Is Your Ford Sync System Not In Sync?
When Ford and Microsoft teamed up to put together the ultimate entertainment and communication system, it received a tremendous amount of positive press. Sync has a lofty goal, serving as an all-in-one unit that allows you to make hands-free calls, receive audible text messages, connect to google maps, and control your music settings. It even communicates with the driver when something is going wrong within the vehicle and connects directly to 911 if the airbags deploy. Sounds too good to be true, right? While some drivers are singing Sync’s praises, there are others who think their Sync stinks. There is even a message board where consumers gripe daily about the issues with their Sync unit, seeking answers to their problems.
Dropped calls, poor reception, incorrect music data, electrical problems, the navigation system is inoperable…..frustrated Ford drivers have called the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline with all sort of Sync dilemmas. Often the problem with new technologically advanced innovations is that they provide more room for error, and service advisers do not know how to fix the issue. The good news however is that State and Federal laws are on the drivers’ side.
If your Sync has been out of sync, give us a call at 1-800 LEMON LAW. We will be glad to discuss the situation with you and see if/how we can help.
If you live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, or Ohio, feel free to call us at 1-800-LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652), and we’ll be happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and – if applicable – file a claim on your behalf. If we are able to help, there is no cost to you at any time!
December 23rd, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Hi. My vehicle, a Ford 2011 f-150 XLT with 3000 miles, has been in the Ford dealership here in Albuquerque for three weeks. It has been in the dealership three other times for days with a sinc defect that I’ve now been told there is NO repair at the moment. I’ve been informed that I’m to live with the problem of NO sinc..no USB and erratic service until they figure it out at Ford. They say it will be the end of January if and when they find a solution. The vehicle is completely paid for and I have asked them to replace it on a buyout. They tell me I have to live with the problem!
I am tired of their B.S. at the dealership though they did give me a ‘driver’ while the truck was in their service. It is still sitting there as I refused to take it home without repair.
January 12th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
I have now been without my 2011 F-XLT 150 for five weeks not including eight other days when the sinc was supposedly undergoing repair. The system is completely malfunctioning. I was told there ‘may be’ a repair. BEWARE!!!!! There is NO repair. In short, a dealership will take your money and you will be stuck in a heartbreaking circle whereby you will gain NO satisfaction from Ford nor the dealer. Had I known that I was paying for SINC and that there is MAJOR problems with the system, that Ford would not replace the vehicle, that all I would receive is glib stalling, I would not have bought it. I feel I should have been told. In short, Sinc SUCKS… FORD has NO repairs for it other than running with your money. My advice? Buy a different manufacturer. My fault for trusting Ford.
January 16th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Oh my goodness…it seems like you logged in for me and already typed my complaints. Our situation is EXACTLY the same. The only difference is that my dealership is in MA. They took my car for 3 weeks as well. I bought the car in August and have had an issue since the first week of owning it. My car is half paid for, and I feel like this is going to come back to bite me in the butt. I’m sick of the dealerships BS and I have now contacted the attorney general and a local news station. Hopefully someone will help us!!
January 17th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
Michelle: We handle MA Lemon Law. Please call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW and we will be glad to help you.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:46 pm
I bought a 2012 Ford Edge Limited that I purchased on Dec. 17 2011. I was told by the dealer that all SYNC/MFT issues were fixed on the 2012… Basically, they sold me the vehicle Nader fraudulent conditions. The MFT/SYNC is riddled with problems- it has been in service three times now. I was told today to LIVE without the system working. The fix has been moved out to June 2012. What recourse do I have? Class action lawsuit? Dealer lawsuit?
February 3rd, 2012 at 11:02 am
Please call us at 800-LEMON-LAW. We will be glad to discuss the situation with you and see if we can help.
February 8th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Gail: If you have not done so already, please call 800 LEMON LAW.
March 7th, 2012 at 1:50 am
I have a 2012 Explorer. The SYNC Navigation system is a joke! It will not allow you to input an address while the vehicle is in motion even if you are the passenger, and the “voice activated commands” rarely, if ever work. You basically have to scream at it for it to pick up your voice. And forget about trying to find points of interest like restaurants along your way. We took a trip from Texas to Florida and it would rarely even recognize where we were. The SYNC system is a MAJOR disappoinent. I hate it!!!!
March 8th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
When is someone going to initiate a class action lawsuit?
