmission warrenty. Someone is not giving the right story here.
Jason said:
http://www.j.com
September 8, 2011 at 11:29 am from 174.130.34.185
Success Story

I've owned several Fords, and have always had good luck with them. My current ride is a 2005 Ford Explorer that I now have 160k miles on, and other than regular routine maintenance (which, unlike a lot of people on this site, I actually keep up with) I haven't spent a dime on it. Original trans and motor, just new set of tires a couple times, brakes, and a battery.
TravelingTommy said:
timmytravelz2@yahoo.com
August 18, 2010 at 11:38 pm from 71.95.246.212
Offbeat

Pretty cool vibe we have going here, keep it going =]
Reva Henderson said:
ryphelon@sbcglobal.net
May 10, 2010 at 4:50 am from 99.95.41.238
Success Story

I have bought two automobiles from Witt Lincoln Mercury. The first was a 2003 Navigator, oh I just love that car unfornately I leased the car rather than buying. My second car is a Mercury Mariner, the reason for a smaller car due to the gas prices. If I buy another Navigation, I would not leased but purchase. The key to any and all cars is to buy you an extended warranty on the vehicle. Currently, I have no HOrror story or quarrels. I have been satisfied since I have start purchasing Lincoln.
Heather Macaulay said:
ropeshki@gmail.com
February 1, 2009 at 11:48 am from 64.117.232.34
Offbeat

FACT On June 19, 2008, I made an offer to purchase a BMW Mini and put down a $3000 deposit with BWM Elite in Ottawa, Canada. My offer was subject to obtaining financing so the deal was no deal until that was acquired. On Saturday, June 21, I was told that I could not get financing from the dealer so I had to seek my own financing. I did so by obtaining a guarantor and we faxed off the paperwork on the same Saturday.
FACT On Sunday, June 22, 2008, I called and cancelled the deal (verbally) because I was suddenly called out of the country on emergency family business. I did not know when I was going to return so I cancelled the deal. I asked for a full refund back on my credit card and was told by the .

FACT BMW Elite on St. Laurent, Ottawa Ontario declined giving me the refund after several telephone requests. Because they took no action, I asked my credit card to make a charge back which they did. However, after six months, the $3000 charge reappeared on my credit card and Visa stated the time limit had passed so they could no longer do anything.

FACT I contacted the manager of BMW Elite and asked why he was not giving me my refund. He refused, stating that they were to keep the entire deposit because a) they had significant expenses in preparing the vehicle and b) they had to pay commission to the salesman.

Question: How is it possible from a Saturday to a Sunday that $3000 of charges could be incurred for significant expenses and the car didn't even sell so why would there be a commission?

FACT Paragraph 10 of the contract stated:
10. Failure to Accept Delivery or to Pay. If I fail to accept delivery of the Vehicle within 7 days of you notifying me by email, fax or registered mail that the Vehicle is available for delivery, or if I fail to pay you the full Amount Due on Delivery, you will be entitled, in addtion to any other rights or remedies you may have, to cancel this Agreement and to deduct the amount of your damages from my Deposit.
11. Explanation of Damages. If you keep any part of my Deposit you will provide me with a written calculation and brief explanation of your damages.
THEY DID NOT COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE. I never received a fax or email or any notice from BWM Elite. I never received any explanation of damages.

FACT: I personally visited BMW ELITE Ottawa to see if I could speak with someone in management about obtaining my refund. The manager was not there and I was given the owner's name. The owner was on vacation until mid January 2009.

FACT: I sent several registered letters and received no response from BMW Elite Ottawa either by mail, email or phone call.

FACT: On January 19, 2009 I called the owner who had not yet been informed of the matter. I responded that I would call back on the Friday, January 23, 2009.

FACT: ON January 21, 2009 I received a telephone call from BMW Elite's manager who offered to refund me $1500 (with no justification). I did not accept the offer.

