2013 Fit and finish?

[fistfulladirt]

Brand new owner of 2013 Fusion SE. Matter of fact, I think I may be one of the first purchasers in town. Really love the new design, and good mileage although I've only put about 600 miles on the car.

I have one gripe though. I noticed that the fit on the trunk lid is lousy, there is twice the gap on one side that there is on the other. I didn't notice this until after my purchase. I've pointed this out to a few friends, they can see it too. I went back to the dealer with what I thought was a legitimate gripe, and their body man came out to look. He pushed on the rear quarter and could close the gap. Said their wasn't much he could do about it, and told the salesman and I to take a look at the three other cars on the lot. To my horror, ALL THREE CARS HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND ONE WAS GLARINGLY WORSE THAN THE REST! Almost a half-inch gap one one side, as opposed to the other (quarter-inch). Not sure what can be done if anything. I'm not sure if I can overlook this. Also, 3 nicks in the front grill opening, probably when the grill was installed. Just venting, as this is my first new vehicle purchase in over 25 years, just wanted all to be perfect.

[Waldo]

That's why you should never buy a car that's all new when it just comes out. Wait at least 6 months and those kind of details will be worked out at the plant.

[akirby]

Brand new owner of 2013 Fusion SE. Matter of fact, I think I may be one of the first purchasers in town. Really love the new design, and good mileage although I've only put about 600 miles on the car.

I have one gripe though. I noticed that the fit on the trunk lid is lousy, there is twice the gap on one side that there is on the other. I didn't notice this until after my purchase. I've pointed this out to a few friends, they can see it too. I went back to the dealer with what I thought was a legitimate gripe, and their body man came out to look. He pushed on the rear quarter and could close the gap. Said their wasn't much he could do about it, and told the salesman and I to take a look at the three other cars on the lot. To my horror, ALL THREE CARS HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND ONE WAS GLARINGLY WORSE THAN THE REST! Almost a half-inch gap one one side, as opposed to the other (quarter-inch). Not sure what can be done if anything. I'm not sure if I can overlook this. Also, 3 nicks in the front grill opening, probably when the grill was installed. Just venting, as this is my first new vehicle purchase in over 25 years, just wanted all to be perfect.

 

That is a lazy dealer/body shop. Find another one and they'll fix it for you no questions asked.

[geost1]

That's why you should never buy a car that's all new when it just comes out. Wait at least 6 months and those kind of details will be worked out at the plant.

 

Yeah I 2nd that opinion. With every redesign there are always issues that will have to be addressed and corrected. You really don't want to be "that guy" to own the latest and greatest on the block for just that reason.

 

Having said that, I agree that if something is broken it should be fixed. However since this is a brand spanking new design, you might have to wait a little while for Ford to come up with a solution.

 

Congrads on your new car though. You're right that everything should be perfect, so definately keep complaining until the dealership makes that happen.

[Jo7hs2]

Measure the gaps with a ruler. Take pictures. Then call Ford CS. Tell them what the dealer said. They're not particular helpful when the issue is with the car, but they do scare the dealers enough that the dealers have suddenly become more helpful every time I've involved them in a situation.

[fistfulladirt]

Measure the gaps with a ruler. Take pictures. Then call Ford CS. Tell them what the dealer said. They're not particular helpful when the issue is with the car, but they do scare the dealers enough that the dealers have suddenly become more helpful every time I've involved them in a situation.

Well, it's not a dealer issue, really. It's a factory design/assembly issue, as every car on the lot had the same problem. I'm not sure what the dealer can even do at this point.

[akirby]

Well, it's not a dealer issue, really. It's a factory design/assembly issue, as every car on the lot had the same problem. I'm not sure what the dealer can even do at this point.

 

The dealer is the only one who can fix it.

[jplnc]

Well, by your own measurements there is less than 1/4 inch difference in the gap on one side from the other side. Are you going to let this ruin your day, or your enjoyment of the car? If so, I'm a little concerned about your stress level overall as you go thru life. Sure, things should be perfect, but you have to keep it in perspective. Does the trunk leak? Does it close and open properly?