April 27th, 2012 at 11:13 am
I bought my 2011 on January 3 of 2012. My SYNC did not work the day I picked up my truck and was told to bring it back.
I brought it back and they told me it worked just like it was supposed to. I am unable to tell it to make a call. They told me they contacted Ford and they knew nothing of this type of problem. They told me this 3 times and then I found out that there has been a problem with SYNC since it became available. My FORD dealer lied to me. I hate liars. I now hate my new F 150 because of problems I am having, my AC works occasionally my SYNC works occasionally. I cannot get even close to the millage that they claim I am supposed to get. FORD SUCKS
April 30th, 2012 at 3:58 pm
@ Ron: You do not mention what state you are from. Call 1 800 LEMON LAW so we can discuss your situation with you.
May 7th, 2012 at 9:17 am
I work at a Ford dealership in Illinois. Be sure that the dealerships are aware of all the upgrades!!! The Ford mytouch depending on your buid date had to be totally reprogramed. To think that someone has had my vehicle for three weeks would put me over the top!!! I deal with people on a day to day bases and handle it in the parking lot. Make sure the dealership runs tsb’s by year and make of your veh and also by vin#. Good luck to you all. Its frustrating working on them also…. RH
May 8th, 2012 at 11:12 am
My story:
I received a letter to upgrade the SYNC system on my Ford Explorer 2011, I drove it to the dealer (that is what the letter stated to do, since it was a performance upgrade). When I received my car back the SYNC was partially upgrade. After multiple rounds of talking with the dealer and directly with Ford, I should have my situation fixed by the end of this month (about 2 months with a partially upgraded and broken SYNC system). I feel that what has transpired on resolving this upgrade was not worth my time and was not my place to do..(aka teaching the dealer on how to “finish” upgrading my system). I do enjoy the appearance (inside and out) of the ford explorer and believe it is a good value compared to my friends BMW; however, after this experience I am willing to pay more next time to not deal with the lack of communication inside a company. I am still amazed on the thought process of turning over a vehicle that was partially upgraded with warnings of nav faults every time you start the SUV that you have to manually clear. AND there is no method of using your navigation. In addition to that, I informed the dealer that I was leaving on vacation that next day when I picked it up. I am thankful that I do own an Iphone (so I could have driving directions). I will never understand that level of customer service.
May 8th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@ Eric: You do not mention what state you are from. I suggest you contact a lemon law attorney to understand your rights under this situation. You can find an attorney in your state by visiting https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html.
July 22nd, 2012 at 8:15 pm
I had a 2011 Escape, that was involved in an accident. The sync system was always having problems. I was told, by the dealership, that it was my phone and I needed to up date it. Well, I had to trade the 2011 and got a 2012. And got a new phone. Still having alot of problems. Including the navigation wont down load, drop calls and horrible reception. I have been to the dealership a few times, and no solution. I live in PA.
July 23rd, 2012 at 5:21 pm
I just leased a fusion with sync. The following problems frequently occur: sync doesn’t initialize properly, usb frequently doesn’t connect to multiple phones using multiple usb chords, buttons don’t work when car first starts for sometimes up to 10 minutes. USB sometimes won’t work at all until car is turned off.
I’m in Alabama. They are currently telling me the same thing: it’s a user issue or that’s just how it is. I’ve told them I’m not going to lease a car for two years with these kind of issues.
July 26th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Danielle: I am glad we connected. We look forward to helping you.
August 23rd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
If there is a class action lawsuit against Ford and Microsoft on their joint venture SYNC, I would like to be included. My 2011 Explorer SYNC system failed the day I brought it home. It has been in the shop more time than I can count. I have all the documentation.
September 5th, 2012 at 11:34 am
Jeff: You will get more recourse on your own than through a class action. Please contact a lemon law attorney in your state. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html
November 23rd, 2012 at 6:35 pm
My SYNC system has never worked, I have taken it many times and they keep putting in new microphones and they work for a short time then quit, I have given up trying to get it fixed and am thinking of just having it completely turned off because it keeps me from using my phone if the car is turned on because the sync system takes over but with no mike you cannot talk to people or to the system itself to get directions, glad I kept my Garmin GPS
November 27th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
I first had Sync in my 2008 Ford Edge. It worked great! I liked it so much that when I decided to purchase a truck, I went with a 2011 Ford F150 Lariat. A big reason was the Sync.