FACT: ON January 23, 2009 I spoke to the manager's superior (the owner of the business) and reluctantly accepted an offer of $2250. This meant a loss of $750 to me for which I still have no explanations.

FACT: I sent the entire file to OMVIC on December 23, 2008 but never heard from anyone there either. Ontario is supposed to protect consumers however, I never received any response from them.
wittless said:
fedfire4life@yahoo.com
December 6, 2008 at 9:32 pm from 72.207.66.28
Success Story

You'll be happy to hear Witt Escondido went out of business. I talked to one of there employees who transfered from there to Witt Mission Valley. He told they were making so few sales the maintenance department was carrying the dealership.
Tony said:
fedfire4life@yahoo.com
October 18, 2008 at 2:45 pm from 138.163.0.42
Horror Story

A week after I bought my 2004 Lincoln Navigator the dealer service department wrecked it causing $1600 worth of damage. I do not know if it was a coincidence but the front drivers seat controls quit working after they installed a low jack and alarm system. I was driving a new car with the steering wheel against my chest for about 2 weeks until they got the parts and fixed it. The transmission blew up at about 65,000 miles. Thank God I paid the $2000 for the extended warranty.
ryan said:
giveit2you16@yahoo.com
June 23, 2008 at 1:55 pm from 71.226.200.201
Horror Story

I purchased a 2003 Lincoln Aviator in November of 2006 with 52,000 miles. At 55,000 miles a timing chain snapped from a defective link in the chain. In addition, the passenger side Head had to be replaced because it was leaking. Total repair cost about $4,500.00. After this, several more problems, the air conditioning compressor&expansion valve went bad, the passenger side AC/Heatd seat stopped working, the 3rd row bench seat will not come up, the memory seats/mirror do not work. This car has been a nightmare.
Black Hole said:
June 20, 2008 at 8:13 pm from 75.166.199.224
Offbeat

I just wanted to comment to Joe Kovar III.

That's not entirely correct. All they have is rev limit exceeded and top speed exceeded..

I know this as a current tech for ford..

Ford service is crap, and this is pretty bad that I'm a tech and mention it lol. Most of ford service techs are idiots and are severely under trained. Basically anyone with a toolbox can come in and work on your cars these days..
Mike McCarthy said:
mccarthysmodela@sbcglobal.net
June 19, 2008 at 9:48 am from 64.42.20.202
Horror Story

We bought an 03 Lincoln Aviator in June 2006 for my wife. She loved all the bells and whistles and safety items, but after about a year, just before the car was due to be smogged, the check engine light started coming on. I borrowed a SnapOn diagnostic machine and found an error code of misfire on cylinder 5. Read on the internet that there were problems with the Coil On Plug (C.O.P.). Replaced that, cleared the code, passed smog and all was OK. For about a week. Light came back on. Car was running fine, so we just put up with it. A year goes by and it's time to smog again. Checked out the computer, and this time it's the #8 cylinder. Same routine. Replaced coil, spark plugs, and even the fuel injector; but problem persists. Took it back to the Lithia dealer we bought it from for further testing. They say its the exhaust valve leaking. They offered to replace the head for $5200 ! Whatever happened to doing a valve job, or just replacing the bad valve? Or another option they said, was to install a used motor for $6400. Used ? $6400 ? Are you kidding me? Then I asked if it was covered under the extended warranty that they talked my wife into getting. They didn't even know I had one. (I wasn't sure myself, as they never gave me anything in writing to show the details of what was covered, despite several requests). They called back and said there was 100 miles left on the warranty. (Note: it was a 3 yr/36M mi warranty. We hit the 36M in 2 years, so that was it) They submitted a claim to the warranty company, and they requested the maintanence records. Well, another thing they pushed off on us was "lifetime" oil changes. Now the fine print on the warranty (that we didn't receive) specified the oil changes at specific intervals. However, the lifetime oil changes only allow one every three months. So if the warranty says 3000 miles, and you drive 5000 miles in 3 months, you're in violation of the warranty, and they deny the claim. My wife thinks I'm just being cheap when I resist buying extended warranties, but I think they are a waste on money, because they are going to screw you out of it one way or another.
Bob Pohl said:
nypohl@gmail.com
May 9, 2008 at 6:56 am from 98.214.133.108
Horror Story