[fistfulladirt]

Well, by your own measurements there is less than 1/4 inch difference in the gap on one side from the other side. Are you going to let this ruin your day, or your enjoyment of the car? If so, I'm a little concerned about your stress level overall as you go thru life. Sure, things should be perfect, but you have to keep it in perspective. Does the trunk leak? Does it close and open properly?

Thanks for your concern jplnc, actually i'm a lineman for ATT, and as a lineman believe it or not, have to go into people's homes and businesses every day and fix computer problems, so, that's where my high stress comes from, love my job but it's the dealing with illiterate public that's stressfull ha-ha. I've decided not to let the trunk fit problem get to me. I love the car and was smitten upon seeing the redesign in person.

 

Thanks all for the comments

[JoeyToronto]

I don't agree with you at all. When you spend a lot of money on a car you expect it to be built with no imperfections. But like what others have said you're the ginea pig of redesign because you oughta have the latest on the block, now you have to deal with any recalls and problems it's going to have.

 

On another note, for $36k CAD , I would of bought an SUV for example the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

 

 

Well, by your own measurements there is less than 1/4 inch difference in the gap on one side from the other side. Are you going to let this ruin your day, or your enjoyment of the car? If so, I'm a little concerned about your stress level overall as you go thru life. Sure, things should be perfect, but you have to keep it in perspective. Does the trunk leak? Does it close and open properly?

[fistfulladirt]

On another note, for $36k CAD , I would of bought an SUV for example the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

I just bought my wife a new Honda CRV, why would I want another? Hyundai's gonna fall apart after the warranty expires. Hyundai/Honda - they look like morphed-out pillbugs. The new Fusion is just so easy on the eyes. Edited November 11, 2012 by fistfulladirt

[JoeyToronto]

While it may be easy on the eyes, at the end of the day you have to look past that. Will the Ford fall apart? Deapreciation, transmisson refinement, drive train etc. Never heard of Hyundai's falling apart I actually see a lot of the older models around and I am in Toronto, so it says a lot given the fact we can get harsh weather.

 

If Honda made their CRV more stylish and less road noise, I would consider it. My mother has a 2005 CRV and has not once went to the mechanic in the 7 years he's owned it, only to do the typical routine of oil change etc. and I am not crazy about the CRV though. I really like the Explorer style but it got a lot of issues along with the Edge, according to Consumer Reports.org The new Santa Fe has nice styling, Escape is boring looking, especially the front of the car. Looks like another cookie cutter SUV.

 

I don't think Ford will be my next car.

 

I just bought my wife a new Honda CRV, why would I want another? Hyundai's gonna fall apart after the warranty expires. Hyundai/Honda - they look like morphed-out pillbugs. The new Fusion is just so easy on the eyes.

[bwheetley]

Brand new owner of 2013 Fusion SE. Matter of fact, I think I may be one of the first purchasers in town. Really love the new design, and good mileage although I've only put about 600 miles on the car.

I have one gripe though. I noticed that the fit on the trunk lid is lousy, there is twice the gap on one side that there is on the other. I didn't notice this until after my purchase. I've pointed this out to a few friends, they can see it too. I went back to the dealer with what I thought was a legitimate gripe, and their body man came out to look. He pushed on the rear quarter and could close the gap. Said their wasn't much he could do about it, and told the salesman and I to take a look at the three other cars on the lot. To my horror, ALL THREE CARS HAD THE SAME ISSUE, AND ONE WAS GLARINGLY WORSE THAN THE REST! Almost a half-inch gap one one side, as opposed to the other (quarter-inch). Not sure what can be done if anything. I'm not sure if I can overlook this. Also, 3 nicks in the front grill opening, probably when the grill was installed. Just venting, as this is my first new vehicle purchase in over 25 years, just wanted all to be perfect.

 

While shopping around for a new Fusion, I have noticed the trunk lid as a problem on several of them. The problem I've seen is the level of the lid is slightly lower on the passenger side of the trunk than the driver's side. It's not on every single one, but many of them. Seems to be a problem at the factory.