At first the Sync worked, but over time, it has gotten worse. I have now had it in 3 times and it’s still not fixed, but actually worse. They tried to tell me it was my phone (Apple 4gS) and my USB drives — that work everywhere else.
I’m almost at the end of my warranty. I’m beginning to think they just want me to pass that mileage so they won’t have to fix it.
This is my third vehicle from the same dealership group. If they don’t take care of this, then it will be my last!
BTW – I’m in Louisiana.
November 28th, 2012 at 11:34 am
SYNC is supposed to protect us from being distracted from the road. Instead, I find myself distracted every time I get in my car, trying to get it to understand that no, in fact, my ipod was not disconnected. Yes, there is in fact a satellite signal, I just had the temerity to push the seek button. Wondering why it wants me to detour onto another freeway, double back, and continue my route from where I just was. Being blasted out of my seat because the volume is so different between BTST and USB. There’s more, but I’m weary from repeating it so many times. CA has a lemon law, but I don’t know what to do – I love my Mustang, I just hate SYNC – so much so that I paid for an iPhone upgrade just so I could have all of my music and navigation in one device that is *not* SYNC!
November 29th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
@JeffL – You’re probably dead right. To everyone else, Ford Technical Hotline always recommends a Master Reset (In the settings menu) first and then a battery disconnect for 5 minutes to let Sync re-initialize. I work at a ford lincoln dealer and personally think they should rename their collaboration from SYNC to COMMODE.
December 4th, 2012 at 12:23 am
Well, I was told it would be fixed. I went without my vehicle for four months as Ford parked my vehicle on the roof here in Albuquerque. When I was told it was fixed, I was supposedly given an extension on my warranty for the vehicle. I went in to see they had done that. Guess what? Go ahead and guess.
So now I await to see if they will keep their word. So far….
This is my last Ford if I am led down the path yet again. I forgot to mention… shame on me… but I had an 02 F-150. Within three years the paint faded and began to spiderweb. I was just outside the warranty. It was repainted at mostly my expense… the job was a hack job. The paint began to cloud, drips of thick paint everywhere. The trick is, to wear you down to where you no longer care… same with this sinc business. Yet Ford sales are up? I believe the vehicle to be a good one. What really counts is how much the management will stand behind the product and their word. Shoddy is not acceptable. I believe in people. I should have made sure the warranty was extended then and there!!! Yes, shame on me. I will post a positive on here if I am treated positively.
December 6th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
The issues continue with the 2013 mustang…the sync system locks up when I try to use my iPhone. Happens about once a month. I was told that issues had been fixed before I purchased the car. It’s been nothing but bullshit since I’ve owned the car.
December 14th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
I have had my 2013 Ford Explorer for 2 months. During the first month Microsoft desktop error popped up twice. Took the vehicle into the dealership and they did an upgrade. Now the Microsoft desktop error pops up daily and shut Synce down. 10 minutes later system does a reboot. It does not matter what program you are you in phone, navigation, entertainment, the whole system shuts down for 10 minutes before it will reboot and come back on.
January 19th, 2013 at 11:03 am
Live in Wa. State. Have a 2011 Explorer. I think Ford had a good idea but it is a bit techie for some. I find that the voice recognition sucks. We ask it to call anns cell and it calls riches cell. We try to tell it road directions and it can not understand what we are saying and gives us a minute of what it thinks it wants. Then, you go to your good old Garmin. Lol It will find my wifes new iphone, but it shuts off her text totally. She will have no idea if she gets a text tell she leaves the car. I love the back up camera, when it is not dirty. They installed the lastest sync or update but did not help the iphone. Too Bad. We bought this used. Wonder why we were not told at the time that the my touch was not a good system.
February 18th, 2013 at 11:06 pm
I have a 2012 ford escape 12,000 mile right now but new and sync system has stop working 3 times on me every time they disconnect the battery and it works .iam si tired of this every time is stop working I have to take time out of my day to take it back to dealer.
February 19th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
@Alex: Please fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form at https://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html. We will review the situation and see if/how we can help.
March 29th, 2013 at 7:43 am
I have a 2013 Taurus with Sync issues. When I make a left turn and there are any bumps in the road the system changes stations or in USB mode the song goes back to the beginning. I put it in the shop yesterday for the second time this week. Earlier this week the dealer disconnected the battery which did not help.