Our 2001 Ford Windstar van, purchased new in Nov 2001. Last spring, I noticed that both sliding doors had severe rust issues at the bottom of the doors. This is my wife's car, so I don't look at it everyday like I would my own vehicle; if I had, I would have noticed the problem sooner. Anyway, I filed a claim and sent this email to Ford:

This vehicle has started rusting at the drainage holes in both sliding doors. This is obviously a factory defect as it is happening in the same exact place on both doors. In addition, there is evidence of rust beginning in the passenger side rocker panel. This was my second purchasednew Ford. Both were financed thru Ford Credit. The vehicle was
purchased 11/01 and is therefore 7 months or so beyond the stated warranty however I think you will see from the photos that this problem goes back before the warranty period ended. I have detailed photos.

Repeated attempts to have Ford help with this issue failed. See the response below:

Dear Bob,

Our records indicate that on August 20, 2007 our Customer Care Representative advised you that, there are no warranties, recalls on your vehicle that would provide assistance for this repair.


At this time we are unable to provide you with an alternate response. If any additional information regarding this matter should become available in the future, please let us know.

Sincerely,
Rex Bryan

Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company

I recently purchased a new vehicle and, although I liked the new Taurus crossover, decided against it based on my experience with this van. When it comes time to replace my wife's van, I will again remember this problem. Now you will too!
leon said:
bunnykub@aol.com
March 25, 2008 at 8:52 am from 205.188.116.77
Never Buy A Lincoln

Attn: Consumer Advocacy Center, P.C.

I know I am being scammed by Ford Motor Co. because I brought the car in to have the check engine light checked before the warranty ran out at about approximately 49,000 miles. Lincoln warranted the car for 50,000 miles. Every time I brought the car in the engine light would go out, I feel they knew it all the time that the engine needed a head gasket or heads and they put me off until the warranty ran out.

I purchased the Lincoln Aviator in July of 2003 and in less than 20,000 miles I had to have two rear ends put into it. Also the front wheels would wabble when you would come to a stop. They finally found out the problem at that time was the front rotors. The Aviator was always serviced at a Lincoln dealership on schedule so when I heard the heads has to be replaced I asked "what could have caused the problem" and the assistant service manager said he did not know, things happen. In the 48 years I have been driving I have never heard of putting in new heads in a car at 50,000 miles. I have heard from previous owners that Ford Motor Co. has been having problems with their head gaskets and this is why I think my car needs new heads. The cost to repair my car is $3,300.00 and the dealership is picking up $1,500.00 and Ford Motor Co. is doing absolutely nothing. Tomorrow I am picking up my car and will again try to find out what caused the problem. I also told the dealership I would be taking pictures of the defective heads. I will forward these pictures on to you.

Please advise me of what the next steps would be against Ford Motor Co. because there is no way in hell that these heads would have to be replaced at 50.000 miles unless it was due to defective parts.

thank you
Leon Kubinski
4072475713





From: crcfmc@ford.com
To: LeonRealtor@aol.com
Sent: 1/7/2008 2:46:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Ford Motor Company


Dear Leon,

Our records indicate that you contacted the Ford Customer Relationship Center on 1/2/08, and our Customer Care Representative advised you that we have reviewed your situation with Coggin Deland Ford. The dealership has made an assessment based upon Ford warranty and policy. They are in the best position to determine the amount of assistance that will be provided. In this case, the Customer Relationship Center feels that the amount of assistance offered is more than adequate and will not provide any additional assistance.

At this time we are unable to provide you with an alternate response. If any additional information regarding this matter should become available in the future, please let us know.

