Front License Plate installed off center from dealer

[bdwells]

I got my 2010 Ford Fusion SEL about two weeks ago and didn't even notice how off center the front license plate holder was until I removed it. Now I have the two mounting holes, which I don't mind but they are off center as well! Now what do I do? Is there anyway I can get the dealership to fix these holes?

You can see the off center holes below.

Edited April 20, 2010 by bdwells

[2010 Sport Blue SEL]

Wow, that's not even close to centered. You must live in a state that doesn't require a front plate. Even if there were color matching plugs, it would look goofy off center like that. I would put the holder back on because it really shows how off center it is, more than just the holes alone. Take it to the dealer to discuss replacing that portion of the bumper and see if it can be replaced with a bumper without a front license holder so there's no holes to begin with. Good luck!

[DJE]

That is really sad. I hope they give you a new one.

[Snowball 2010]

I got my 2010 Ford Fusion SEL about two weeks ago and didn't even notice how off center the front license plate holder was until I removed it. Now I have the two mounting holes, which I don't mind but they are off center as well! Now what do I do? Is there anyway I can get the dealership to fix these holes?

You can see the off center holes below.

 

Hi bdwells, my blood pressure just went through the roof when I saw what they did to your new car. If they gave you the car for free I wouldn't say a word, but anything short of that they should pay.

First of all, How dare they make holes in your bumper if you live in a state or province that does not require a front plate. I live in Montreal, Quebec and if they did that to my car I would raise "HELL".

What idiot does not know that you can always add a hole if need be, but it's very expensive to get rid of one. I don't want to rub it in but look at the difference with no holes. Go back to your dealer and have the change the front end, anything less you should refuse. A am convinced that if they just repair it you might have problems in the future. Having said that a repair is better than holes and if you do have problems. Just go back, and back, and back until they change it. Good luck, God bless and my heart goes out to you.

[Rodeo]

Don't take "no" for an answer until they replace your front bumper cover. Anything less is just plain unacceptable!

 

Park outside the dealership and show it to every prospective customer if you need to embrrass them into replacing it.

Edited April 21, 2010 by Rodeo

[rdgoeson4ever]

I just bought my new Fusion and I am finding out about the screw holes behind the plate bracket. I live in a state that does NOT require the front plate, and my dealer doesn't seem to think it's a big deal that they installed this just to display their dealer plate.

 

My deal is done, not sure how to fight this one.

[FFHdriver]

I just bought my new Fusion and I am finding out about the screw holes behind the plate bracket. I live in a state that does NOT require the front plate, and my dealer doesn't seem to think it's a big deal that they installed this just to display their dealer plate.

 

My deal is done, not sure how to fight this one.

I bought an Olds 98 that had the license plate holes which I let the dealer fill. About six months later the repair failed. I then asked the dealer to replace the bumper cover at their cost and they did.

[bdwells]

Good news everyone! I took my car in for the 5,000 mile oil change and wheel rotation and talked to the service manager and they are arranging to fix the license plate bracket holes! They are even going to get me a rental car for the time of the repair. They say they are going to fusion weld the holes and then respray the bumper cover and guarantee it for life.

 

The service manager talked to the guy who installed the license plate bracket originally and he was totally embarrassed about it and apologized.

 

Below is how the holes look now with center line for comparison.

 

[akirby]

Good news everyone! I took my car in for the 5,000 mile oil change and wheel rotation and talked to the service manager and they are arranging to fix the license plate bracket holes! They are even going to get me a rental car for the time of the repair. They say they are going to fusion weld the holes and then respray the bumper cover and guarantee it for life.

 

The service manager talked to the guy who installed the license plate bracket originally and he was totally embarrassed about it and apologized.

 

Below is how the holes look now with center line for comparison.

 

 

I hope fusion weld is some type of plastic repair process, otherwise you'll have a big melted bumper.........

[bdwells]

I hope fusion weld is some type of plastic repair process, otherwise you'll have a big melted bumper.........

 

Funny thing is I actually own a plastic welder. I used it on my last car after an accident and it worked really well. The best thing about the dealer doing this repair is that they are guaranteeing it for life. So if it fails in the future they will repair it again at no cost to me. I'm just happy these idiots are willing to take responsibility for the obvious mistake they made.

 

In my State, Utah, a front license plate is required. Being the rebel that I am I haven't had a front license plate on the past 3 cars that I've owned. Even if I decided to put the plate holder on the car that would require 2 additional holes in my bumper. The original holes are so far off I'm not sure that if I put the plate holder back on it would cover the original misaligned holes.

 

At any rate I'm happy they are willing to try and fix the problem.

[bdwells]

Got my car back today. The front bumper looks great now! They did an excellent job fixing the damage. The paint matches perfectly too.

 

[fusionff]

Looks good, glad to see they did the right thing, and well at that.

[bdwells]

Looks good, glad to see they did the right thing, and well at that.

 

They even detailed my car for me. I was quite shocked. I'm so happy it looks like it is supposed to now.