March 29th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
My 2013 Lincoln MKS has been to the dealership 5 times in 11months due to the Lincoln My Touch / SYNC System. The sixth visit has been scheduled. Ford Corporate informed me they are having issues with the technology and it is most likely because of my iPhone. They will be disconnecting the phone from my vehicle on Monday. They said they are unwilling to switch vehicles or offer any compensation for the $51,000 vehicle I am driving that does not operate properly.
April 1st, 2013 at 10:45 am
@Chad: I sent you an e-mail. You are entitled to compensation. Please reach out to msacks-at-lemonlaw.com.
April 1st, 2013 at 12:38 pm
What this all boils down to is really very straight forward. Go to your dealership, and after they have collected your check, you are no longer important. They will have you believe it’s your phone, and act of some god, ANYTHING so they do not have to replace your vehicle. They will confuse and make promises they have no intention of keeping, then they will pass it on to Ford who will treat you even worse. When you call some attorney, you will have to explain the situation until you’re blue in the face, just as you have with the dealer and Ford. In the end my friend…no one will do anything for you. That has been my experience. My sinc is supposedly fixed. I have to open my phone, dial the number I want and then let it ring inside the vehicle. I’ve been told that is fine. They told me to replace my phone which I did twice, I even changed my phone company. It’s not funny. We are paying a lot of money to have this in our vehicles and it should be illegal to sell one with it installed. Funny thing is, when the dealership tells you it’s your phone yet it works in everyone else product… Rich Ford here in Albuquerque by the way as previously stated PROMISED to extend my warranty because of my patience in dealing with this. I’ve been to see them about this and have had NO result. I call that outright lying to me. Again, if they step up to the block and play honestly… I will say so immediately on this. Quit holding your breaths out there… you got a crap Sinc in your FORD product? You will have to live with it. Ford will not stand behind their product!!!! They will NEVER replace your car… why should they? They have what they wanted… your money!
April 4th, 2013 at 4:48 pm
I purchased my 2013 Ford fusion hybrid On March 20th, 2013 and I’ve had nothing but problem after problem with the sync technology not to mention the fact that I have driven highway 1,300 and am only getting 32 mpg. How is that possible when they advertise 47?
The voice recognition never seems to recognize anything you say, the syncing with my phone and the music never works, and the touch screen/Navigation system does not respond for hours on end and or it just freezes even when the cars off its stay on lit for hours and the battery drains. I’ve had my car into the Ford dealership now three times this last time they’ve had it for three days and still have not been able to figure out what is wrong. I’m in sales work on the road away from home and have had to take off two days from work just to deal with this issue of my new car. They keep unplugging my battery doing a hard reset which erases everything from the car and you have to start all over at square entering everything. Worst of all they don’t know their own system. I’ve had the person who does the sink training at the dealership in my car and I had to show him how to work sync. But honestly what really gets my blood boiling is the fact that they convinced me to buy this model instead of ordering the titanium which is cheaper and the one I wanted from the. They told me that it would have taken 3-5 weeks to get it and even then they couldnt guarentee it.
I’m getting very very upset and very frustrated, is there any legal recourse that I can take? (I’ve saved and videod all these issues)
April 5th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
@Anthony: I hope you received my email with my suggestion. Best of luck to you!
April 5th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
I’m just glad that I’m only leasing the fusion. Same stories as above, I had to take it back to them 6 times before (according to them) it completely shut down in front of them and they ordered a new entire console.
Still today it doesn’t really work right: I have to press voice command and say bluetooth audio everytime I enter the car (it won’t connect automatically.)
Other than that it works OK but I am just glad I don’t own the car and will be getting a new car lease in 15 months.
April 12th, 2013 at 3:08 pm
@Daniel: I would strongly suggest looking into your State and Federal rights. You could be looking at monetary compensation. Check out https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law firm that can help you for free.
May 1st, 2013 at 3:56 pm
We bought a brand new (only 9 miles on it) 2013 Ford Explorer and the GPS hasn’t work right since about a week after we got it. Keeps saying we are off route or can’t find the route or recalculating to the point you shut it off. We took it in last week to have it repaired and we were basically told there is nothing they (FORD) can do about it. 2 days after I got the truck back from Ford the rest of my Sync went out. I called corporate and can’t reach the “regional” person I am supposed to speak with regarding the issue. Right after they told me “nothing we can do”, I get my truck back and there is a new Sync issue and I’m taking it back again for the second trip! We’ve owned it 3 months and spent a lot of money to buy it. I would like for it to work as offered and paid!
