I had purchased an Ford Eco Boost vehicle on 4th Jan 2015, from the Mody Ford at Begumpet, Hyderabad( Reg. No. TS07 EH4208). Just after few days of vehicle usage,
I had complains with performance of the vehicle, especially when driving in heavy traffic and in lower gears. Being lady, who has to attend office, located at about 25 Km. from my residence I was reluctant to drive a troublesome vehicle and hence I had sent it for check-up to Ford service centre, where they tested it to be running fine.
However, yesterday, while returning from office in the evening, driving in peak hours, my car just broke down on the way. It was just not moving ahead. I hope you can understand my plight when I was stranded in the mid-way surrounded by heavy traffic. I tried to contact the Mody Ford people, however I could not get proper response from them and instead of extending any support, to a lady stranded in the mid-way, they had given me the number of Ford helpline, where no one picked up the call. Thankfully I could contact the Vibrant Ford service Engineers, who were near to the location.
As per the service Engineers, the clutch plate of my vehicle has completely worn out, in their view, due to driving the vehicle in half clutch. It was informed that even if the vehicle runs for half a kilometre using half clutch the clutch plate will get wear out. Also, they say that clutch plate is not even covered under warranty or insurance, which is even more disgusting.
FYI, both me and my husband are not immature drivers, we have been driving four wheelers since last 10 years, also we have driven various brands like Maruti, Hyudai, Chevrolet etc. we are obviously aware that we should not be driving in half clutch. Prior to Eco Sport, we owned Hyundai i10 for last 6 years. We never ever faced these issues throughout. The treatment received by your dealer and my experience with this car is compelling me to think whether I had committed a mistake by giving priority to Ford Vehicle over other brand like Maruti and Hyundai.
I was highly disappointed to see that my new, just 2 months old vehicle, would break down on way with no movement at all. I am unable to understand, how the clutch plate can get wear out in just 2 months. This strengthen my conviction that I was provided with a defective piece and the Service Engineers are just trying to put the blame on us saying that we have been driving badly. It will not be out of place to mention here that just few months back I came across a news that Ford Company has called back hundreds of vehicle because they found some defect in the vehicles. This fact was brought to the notice of the Dealer before finalising the purchase and he assured me that this particular vehicle is not from that lot. Looking to the reputation of the Company I believe on his word.
Now my question to Ford India is that, whether your car Ecosport has so delicate parts that it cannot sustain Indian traffic and Indian way of driving, if so I request you to stop production of such horrible and disgusting vehicle. How come, even after driving in bad traffic, other vehicles are surviving so well.
If you feel, there are no such complains with Ecosport Eco Boost vehicles in past, then how this had happened only to my vehicle? This proves that my vehicle must be a defective.
Again if you say that we should avoid driving in heave traffic, then let me tell you that if I have purchased a vehicle worth 10 lakhs, I will definitely not limit its usage just to highways.
I am extremely disappointed with my experience Ford vehicle, and was wondering whether I will ever be in a position to recommend anyone to buy any vehicle from Ford.
The cost estimate for the clutch repair as given by Ford Service Engineers is Rs 25, 000. I felt highly frustrated to know that, a vehicle costing Rs. 10 lakhs, need a 25K repair in just 2.5 months and even after repair there is no guarantee that the clutch plate will survive in same traffic and driving conditions.
Does it make sense at all to keep spending Rs. 25, 000 every 3 month? I wonder how would I survive with vehicle for another 3 years?
If your vehicle is so sensitive to bad driving or it needs expert driving skill, do you ever mention while selling the vehicle? Also your demo Vehicle is tried by all kinds of drivers, does it also worn out so soon?
I want Ford India to take this matter very seriously, since such attitude or such poor performance of your production is definitely going to affect your deemed prestige.
Finally I request replacement of my vehicle, or give me my money back. I felt cheated by Mody Ford and also by Ford India.
I hope you will take necessary actions to rectify this issue immediately and will not compel me take any other course of action.
Expecting an early reply and action from your side.