[Poirot1959]

I should get mine this week. I will certainly look at it very closely and make sure that all these little annoying ajustment are taking care of before I leave the dealer lot

[jeff_h]

While shopping around for a new Fusion, I have noticed the trunk lid as a problem on several of them. The problem I've seen is the level of the lid is slightly lower on the passenger side of the trunk than the driver's side. It's not on every single one, but many of them. Seems to be a problem at the factory.

 

I wonder if this is going to be a widespread issue, just by the looks of how they've re-designed the trunk hinge/lid. For comparison see the 2 videos below:

 

First one is from a 2013 Fusion Hybrid, this is a long video but watch between 10:25 - 10:35, and see how long and arced the two trunk bars are... with a design like that I think it's going to be tough to get a precise fit and smooth/even opening/closing motion. Watch in the video where the demonstrator nonchalantly pushes down on the trunk but then whoops it clunks rather than closes, so he has to close it a second time and with purpose.

 

 

So I then walked out to my garage to see how my 2010 FFH was designed, and it's completely different with the brackets and the little shock things (don't know the real name), as you can see between 0:23 - 0:33 of the video below. These have a short amount of travel and I think thus a better chance that they will be aligned and stay aligned.

 

 

So I'm no designer, don't know why they changed from the previous design - maybe had complaints about them for all I know, and thus changed (have been fine for me and the fit is still perfect). But from watching both types and comparing the motions and the respective fits, I would rather have the type of hinge that I have on my 2010 model.

[georgeny]

Jeff_H, First thanks for the link to that great video. I am just back visiting the forums getting ready from Spring decision on new car. Currently driving Fusion 2012 SEL and I am fortunate or crazy enough that I trade every 18 - 24 months usually. Thought my next decision was almost made having just put my wife into a new 2013 Nissan Altima SL. No comparison between 2012 Fusion and 2013 Altima, Altima wins but that was apples vs oranges obviously as both are redesigned for 2013. I can see that my 2013 decision will take some " work " if you would call it that

 

I find minor issues often impact me more at times than major ones. In example had a 2000 Toyota Avalon, loved it, room wise and interior wise like driving an old Oldsmobile. Even had bench seat option! There was only one thing that really annoyed me, auto climate control was terrible. Designed to blow hot or cold then just blow like a home heat or ac system instead of blending hot and cold air streams. This made it impossible to just set and leave it as it was so cold blowing you would have to change temp then change back when ac cycled. It annoyed me enough that I was never truly happy with car. An Acura TL was great in all regards except at speeds over 55 in wet highway always felt like hydroplaning. Switched off to an Accord, same basics, never had that issue.

 

My Fusion 2012 concerns are not to the level of annoyance that really disturb me. I do always feel somewhat limited with visibility due to high trunk and back deck design. Also hard trunk closing, being 6' 2" even I sometimes find myself reaching for that grab loop to close my trunk. My 5' 2" wife gave up trying to close trunk after hitting her head jumping to grab loop. The other minor issue drives me nuts is not having any lights on indicator on instrument panel. I can live with all three issues though visibility ( large support posts and rear window/deck ) becomes more an issue as one gets older The 2013 Nissan Altima suffers form none of those issues, admit so far I love that car though haven't driven it much. Can't pry my wife out of the drivers seat

 

Obviously 2013 still has trunk issues possibly even more now. Admit I hate Microsoft ( yes I am apple but only after 22 years of MSFT frustration ) as well, Nissan uses Intel programming of some sort and so far appears far more intuitive and operationally appears to work consistently. Thinking about controls I also have some problem with angle and look alike of controls in my 2012. That issue appears handled in the redesign of the 2013. I also like the fact that it has driver settings memory apparently. Sooner or later will have to get to point of paring down to one car, or should anyway, drive 14k a year between TWO of us. Really a luxury owning two cars but neither wants to admit getting old and retired enough not to need separate cars.

 

So yeah I can see my work is cut out for me come Spring pitting both cars against one another. In the meantime I will rely on all the great information I always get from forums.