May 4th, 2013 at 9:36 am
I have a 2013 Ford Fusion with the 2.0L Ecoboost engine and the Ford MySync system with the larger touch screen navigation system. Just got it around the first week of March. I have experienced many of the problems described on this site and more. This means this problem is at least 1.5 years old and runs across all vehicle models that have the Ford MySync system in it.
Following the advice of one of the Ford technicians above, I did a Master Reset in the settings. And at least the most visible problems I was having cleared up (ie the clock and the outside temperature not displaying and/or updating – even though the clock and outside temperature on the right side of the dashboard is up to date all of the time). NOTE: This is nothing more than the equivalent of rebooting your computer at home. It is not a permanent fix. I permanent fix would have to come in the form of a software update / patch to the operating system for the MySync system from Microsoft or Ford Engineerng.
I’m having a hard time believing that Ford is still shipping new cars with the same problems (which are computer software related). I’m constantly having to use my cell phone for phone calls and GPS navigation because this system is non responsive or takes to long to calculate a route and no sound for phone calls comes out of the speakers. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING when you are in a rush to get somewhere or you need to speak to someone. This system is supposed to alleviate the need to use your cell phone while driving. But instead it has you constantly trying to get it working while you are driving. Most people don’t have 5 to 15 minutes to sit in their driveway or a parking lot waiting for this thing to update (regular system maintenance – WHAT IS IT DOING ANYWAY – most of my problems started AFTER it started doing the SYNC regular system maintenance like once every 2 weeks). When it does this, you can’t do anything… turn on the radio, use GPS navigation, see the time, etc.. This should all be done in the background without interrupting the drivers experience.
May 27th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
I have a 2013 Escape Titanium and have many of the above issues. This car is 2 months old. Navigation worked for about a month, now it freezes at start point and jerkily catches up to me…sometimes. I have an Iphone 5. The phone connects but the system will come up and tell me that it has disconnected, yet it still shows that its connected. Many times when I try to call out there is nothing but dead air, no dial tone BUT my wife says that the call actually goes out, I just can’t tell from inside the car. Then when I do get a call to actually work and hang up, there are times that the system hangs on to that call for as much as 11 minutes before it shows that it hung up. I had a 2012 Mustang that worked much better but I am truly dissapointed in this. I am taking it in Sat to see about the sync system. Also, I should be getting approx 370 miles to a tank of gas and getting around 27 to 32 mpg. NOT EVEN CLOSE, and I have been to the dealer with this once already. I am barely getting 20MPG (mostly highway driving) and get approx 300 miles to the tank. This isn’t even close to what this vehicle is rated at. I consider myself a FORD man but I have to say I am pretty fed up.
June 4th, 2013 at 3:46 pm
2013 Ford Escape SEL purchased in Ontario Canada October 27th 2012…Sync does not work in my vehicle…my phone will not stay connected, cannot make or receive calls/texts either…but I can successfully pair and use my phone in other 2013 Ford models including my neighbors Escape which is identical to mine…but Ford keeps insisting that my phone is the problem…the clock doesn’t always work and I have been told that Ford Engineers are working on this problem but do not have a fix for it or cannot estimate when a fix will be available…there was a squealing noise coming from my front passenger brakes…they machined the parts and the squealing stopped… but after this repair, a service bulletin issued by Ford recognized that many owners were experiencing this problem and the fix for it was a caliper replacement…now I have machined pads and rotors on one side that will wear out before the driver’s side will…finally, they said my sync was fixed (which it wasn’t) and when I picked my car up from the shop, my vehicle had significant damage to the hood – dents, scratches and paint chipped off…what option do I have as a Canadian resident to deal with this…this is completely unacceptable!! thanks – Debbie
June 9th, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Two major issues with the Sync w/ MyFord Touch system were
discovered by me after trying to work with it for the past two
days…and I’ve found other complaints like these online.
Firmware is the latest version 3.5.1
1) traffic directions are very difficult to use and involves
getting directions by connecting to your smartphone…the
directions I think come down through the Bluetooth connection,
but they are woefully incomplete and incorrect…for instance a
trip to California to Colorado that is about 1,250 miles gives an
incomplete list of turns with mileages that are a tiny fraction
of what they really are, and it says the trip only takes 1.5
hours (perhaps at supersonic speeds), and;
2) the Wi-Fi is so buggy as to be rendered useless…trying to
put a hexadecimal (letters and digits) Wi-Fi WEP key into the
system is impossible (yet most Wi-Fi routers have keys that make
use of letters).
