2008 F150 Paint Peeling

[Mid-Lake Rock]

I have a 2008 F150 that I purchased used in September 2010. We did a real careful inspection of the vehicle and found no body damage, paint issues, etc. The underbody of the truck was really clean with no rust. The previous owner either washed it everyday or didn't drive it in the winter.

Last night I was washing the vehicle and paint started to peel on the rear passenger side wheel well. It is only on the "lip" facing the tires. The paint is bubbling and peeling from the back of the "lip" to about the midpoint of the wheel well. I did not notice any paint issue when I washed the truck a few weeks ago. I looked all over the truck and didn't find any other areas of concern. I also could not locate where any damage occurred that would have started the problem.

My questions are as follows:

1. I believe Ford has a five year paint warranty. Has anyone ever been successful in making a claim and getting this done?

2. I'm assuming that I need to take the truck to the dealer if I want to make a warranty claim. If so, do you think they will take it to the body shop and really try to stop the problem or just do a touch up job? I read a few F150 forums and several people posted that they think it is better to take the vehicle to a body shop and have it done well if the owner intends to keep the truck for several years.

Any advice or opinions is appreciated. I want to approach the situation the right way and get this resolved. I intend to keep the truck for as long as possible and want it to remain looking nice. I've owned a lot of vehicles and I've never seen paint come off in chunks while getting hit with the garden hose.

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any advice.

[Scott K]

If it is factory paint, Ford will cover it under warranty. I would bring it to a Ford dealer with a body shop, or if you dont have one local, bring it to the dealer, and they will bring it to the body shop and have it repaired. They wont touch it up, they will sand it down and repair it.

But if there is a dent, or a rock dent by it, they will tell you that it is not covered more then likely, but just depends on the service manager, and how well you know him.

Also if you just bring it to a body shop, they have to be a "Ford approved" body shop.

[vern]

Hi Guys,

I just washed my 2008 F-150 & noticed that a small strip of paint had peeled off exactly how Mid-Lake Rock described it above. I don't see any rust or damage, just paint flaking off. I was searching on-line for solutions & found this old thread. My truck has 65,000 miles & is 6 years old so I don't think it's covered under warranty. Any suggestions on the best way to fix this? I plan on keeping the truck for at least 3-4 years.

*Mid-Lake, any updates on your truck?

Thanks - Vern