Seeking Advice: Dealership Joyrode My Bronco, Questionable Repairs, and No Support from Ford Corporate

[jrwinn]

I’ll spare the full saga for now, but I need advice on how to deal with a Ford dealership that joyrode my Bronco, lied (or was incompetent) about repairs, and a Ford corporate team that seems completely uninterested in helping.

I brought my ~30k‑mile Bronco in after finding fresh engine oil in my garage. The dealership kept it 10 days, barely communicated, and ultimately claimed they “fixed” it by replacing the front driveshaft assembly—which obviously has nothing to do with engine oil. Within an hour of getting home, it was leaking again.

Wondering what they were doing with my car for 10 days, I pulled footage from my dash cam. What I found was infuriating:

• Staff joyriding my Bronco
• Speeding, ignoring seatbelts, driving recklessly
• Using my vehicle to shuttle between the dealership and an offsite lot
• At one point, the car lurches violently as if thrown into Park while moving—tires screech, they laugh, and the dash cam cuts out

I documented everything and called the dealership. A manager apologized and said leadership would want to see the footage. I also mentioned I’d be contacting Ford corporate. His immediate response: “Ford corporate won’t do anything.”

Unfortunately, he was right.

I brought the Bronco back. Managers told me the “right people” had been disciplined and they’d work toward a resolution. They again claimed they couldn’t find a leak—yet somehow, after this second visit, the leak magically stopped.

Weeks passed with no follow‑up, so I called Ford corporate. The rep was polite and said they’d send an email so I could upload the videos. That email never came. When I called back a month later, I was told Ford does not take action against dealerships and simply “files a ticket” with the same dealership that caused the problem.

Meanwhile, my Bronco has started shifting hard from 1st to 2nd and has twice gotten stuck in 1st. I can’t help but wonder if the “throw it into Park while moving” moment contributed. My factory warranty expires in ~2k miles, and I no longer trust the vehicle—or the brand.

I’ve spent over $100k on two Broncos. I tried to buy from this dealership originally, but they were marking up Broncos by $10–30k. Now, after this experience, it feels like they operate with total impunity and Ford has zero interest in protecting customers.

I’m at a complete loss. The dealership doesn’t care. Ford corporate won’t intervene. I’m hoping someone here can point me toward a path that leads to an actual solution.

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[Desmolicious]

If you still have the dashcam footage I would mention to them that you will be going to your local newstation...

 

[CalvinT]

I'd consider contacting the police.

In Arizona whoever drove your Bronco could be charged with a class five felony. The passengers could be charged with a class six felony. Texas law may be similar. That may get the dealer listening to you.

ARS 13-1803.

https://www.azleg.gov/viewDocument/?docName=http://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/01803.htm

 

[CitrusBronco]

Unfortunately Ford has no control over dealer behavior on day to day operations and staffing nor do other brands from my knowledge.
Go back to that dealer, have them look into the new issue.
If there is going to be legal action I believe you’re going to need to start with that.
I would take it to another dealer after and have them look at it and see if the conclusion is the same or not.

Dealerships are usually competitive and they don’t usually compare notes and try to hide each others bad behaviors.
I would not of used that dealer for repair after the 2nd time. My opinion is they don’t know what they are doing, just replacing parts.

 

[f1loco]

Definitely get her in before warranty expires - but I'd suggest another dealer nearby? Hard these days to find a good one you can trust with good people, and when you do, those people move on and aren't there when you return again, but it's not just Ford, same issues with Porsche (albeit no joy rides).

 

[redone17]

Yikes. I really need to consider this dashcam thing. I do most of the maintenance myself. But, this behavior is uncalled for and probably happens more often than not.

 

[stevenstommyboy1]

That’s service techs for you. Sorry this happened. What dealership is this. Might as well start the beat down now because others have had the same experience I am sure.

 

[Deadpool392]

Does your state have a consumer protection department within the AG’s office? They might be able to help, or point you in the right direction legally if you chose to go that route.

 

[BroncoA512021]

I’ll spare the full saga for now, but I need advice on how to deal with a Ford dealership that joyrode my Bronco, lied (or was incompetent) about repairs, and a Ford corporate team that seems completely uninterested in helping.