I’m really unhappy about this and wonder if I shouldn’t just
investigate refunding the car, however, I put a $7,000 down
payment on it I’m afraid I will not get back due to the deep
depreciation after I drove this new car off the lot. It had about
350 miles on it when purchased. Has 500 now.
June 11th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
I have a 2013 Taurus and 2011 Edge – Double trouble. Both units have Sync and stink. The Sirius Travel Link works periodically, it takes 10 – 15 minutes for the phone and navigation to work. I have the latest version 3.5.2, it still doesn’t work.
June 17th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
UPDATE ON MY SYNC ISSUES: (2013 Escape) So I am kinda a techno geek anyway. Started searching thru my settings and found a reset to factory settings. I had been getting updates almost daily for the 2 months that I have owned my vehicle and was convinced it was the updates hosing the system. I reset everything to factory and then put my settings in. Everything is working again and has been for about 3 weeks PLUS I haven’t gotten anymore updates. I am confident if I start getting updates again the system won’t work anymore. But for the moment its working.
June 18th, 2013 at 12:57 pm
I experimented some more since my last post on the two issues and here’s what more I found:
1) directions do work, but not without more effort than should be needed…the main problem seems to be that the directions don’t download to your car reliably…also the support person I spoke to told me he’s not even sure how it’s supposed to work (what the order of events are, what you’re supposed to do, etc…), so he put the directions in for me the 2nd time and they downloaded to the car finally and they did direct me to the destination
2) I got wifi connected using my smart phone with a digit-only key that I created since it won’t accept hexadecimal or other alphanumeric keys; the wifi connected flawlessly to my smartphone used as an access point.
BIG QUESTION: Now what do you do once your car is on wifi? It’s like you can connect but what is the use of it? Has anyone found a use for the wifi connection on Sync w/ MFT yet? That nice 8″ screen is bigger than my smartphone’s…I should be able to display anything on the screen that I want to…even if I can just display what’s on my smartphone’s screen, that would be sufficient for me.
Ford really owes an explanation for its half-baked Sync w/ MyFord Touch System. The claims got ahead of the reality…but it’s going to have to make this good or something will eventually happen.
The 3RD EDITION of the manual says that the wifi allows you to use services…nice going…you went through two changes on the user manual and still have no usable wifi that your manual claims can be used for different things.
June 20th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
I really wish I had googled this site sooner. I bought my 2013 Ford Flex in January and have had problems galore with Sync. I used to have a 2010 Ford Taurus and the SYNC worked great. I am in sales and use my phone extensively in the car as this is my office. Same problems as above only mine are happening daily. Dropped calls; calls not going through; calls not disconnecting; not understanding who I’m trying to call; changing my radio stations; totally shutting down the SYNC while driving and resetting itself. Clock won’t keep correct time. My most common daily complaint is the fact that when I end a call and disconnect the phone call on SYNC continues, for as long as 12 minutes long and during this time I am unable to use my phone, my radio or anything else. If I were to have an emergency during this time and had to dial 911 I am unable to do so.
Of course I have trouble with directions and do not even try to text with my sync. My car was in the dealership for one week and I had a Dodge Durango whose system worked every time perfectly with my phone I do wish I had known this sooner!
Very frustated in California.
June 25th, 2013 at 10:02 am
I purchased a 2013 Ford Taurus ( with all the bells and whistles). Disappointed is an understatement. Don’t waste your money on SYNC. It has been in the shop 4 times already since I purchased it in May 2012. The speaker has static when there is nothing on. It does not understand voice commands. The speaker is so loud with static, when I turned the seat heater on it was annoying. The service department unhooked the heater, therefor it was no good to me all winter. I cannot use voice to make phone calls. I have to dial the number, it keeps calling the wrong number. Even when the car is totally turned off, the speakers will occasionally make noise. I am SICK of this purchase.
June 26th, 2013 at 11:16 am
@Marsha: Fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form at https://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html to see if we can help you get this matter resolved. You may at the very least be entitled to significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the car as a result of the sync problem.
June 26th, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Ahh… the complaints continue to grow about Ford Sinc, the way the buyer is treated after the purchase and it is realized Fords system is an ‘iffy’ piece of crap.