Sincerely,
Julienne
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor Company

For online support visit us at: www.customersaskford.com which contains answers to frequently asked questions and links to other key product and service information.

[THREAD ID:13UKJUC]

Original Message

From: LeonRealtor@aol.com
Sent: 1/4/2008 10:10:59 AM
To: crcfmc@ford.com
Subject: Re: Ford Motor Company






Hi Jill,
I am glad to see someone got back to me from Ford Motor Co. When I
bought a Lincoln I was under the impression this was the best product for the
money, now I feel because of the problem I am having with my Aviator and the way
Ford Motor Co. stands behind their product, I will never buy another Ford Motor
Co. car again, if I do not get any help in paying the balance of the repair of
the Aviator. So I guess you are my last resort in getting any help.

413 Hightower Dr.
DeBary
Florida
32713
4072475713
3867752223

the Aviator is at Coggin Deland Ford Lincoln Mercury for repair, the
Service Mgr. is Mike Stewart at 3867751000 or 8003673588, 2655 N. Volusia
Ave. orange City, Fl. 32763. Please call them for the identification
number and the odometer reading.

Just to advise you, I have filed a complaint against Ford Motor Co. and on
the internet I found customer complaints that the head gaskets were
faulty.
Leon Kubinski


In a message dated 1/2/2008 2:47:44 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
crcfmc@ford.com writes:
Dear
Leon,

Thank you for contacting the Ford Motor Company Customer
Relationship Center regarding the multiple concerns on your 2003 Lincoln
Aviator.

We would like to assist you; however, in order to process your
request more information is needed. Please include your original message
with the following additional information to allow us to
proceed.

Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Cellular Phone
Number:
Daytime Phone Number:
Home Phone Number:
Vehicle
Identification Number:
Odometer Reading:
Clarification on how you would
like to be assisted:

If you would prefer to provide this information
over the phone, you may call us toll free at 18003923673 between the hours
of 8am and 5pm, local time, Monday through Friday. Hearing impaired
callers with access to a TDD may contact us by calling
18002325952.

If you have any other inquiries, please feel free to
contact us and we will be happy to address them for
you.

Sincerely,
Jill
Customer Relationship Center
Ford Motor
Company

For online support visit us at: www.customersaskford.com which
contains answers to frequently asked questions and links to other key product
and service information.

[THREAD ID:13UE56M]

Original
Message

From: LeonRealtor@aol.com
[mailto:LeonRealtor@aol.com]

Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 11:02
AM
To: Aict, P
(P.)
Subject: problem w/ my 2003
aviator








Dear Sir,

I have a 2003 Aviator and the first
problem I had with the vehicle
was it needed a new rear end. The
second problem it needed new rotors and
now it is at Coggin Deland Ford
Lincoln Mercury and they tell me it needs new
heads. This is going
to cost me $3,300.00 and Lincoln will pick up
$1,500.00 of it and they
still can't tell me what caused the problem. At
49,000 miles the
engine light was coming on but every time I brought it in to be
checked
the engine light would not be on. The service department told me
if
the light was not on they wouldn't be able to find out what the problem

is. Then just before Christmas the light came on again for the third
time
and I brought it back in. Now they tell me I need a new

head.

Since day one I have had problems with this car. I
would like
Lincoln to help me out with this problem and if nothing can be
done this will be
the last Lincoln I will ever purchase. I am on the
phone with a local
Cadillac dealer and checking if they will take this
piece of shit for a
trade!

