First Model Year Build Quality

Badgeringweasel

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I've never owned a Ford, I've had an old boxy Volvo and two Camry's. I've also never bought a new model in its first production year. For those with Fords and especially early adopters, how worried are you about getting the first Mach-E's to roll off the assembly line? Has Ford typically had problems with new models? I'm hoping that with fewer moving parts that the initial problems will be software related and can be fixed via OTAs vs something with the hardware or fit/finish that I will be stuck with.
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hybrid2bev

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Their last launch was a disaster, but surely they will get this right with the companies future depending on it.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...lorer-launch-putting-ceo-back-on-the-hot-seat
The Explorer launch was a bit of an anomaly and we can see the lessons learned being applied to the Mach-E.

With Explorer we tried to launch multiple brand new products with a new architecture (Ford and Lincoln RWD vs. prior model FWD) down the same line, multiple trim levels and configurations all at the same time. Trying to completely replace the production line equipment (in the plant with the smallest footprint) at the same time as the prototypes were being produced off site. This meant that no training could occur on the actual production line. Once production began there was no room at the production site to do any re-work. That launch was Ford trying to do to much at one time in the most constrained facility.

For the Mach-E we see that while it's a brand new production line, it's in a much larger facility. Ford is only doing one model (not Ford and Lincoln) at a time. Starting with one trim, Premium with First Edition Package and the regular Premium trim, then ramping up into the other trim levels. We've already seen the first prototypes from the new production line. This means that assembly training can or is happening on the actual production line. The facility has plenty of space to do any re-work. These are all good things and shows that Ford is working hard to make this launch as smooth as possible.

The Mach-E will be a much better (normal) launch.
 

srogers

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I have always purchased my cars during the first model year after a significant update to the model. I like that the vehicle stays fresh looking for a long time.

I’ve never had any significant problems with any of my cars that showed up in the first year. I’ve had trim come loose, weird pinging noises when switching from reverse to drive, etc. They were all corrected under warranty. I’m sure if I had waited a year or two, these problems would have been fixed, and I wouldn’t have had to take the car in for repairs. There will probably be problems with the first year of production of the Mach E too. If you can not take the vehicle to the dealer several times to get things fixed, I would wait a year or two before buying.
 

ChasingCoral

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ChasingCoral

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If you can not take the vehicle to the dealer several times to get things fixed, I would wait a year or two before buying.
Good thing this is my retirement present to me!
 

highland58

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The Explorer launch was a bit of an anomaly and we can see the lessons learned being applied to the Mach-E.

With Explorer we tried to launch multiple brand new products with a new architecture (Ford and Lincoln RWD vs. prior model FWD) down the same line, multiple trim levels and configurations all at the same time. Trying to completely replace the production line equipment (in the plant with the smallest footprint) at the same time as the prototypes were being produced off site. This meant that no training could occur on the actual production line. Once production began there was no room at the production site to do any re-work. That launch was Ford trying to do to much at one time in the most constrained facility.

For the Mach-E we see that while it's a brand new production line, it's in a much larger facility. Ford is only doing one model (not Ford and Lincoln) at a time. Starting with one trim, Premium with First Edition Package and the regular Premium trim, then ramping up into the other trim levels. We've already seen the first prototypes from the new production line. This means that assembly training can or is happening on the actual production line. The facility has plenty of space to do any re-work. These are all good things and shows that Ford is working hard to make this launch as smooth as possible.

The Mach-E will be a much better (normal) launch.
A friend bought the first year model for the explorer (1991?) and he did have transmission problems. I bought a 2010 Legacy outback (first year for that generation) and I think my Clarity was the first year model, neither had any problems.
 
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Badgeringweasel

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If you can not take the vehicle to the dealer several times to get things fixed, I would wait a year or two before buying.
That was part of the reason I am buying the Mach-E over the model Y, my nearest EV-certified Ford dealer is about 10 minutes away while my nearest Tesla service center is 1 hr+. Here's to hoping that the first models have minor quirks!
 

highland58

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A friend bought the first year model for the explorer (1991?) and he did have transmission problems. I bought a 2010 Legacy outback (first year for that generation) and I think my Clarity was the first year model, neither had any problems.
I just remembered - my Escort Turbo GT, which I think was only built one year, had the turbo fail twice. I paid a lot to have the engine rebuilt, and it failed again. That was a huge mistake.
 

Mchaelme

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I have bought 3 new non Ford first edition models, Jaguar F Pace and Peugeot 3008 both rejected and money refunded, then finally a Volvo XC40, pleased you say no issues at all.
 

jksu

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I have bought 3 new non Ford first edition models, Jaguar F Pace and Peugeot 3008 both rejected and money refunded, then finally a Volvo XC40, pleased you say no issues at all.
considering the xc40 recharge? that was in the running with the mach-e, it's just a bit smaller and less range
 

silverelan

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The first year avoidance advice is real and generally good. With the electric drivetrain, there's reason to be optimistic that it'll be relatively problem free coming from a legacy OEM.

Compare the Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3 first year of 2017-18. The Tesla Model 3 for the first 12-18 months is notorious for problems related to panel gaps, fit & finish, and even bumpers falling off in a rainstorm. On the other hand, the Bolt EV has a bulletproof reputation and Consumer Reports said it was immediately the most reliable vehicle in Chevy's lineup in 2017 and has pretty much stayed there.
 

SuperOcean

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This is a good point and the silver lining of getting it months later in the US. Though major mechanical issues might not show up for a while. I would fully expect some fit/finish issues but no more than with Tesla which has had more than their share of problems.
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