I brought my ~30k‑mile Bronco in after finding fresh engine oil in my garage. The dealership kept it 10 days, barely communicated, and ultimately claimed they “fixed” it by replacing the front driveshaft assembly—which obviously has nothing to do with engine oil. Within an hour of getting home, it was leaking again.

Wondering what they were doing with my car for 10 days, I pulled footage from my dash cam. What I found was infuriating:

• Staff joyriding my Bronco
• Speeding, ignoring seatbelts, driving recklessly
• Using my vehicle to shuttle between the dealership and an offsite lot
• At one point, the car lurches violently as if thrown into Park while moving—tires screech, they laugh, and the dash cam cuts out

I documented everything and called the dealership. A manager apologized and said leadership would want to see the footage. I also mentioned I’d be contacting Ford corporate. His immediate response: “Ford corporate won’t do anything.”

Unfortunately, he was right.

I brought the Bronco back. Managers told me the “right people” had been disciplined and they’d work toward a resolution. They again claimed they couldn’t find a leak—yet somehow, after this second visit, the leak magically stopped.

Weeks passed with no follow‑up, so I called Ford corporate. The rep was polite and said they’d send an email so I could upload the videos. That email never came. When I called back a month later, I was told Ford does not take action against dealerships and simply “files a ticket” with the same dealership that caused the problem.

Meanwhile, my Bronco has started shifting hard from 1st to 2nd and has twice gotten stuck in 1st. I can’t help but wonder if the “throw it into Park while moving” moment contributed. My factory warranty expires in ~2k miles, and I no longer trust the vehicle—or the brand.

I’ve spent over $100k on two Broncos. I tried to buy from this dealership originally, but they were marking up Broncos by $10–30k. Now, after this experience, it feels like they operate with total impunity and Ford has zero interest in protecting customers.

I’m at a complete loss. The dealership doesn’t care. Ford corporate won’t intervene. I’m hoping someone here can point me toward a path that leads to an actual solution.

File a complaint with the attorney general in your state. Hire a lawyer and call the local media. File a police report asap.

 

[indio22]

I’ll spare the full saga for now, but I need advice on how to deal with a Ford dealership that joyrode my Bronco, lied (or was incompetent) about repairs, and a Ford corporate team that seems completely uninterested in helping.

I brought my ~30k‑mile Bronco in after finding fresh engine oil in my garage. The dealership kept it 10 days, barely communicated, and ultimately claimed they “fixed” it by replacing the front driveshaft assembly—which obviously has nothing to do with engine oil. Within an hour of getting home, it was leaking again.

Wondering what they were doing with my car for 10 days, I pulled footage from my dash cam. What I found was infuriating:

• Staff joyriding my Bronco
• Speeding, ignoring seatbelts, driving recklessly
• Using my vehicle to shuttle between the dealership and an offsite lot
• At one point, the car lurches violently as if thrown into Park while moving—tires screech, they laugh, and the dash cam cuts out

I documented everything and called the dealership. A manager apologized and said leadership would want to see the footage. I also mentioned I’d be contacting Ford corporate. His immediate response: “Ford corporate won’t do anything.”

Unfortunately, he was right.

I brought the Bronco back. Managers told me the “right people” had been disciplined and they’d work toward a resolution. They again claimed they couldn’t find a leak—yet somehow, after this second visit, the leak magically stopped.

Weeks passed with no follow‑up, so I called Ford corporate. The rep was polite and said they’d send an email so I could upload the videos. That email never came. When I called back a month later, I was told Ford does not take action against dealerships and simply “files a ticket” with the same dealership that caused the problem.

Meanwhile, my Bronco has started shifting hard from 1st to 2nd and has twice gotten stuck in 1st. I can’t help but wonder if the “throw it into Park while moving” moment contributed. My factory warranty expires in ~2k miles, and I no longer trust the vehicle—or the brand.

I’ve spent over $100k on two Broncos. I tried to buy from this dealership originally, but they were marking up Broncos by $10–30k. Now, after this experience, it feels like they operate with total impunity and Ford has zero interest in protecting customers.

I’m at a complete loss. The dealership doesn’t care. Ford corporate won’t intervene. I’m hoping someone here can point me toward a path that leads to an actual solution.