Leon Kubinski
Cell #
4072475713





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brandon said:
jkbjcb@comcast.net
March 11, 2008 at 3:51 pm from 68.34.196.51
Success Story

me and my father own lincoln town cars my fathers a 88 with 154000k and mine 98 with 175000 being driven daily having done just normal up keep and serves all in all they have been trouble free.
vicki spears said:
vvspears@aol.com
December 14, 2007 at 10:20 am from 97.96.176.6
Never Buy A Lincoln

In May 2007 I purchased a new Lincoln MKZ. In June I decided to take a 3000 mile road trip. Before I left the check engine light and wrench warning lights came on. I took it to the dealer who replaced the transmission module and sent me on my way. 450 miles later the check engine and wrench light came on. I took it to a Lincoln dealer. They replaced another part indicated we have a communication error. This has continued for the last 6 months with a total of 5 times in a dealership and 4 repair attempts. Ford has totally ignored my complaints. I have filed the appropriate papers to begin the lemon law process and requested a replacement vehicle. So far Ford has offered to try repair the car AGAIN. We are now going to arbritration.

If you buy a Ford vehicle do not expect Ford to stand behind their vehicle or have any concern for the safety of the consumer.
Ken said:
October 8, 2007 at 2:33 pm from 75.32.237.237
Offbeat

How this website grew to be so large I don't know.

Every manufacturer has their problems. Ford definitely has it's fair share. But by far I agree Lincoln is the worst.

Frankly, I think people who cannot get work done under warranty are being shit on by Lincoln and that's just plain stupid. If you have a warranty, and it covers the issue, then it should be taken care of. If you are letting a service writer take control and brush you off, you need to put the purse down and get serious with these people. I would never accept my vehicle back without knowing it's been repaired, and I sure as hell would never pay out of pocket for something that is covered under warranty.

I am a Ford fan, but have always had problems with the last 4 Fords I have owned, all 2000 or newer models. I know Ford service is lacking, and can be downright horrible, but Linoln is by far a piece of shit.
Robert said:
cboh4x4@yahoo.com
August 1, 2007 at 10:53 pm from 71.177.215.141
Horror Story

We unfortunately are leasing a 2006 Lincoln Lemon Navigator. We filed a lemon claim as Ford has done nothing to retain us as customers. Ford has an inside system know as cuddles that makes notations of a customer’s complaints that dealer can only see.

What Fords new MO is refuse to repair vehicles under warranty which makes it impossible to gather the required records to file a complaint under the Lemon Laws.

What Ford has said to the dealers is do not work on this vehicle and get it out of your service bays. They also have refused to write up work orders.

They also now flash the vehicles computer which clears all codes. The problem is they forget that the problems come back. We had our vehicle inspected by an expert and he turned up 15 error codes and after driving the vehicle said it is not safe.
We are still making the payments and have parked the car in storage until a judge forces Ford to eat its lemon.

We tell everyone about this and the secret codes Ford uses to keep customer complaints silent. Thanks to a wordy service advisor that spilled the beans.

We are thinking about seeking out other and filing a class action against Fords new way of after the sale fraud tactics.

They have one field rep in our area and this person admitted to our expert he is not up on the entire product line. Oh and he was not aware he was talking to an expert witness and master mechanic with over 35 years of experience.

We have photos of the error codes on the dash and on the computer.

Contact us if you would like to form a class action.
Wes said:
enterprise17016@hotmail.com
May 24, 2007 at 11:02 am from 66.53.216.237
Horror Story

I have a 1978 Lincoln Mark V and it has 135,000 miles on everything and it runs better and rides better than all of the new cars that I have driven! So, there you have it! Your problem is that you bought a new car and repairs are expensive on new cars compared to older vehicles, because of the computer junk. Example: My old 1999 Blazer had to have the alternator changed not once but twice costing 800 dollars a turn. Now, take my Lincoln, it cost 150 dollars including labor and my mustang cost 100 including labor to replace the alternator! So, everyone should buy the old classics, upgrade the safety devices and make them daily drivers. Most are equal or better on gas anyway, my 1941 Dodge gets 20 miles a gallon!
Chris Ingram said:
May 24, 2007 at 3:28 am from 170.20.11.116
Success Story

One bad experience should not sully an entire marque. I've driven classic lincolns for years, and have no complaints. But I have to say the new Lincolns are really poor quality.
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