Driving my 2020Ford Ecoboost on the interstate in Florida and a little pebble went through the honeycomb grille slit and punctured my condenser. Took it into Ford and only have 14000 miles on it. Warranty is no good towards it they said, even though I couldn't prevent that from happening unless I don't drive the car. What's the best way to protect this from happening again? And would you consider it a build problem with the way the condenser is not fully protected?
"Would you consider it a build problem".
- If what you are really asking is, "Is there a way I can force Ford to fix this as it is a design flaw", the answer is no. In my experience, Ford has ZERO interest in the customer after the sale. I'm not surprised they refused to warranty it. An outside force/object caused the damage, so that's why they won't warranty the work.
The best way to keep it from happening again would be to sell the car. It is the nature of the design. I will say though that it is pretty rare to have this problem, so you just had really bad luck is all.
Life's short. I'd fix it, move on, and enjoy the car.
I appreciate the advice. It really sucks. The design I would classify a flaw doesn't do customers or future customers and service cause it leaves the extra chance of extra stuff getting through the grille and paying 1200 for a part.
Oh I know. I've had an '18 and '19 Mustang GT. Nothing but problems on both and sold them off. I don't recommend Ford to anyone.
Thoughts on the 2020 Kia Forte GT or 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-line? Are they good companies for build from bad luck like this and are their service departments willing to work with you better?
Kia/Hyundai have some of the absolute worst quality in the industry. I'd stay far away. For quality, I would consider Toyota, Honda, Lexus, or Mazda.
road hazard insurance
I doubt there's a way you could design an AC condenser to be fully protected due to their up-front placement. Like your windshield the condenser is exposed to flying road debris. Anything that would protect it would probably block too much airflow.
The only AC condensers I've seen that would not be exposed to road hazards would be rear-engine systems like the Corvair's where the condenser was positioned in the rear compartment with the engine.
Yeah that's very true. But better grille design would be a good step to mitigate the chances. But all that comes with a cost.
I diagnosed the condenser as being bad and replaced it in my 22 year old Ranger. There were so many damaged areas from stuff hitting it that the leak dye looked like somebody paint balled it. Haha. I was surprised it still somewhat worked. Stay away from more debris prone areas like industrial roads, road construction, etc. That will help. I've gone through 2 tires and a patch on my 2017 Mustang from scrappers losing screws and nails near my job. These cars are low enough that most debris should go right over them.