 

George in NY

[ctrcbob]

As for the trunk lid alignment, I saw a new base model Fusion parked downtown (Mt. Dora) this morning. Took a special long look at the trunk alignment. SAW NOTHING. This Fusion's trunk lid FIT PERFECT. Also looked over the whole car, and saw no quality problems.

[2011 redmerc]

I have a Bordeaux Reserve Red 2013 Fusion SE 2.5 that I took delivery of on Oct 22. I fine the fit and finish to be very good. I see no problem at all with the trunk. This car is one of the first built 8/12.

[fistfulladirt]

I've looked at over a dozen cars at four dealerships, 90% have the trunk lid alignment problem.

Now I wonder if it's a quarter-panel fit issue, as the bodyman pushed on the rear quarter and could close the gap.

Edited December 8, 2012 by fistfulladirt

[Xxjonoxx]

Hi, this is my first post on these forums. I recently bought a 2013 Fusion in November. This past weekend we had a good amount of rain storms, and after they were done, the next day I noticed the inside of my trunk on the drivers side was really wet. Would this alignment problem be the cause of this? I can see where the water leaked in, it is right underneath the opening where two panels come together on the inside of the trunk.

Edited December 27, 2012 by Xxjonoxx

[bbf2530]

Hi, this is my first post on these forums. I recently bought a 2013 Fusion in November. This past weekend we had a good amount of rain storms, and after they were done, the next day I noticed the inside of my trunk on the drivers side was really wet. Would this alignment problem be the cause of this? I can see where the water leaked in, it is right underneath the opening where two panels come together on the inside of the trunk.

 

Hi Xxjonoxx. :D As some of us periodically like to point out - You have a 3 year/36,000 mile New Car Bumper to Bumper Warranty. It is not your job to try and figure out what is causing the issue That is what the Warranty is for, so before the water dries up, call and make an appointment to have the issue properly diagnosed and repaired.

 

Let us now how you make out and good luck. :beerchug:

Edited December 27, 2012 by bbf2530

[robuctke]

Hi Xxjonoxx. :D As some of us periodically like to point out - You have a 3 year/36,000 mile New Car Bumper to Bumper Warranty. It is not your job to try and figure out what is causing the issue That is what the Warranty is for, so before the water dries up, call and make an appointment to have the issue properly diagnosed and repaired.

 

Let us now how you make out and good luck. :beerchug:

 

Xxjonoxx - I too have a 2013 Fusion SE and have noticed the same leak. I have an appointment scheduled for next Thursday...Its the earliest the service department could get me in due to the holiday.

 

It's just frustrating because the dealer has had my car longer than I have due to the Ecoboost recall, headlight recall, and now this.

 

Minus all that and when I have had the car - I LOVE IT. Totally different than the 2009 I had.

[robuctke]

Xxjonoxx - I too have a 2013 Fusion SE and have noticed the same leak. I have an appointment scheduled for next Thursday...Its the earliest the service department could get me in due to the holiday.

 

It's just frustrating because the dealer has had my car longer than I have due to the Ecoboost recall, headlight recall, and now this.

 

Minus all that and when I have had the car - I LOVE IT. Totally different than the 2009 I had.

UPDATE:

Took my car to the dealer on Thursday. They performed the water test and determined the rear window to be leaking. They had to have a glass company come out and pop it out and reseal.

 

Well when they did that on Friday, they noticed the rear window wasn't seated properly from the factory. This caused a larger gap on the drivers side (where it was leaking) as compared to the passenger side. They also said that due to to improper seating of the window, it caused some rubbing of the paint where the window would go. So they are repairing the paint issue, then are going to reinstall the window and reseal and rerun the water test.

 

I will send another update once completed.

[Xxjonoxx]

Any update on your fusion robuctke?

[robuctke]

UPDATE:

Got my car back on Thursday. Dealer determined the rear window wasn't installed correctly at the factory. Had to pop the rear glass, reinstall and reseal. They ran another water test which was successful.

 

Its nice to have her back and on the road...