2014 FFH SE too much front end scraping

[hindsight]

What can be done about the front end scraping the bottom of its nose so much, beyond trying to drive at an angle at each dip in the road? This has to be one of the worst points of this otherwise nifty vehicle. Maybe there is a way to increase the height of the suspension? This is not about the weird black plastic thing that gets scraped up in front of the tire. The low front and tire air deflector is probably about increasing mpg, but they should at least decrease the noise by using softer plastics there! Do the other Fusions and Lincoln MKZ do this as well? Has anyone replaced the plastic pieces under the front bumper...what was the cost?

[md13ffhguy]

A few months ago, I actually drove in too far over a curb and pulled that piece in your picture partly off when I backed up. Fixed it up ok, though. I've had a few other scrapes backing out of some driveways and with a few dips in the road. Just figured it was something I had to get used to. I certainly don't want to change anything about the car that would negatively affect handling or aerodynamics.

[Texasota]

I think this is a problem on many of the newer cars. They have lower front ends and underbody cladding which is designed to improve aerodynamics for increased MPG. They have the unfortunate side affect of easily rubbing and snagging on parking curbs. Not long ago I pulled loose the lower fascia and underbody cladding on my 2012 Focus on a parking curb. At that point we started taking great care to not pull up close to the parking curbs. We no longer nudge the front tires into the parking curbs like we use to with previous cars.

[GrySql]

For some reason my passenger side lower fascia has been scraped numerous times but the driver's side is not.

I try very hard to not scrape, even going to exaggerated extremes, but I still do. With almost 2 years and 32k miles it's still hard judge some driveways or road dips.

Texasota has the right of it, aerodynamics for efficiency and design elements have lead many cars to have low front ends that are susceptible to damage.

 

I put splash guards (mud flaps) on my car and am also worried about those.

Maybe we ought to drive even slower.

 

For a laugh a long time ago on this Forum I suggested these as a Fusion accessory, Parking Guide Antenna and Rubber Bumpers:

Edited October 14, 2014 by GrySql

[hindsight]

Where can I get those guides! do they just pop up when you need them?
Seriously, I wish we had a camera or the front proximity sensors on our car. Dealer says they do not install the proximity sensors and it looks too complicated for me to handle.

But all this still does not solve the bottom scraping...car needs the radar of the adaptive cruise control to detect dips and automatically raise the suspension. Probably could also lower the car cruising down the freeway for even better aerodynamics? Ford needs to take care of this if they want me to buy another, and I would be tempted to get an Energi when I trade in my other car. I like not giving cash to the oil companies. We need to get over burning carbon (CO2 up 33% in only 100 years). I think we should save it for making plastics. Solar & storage is the only way to go. Need to take advantage of that plasma ball 93,000,000 miles away.

[Easy Rider]

At that point we started taking great care to not pull up close to the parking curbs. We no longer nudge the front tires into the parking curbs like we use to with previous cars.

This is the key, I think, as the front air dam has been getting lower and lower on a LOT (all ??) of car models lately.

 

The times that it scrapes in just normal driving are just part of the territory with a fuel efficient car these days.

 

It is SO bad with the Volt or some models of Prius (don't remember which) that there is an optional higher air dam available.

[SteveB_TX]

The MKZ is even lower in front than the Fusion. My lower front fascia is a scratched/scuffed up disaster. :banghead:

Edited October 14, 2014 by SteveB_TX

[Waldo]

Where can I get those guides! do they just pop up when you need them?

Seriously, I wish we had a camera or the front proximity sensors on our car. Dealer says they do not install the proximity sensors and it looks too complicated for me to handle.

 

But all this still does not solve the bottom scraping...car needs the radar of the adaptive cruise control to detect dips and automatically raise the suspension. Probably could also lower the car cruising down the freeway for even better aerodynamics? Ford needs to take care of this if they want me to buy another, and I would be tempted to get an Energi when I trade in my other car. I like not giving cash to the oil companies. We need to get over burning carbon (CO2 up 33% in only 100 years). I think we should save it for making plastics. Solar & storage is the only way to go. Need to take advantage of that plasma ball 93,000,000 miles away.

 

You're asking for an air suspension that would cost around $1000. You can buy a lot of fuel or replacement plastic parts for $1000.

[Texasota]

 

You're asking for an air suspension that would cost around $1000. You can buy a lot of fuel or replacement plastic parts for $1000.

Not to mention the additional weight, complexity, and future maintenance headaches.

[hybridbear]

Tesla offers an adjustable suspension. It even automatically adjusts based on your speed.

[corncobs]

Tesla offers an adjustable suspension. It even automatically adjusts based on your speed.

As well as based on location with the last update. The car will remember where the driver raised the suspension and will do so automatically the next time he is driving to the same location.

[2014FordFusionSE]

+1 on the too much front end scraping.

Happens very often even when I'm really careful

[Waldo]

Tesla offers an adjustable suspension. It even automatically adjusts based on your speed.

 

The 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII had it too. It's not that hard, it's just not very cost effective.

[GrySql]

 

The 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII had it too. It's not that hard, it's just not very cost effective.

I remember those TV Ad's of the car driving under a barrier at 80 mph that it wouldn't fit under while parked.

One of my friends bought one.

It just looked funny when the air shock system sprang a leak and the car became a low rider.

[BoomerGer]

Well now. This gives me serious thought about NOT purchasing a FFH. The entrance to my driveway is down, then up, in just a few feet either way, just because of the gutter for water diversion. Most cars I have had I really need to creep into the driveway, with exception of the Escape Hybrid I had. THis '12 Focus make entirely too much noise just getting into it, but I THINK it is the plastic air dam underneath that gets hit, mostly. I do not like it.

[hybridbear]

Well now. This gives me serious thought about NOT purchasing a FFH. The entrance to my driveway is down, then up, in just a few feet either way, just because of the gutter for water diversion. Most cars I have had I really need to creep into the driveway, with exception of the Escape Hybrid I had. THis '12 Focus make entirely too much noise just getting into it, but I THINK it is the plastic air dam underneath that gets hit, mostly. I do not like it.

You could test drive a FFH from a local dealer and bring it home to test this out. Then you'd know for sure before buying. Can you enter your driveway at an angle to avoid scraping?

[Cobra348]

Well now. This gives me serious thought about NOT purchasing a FFH. The entrance to my driveway is down, then up, in just a few feet either way, just because of the gutter for water diversion. Most cars I have had I really need to creep into the driveway, with exception of the Escape Hybrid I had. THis '12 Focus make entirely too much noise just getting into it, but I THINK it is the plastic air dam underneath that gets hit, mostly. I do not like it.

Yeah ... I have a 10 foot uphill entrance to the driveway and it's not a low angle. The Fiestas I have can clear it but just barely. I think I will get a 2-3 day rental and see how it does on the hill.