First mistake was spending $100k+ on Broncos, but that's spilled milk under the bridge. Now I'd try to get the shifting issue well documented as a preexisting condition that needs repair, prior to your power train warranty expiring. I'd do that at a different dealership. Good luck.

 

[SHANUT]

I’ll spare the full saga for now, but I need advice on how to deal with a Ford dealership that joyrode my Bronco, lied (or was incompetent) about repairs, and a Ford corporate team that seems completely uninterested in helping.

I brought my ~30k‑mile Bronco in after finding fresh engine oil in my garage. The dealership kept it 10 days, barely communicated, and ultimately claimed they “fixed” it by replacing the front driveshaft assembly—which obviously has nothing to do with engine oil. Within an hour of getting home, it was leaking again.

Wondering what they were doing with my car for 10 days, I pulled footage from my dash cam. What I found was infuriating:

• Staff joyriding my Bronco
• Speeding, ignoring seatbelts, driving recklessly
• Using my vehicle to shuttle between the dealership and an offsite lot
• At one point, the car lurches violently as if thrown into Park while moving—tires screech, they laugh, and the dash cam cuts out

I documented everything and called the dealership. A manager apologized and said leadership would want to see the footage. I also mentioned I’d be contacting Ford corporate. His immediate response: “Ford corporate won’t do anything.”

Unfortunately, he was right.

I brought the Bronco back. Managers told me the “right people” had been disciplined and they’d work toward a resolution. They again claimed they couldn’t find a leak—yet somehow, after this second visit, the leak magically stopped.

Weeks passed with no follow‑up, so I called Ford corporate. The rep was polite and said they’d send an email so I could upload the videos. That email never came. When I called back a month later, I was told Ford does not take action against dealerships and simply “files a ticket” with the same dealership that caused the problem.

Meanwhile, my Bronco has started shifting hard from 1st to 2nd and has twice gotten stuck in 1st. I can’t help but wonder if the “throw it into Park while moving” moment contributed. My factory warranty expires in ~2k miles, and I no longer trust the vehicle—or the brand.

I’ve spent over $100k on two Broncos. I tried to buy from this dealership originally, but they were marking up Broncos by $10–30k. Now, after this experience, it feels like they operate with total impunity and Ford has zero interest in protecting customers.

I’m at a complete loss. The dealership doesn’t care. Ford corporate won’t intervene. I’m hoping someone here can point me toward a path that leads to an actual solution.

BBB

 

[MJ12]

Seek legal action/advice.

 

[Doc TOC]

I suggest your best next step is to contact a law firm that specializes in dealership lawsuits. Texas has several, depending where you live. Your video evidence cannot be disputed by the dealership, which they have now acknowledged - and has earned them a very serious management attitude realignment.

What happened is a violation of Texas Penal Code § 31.07 – Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, and probably § 71.02 - Organized Criminal Activity, for which the dealership is liable, since it was more than one employee.

You should pursue monetary emotional distress and loss of enjoyment damages, which the law firm can advise you on. Clearly by this post, that has occurred.

The above will get the dealership's owner(s)' attention in a very serious fashion.

Save the media card for later. Let the attorney's deal with the police department or AG's, or coordinate with them as a 2-front approach. But don't get ahead of yourself. You hold a strong position, but don't want to loose it.

Also, stop dealing with that dealership. Texas has lots of Ford dealers. Go to another one and get yourself better service and respect.

And Ford corporate cannot help you on resolving this particular issue. But once a lawsuit is filed, Ford will have ammo in addressing the dealership for dealership contract violations. And the owner will then be bending over backwards to 'rectify' the situation. There is a possibility of getting some of that premium you spent being paid back. Your media card can then come into play.

I wish you the best of success.

 

[Brian_B]

Unfortunately Ford has no control over dealer behavior on day to day operations and staffing nor do other brands from my knowledge.

This isn't true at all. They could always revoke the Ford franchise agreement and enforce a level of consistent standards. It is Ford's big blue logo on everything at the dealership, after all, and Ford can take that away.

They just choose not to, and claim their hands are tied, because it's easier to do nothing and piss away your reputation.

 

[bastardsonofelvis]

Does Ford have a reputation to piss away? I’m sure I’ll take flames from some diehards for saying this, but when I bought a Bronco the fact that it was a Ford was a decent sized pill to swallow.

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