Defect on rear license plate panel

[DroidGeek]

Has anyone noticed the bad mold defect on the rear panel on each side of the license plate. The panel is plastic so I assume its a bad mold. It looks like there are 2 line dents on each side of the license plate that can be seen only when the light hits it at certain angels. Does anyone know if ford is going to do anything about this? It seems to be a widespread issue spanning from 2013-present models

[hybridbear]

Has anyone noticed the bad mold defect on the rear panel on each side of the license plate. The panel is plastic so I assume its a bad mold. It looks like there are 2 line dents on each side of the license plate that can be seen only when the light hits it at certain angels. Does anyone know if ford is going to do anything about this? It seems to be a widespread issue spanning from 2013-present models

These bumps were present on both our FFHs. I think it's the design of the mold. What does the dealer say about it?

[DroidGeek]

I Don't know.I have not asked my dealer yet because its so widespread but I may end up asking. I've read that people have asked their dealers and been told that its for European plates which is just an excuse for the bad mold

[DroidGeek]

I would like to see ford replace them with new panels for free. But I haven't heard of anyone having success with that

[inco]

I think I would just put a licence plate holder over it and move on. I understand your concern, but I suspect it really isn't a flaw, rather something designed to accommodate different sized plates - like the European? Could also be that way to provide structural support? Not sure, but again, is it really a big deal?

Maybe a picture or two might help change my mind at least.

[DroidGeek]

Yes its a big deal. It looks horrible in sunlight. And its too far away from each side of the license plate to cover it. There's a picture on another forum I can try to find it

[DroidGeek]

Heres the picture..http://2gfusions.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3701.0;attach=3061;image

[inco]

That site requires logging in and since I really don't need more sites and passwords I will respectfully decline and have to take your word for it.

[DroidGeek]

I would post the pic but idk how to attach it on my phone there's no option to attach

[DroidGeek]

Here's the pic I figured it out

[inco]

Okay I see what you see. And I went and checked my car as well. I also have them, but the dirt covered them up. Now the bad news. Those are designed into the car to accommodate the different markets where the car is sold for plating purposes. It's too bad that they are that obvious, but I'm not sure there is anything that can be done about it.

 

If it bothers you that much, find a badge or a decal that you can place over them. ;)

[dmdivris]

my 14 ignot silver has them as well but to be honest Its incredibly difficult to see even when it was pointed out. I would imagine the darker colors it would emphasize it more as seen in the picture above. its easily visible. I wouldn't be happy if i had to look at that eveytime i walk up behind my car. it looks like a trunk of a old car after something like a jack came loose in the trunk and pushed out a dimple.

[DroidGeek]

Yeah its easy to see on the black color. I just wish ford would have created 2 molds, since its plastic it shouldn't have been too hard or expensive to make a NA and overseas mold. Gonna have to deal with it. Other than that I love my car

[inco]

Well turning a negative into a positive, anyone who spots it - just tell them your car is so popular Ford had to add those little indents to cater to all the markets that want it. :shift:

[SteveB_TX]

Just checked the FFH... They are there. Hard to see on the Platinum white. :)

[corncobs]

How about the Z probably not since it's US only right?

[SteveB_TX]

How about the Z probably not since it's US only right?

 

The Zs plate is down between the twin tailpipes surrounded by that wonderful textured plastic crap. :) Actually, the Z will be sold in Europe and China, from what I understand.

[GrySql]

Just checked the FFH... They are there. Hard to see on the Platinum white. :)

Very, very hard to see. I had to look real hard to even see anything like that but knowing where to look made it barely possible.

On my Platinum white it looks like the 3 coats almost completely filled in any irregularities.

[hybridbear]

I imagine that this is part of the "world car" design of the Fusion where Ford designed it to be sold around the world with minimal modifications from country to country. The car was designed to meet all crash standards around the world which makes it extra safe since some countries have more strict standards for pedestrian safety, etc than the USA. It also thus includes "features" like this.

[SteveB_TX]

That's my thinking to HB. But the question still remains... What the heck does the factory DO with those marks? Are they markers as to where to drill the hole for the license plate hold down? Are there really THAT many different sized plates in the world, and what country has what size? Inquiring minds want to know! :)

 

P.S. Has anyone looked behind the US plate to see if there is a similar mark?

Edited May 9, 2014 by SteveB_TX

[vangonebuy]

These marks are quite noticeable on my Fusion also.

I was wondering how it would look if that rear inset area was painted textured flat black.

 

Edited May 9, 2014 by vangonebuy

[corncobs]

Just look at European license plates they would fill out most of the panel insert.

 

http://www.worldlicenceplates.com/general/XX_STDE.html

 

I believe those are some of if not the longest plates.

[acdii]

Just look at European license plates they would fill out most of the panel insert.

 

http://www.worldlicenceplates.com/general/XX_STDE.html

 

I believe those are some of if not the longest plates.

Yep. Molds are not cheap, so making a universal mold for all models is the way to go. I have had mine for nearly a year and never really noticed it, if I did ignore it based on knowing it is probably there for a reason.

[Sleddog]

These marks are extremely hard to see on the Ice Storm color. I just went and checked my car and it took me a while to find them. There are plates you can buy to cover this area. I'm not concerned about them. I'm just glad Florida does not require front plates.

[ken.w]

Oh Good.. so this is common to this car... I noticed mind this morning when the sun shine directly at it and was planning to go down to the detail shop to let hell breaks losse. I just had the car wax there yesterday and my hyti is only 5 days young. You just saved me an embarrassment.