Makes you wonder just how many thousands of others there are who do not know about posting or voicing their complaints.
Seems like being outright lied to by the dealership, non cures and stalls from Ford until you get frustrated enough to fade away are the norm.
And you hope that one way or the other something will change and the the consumer will get what they paid for, Ford will come come shining through. You are delusional if you believe that.
Until letters to as many Ford-buyers-of Sinc, asking if they have major problems with Sinc that have not been fixed by Ford and their dealerships have been sent, and a class action suit is mounted, nothing is going to happen. Period! Rail all you want is their attitude at Ford.
The question really begs. When is anyone going to do this?
Remember, if you are having these problems, thousands of others are.
(Still have not had anyone call me with their promise of extending my warranty on my vehicle.)
July 18th, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Wow, I didn’t realize that me recent trouble with the Ford Sync navigation system would be as troublesome as it seems it’s going to be. I kind of got shooshed away from the service department telling me that the system was working fine. I tried setting a destination to get home to test it. It does not work. I called back and have to bring it in again in the morning. I have a feeling from the “shooshing” that I got is that they are already aware of these issues. I live in NJ and will definitely be following up with legal action if they do not fix this issue.
July 18th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
@Linda: Once you are in three times for the issue, call 1 800 LEMON LAW.
July 18th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Update on my issues: So I was having all the same issues as everyone else here. I have been using the system now for over a month since I did the reset to factory settings….not one update and it is still working great. Hangs up phone calls, navigation works. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get any updates.
July 19th, 2013 at 10:48 am
What happens to me is that I get told to call the Ford Sync help line, which I have found was not helpful whatsoever.
The last time I used directions was while I was on vacation (drove from Colorado to California and back)…my GPS crapped out and so I had to rely on directions the last week of the vacation…they seemed to work most of the time, but it’s incredibly clunky and sometimes does not work and you have to repeat it. It also seems to get confused easily, and has tried to steer me the wrong way at least a couple times.
I want to see them fix the issues with directions.
As far as the WiFi issue (not being able to type in a WEP key containing letters)…there still seems to be no plan to correct that.
Ford far oversold the use of Wifi in Sync because technically you cannot use it for anything at all…even the fact you can use it to relay an access point’s wifi signal to other devices in the car is pretty pointless…if your car can access the access point it’s going to relay to other devices in the car, well so can your devices access that same access point…so what in the heck is the point of Wifi in Ford Sync??? It’s the most utterly pointless feature I have ever heard of in a car!!!
Will someone please explain the practical use of that expensive doorstop? It has a wifi function, but no internet function once it’s connected. Ford needs to fulfill the hopes it put into people regarding Sync overall, but especially the Wi-fi feature. And why don’t they allow open source development of it so at least I can put 3rd party applications onto it if they don’t want to do that part themselves?
July 29th, 2013 at 12:24 pm
I have a 2011 Ford Edge-purchased in May 2011 and now has 46,000 miles. The car is currently at the dealer for the 2nd time due to Sync issues. The first time the whole system just shut down while I was driving and the GPS was not working. Now the GPS thinks I’m in Dearborn, MI. I live in Philadelphia and have taken the car to be serviced in south Jersey.
The first time they replaced the Sync system (claimed it was replaced with a brand new one). Now they can’t figure out why the GPS thinks I’m in Michigan. This is the 2nd time the car has been in the dealership with the same type of issue-both with the Sync navigation system.
I’m reading lemon laws stating that the issue has to be within the first 12 months of buying the car and have less than 10,000 miles. Is that true? Very frustrating that I am payment a large car payment to have this system and it doesn’t work!
July 31st, 2013 at 9:30 pm
My problems are similar to what others have seen in my 2013 Edge. My biggest complaint is with the phone not hanging up calls although I have had problems with the NAV locking up or being slow to respond. I was able to get the NAV working reliably by disconnecting my phone ( turning off Bluetooth). Even if the NAV is locked up disconnecting the phone fixes the problem right away. I think the problem is a conflict with incompatible Bluetooth devices or it’s some kind of RF interference from high power Bluetooth devices (newer phones) and the onboard electronics of the sync system. I’m curious to know if others are able to try this and see if it corrects their NAV issues.
August 1st, 2013 at 3:33 pm
@Diana: If you are in three times for the SYNC under an original or extended MANUFACTURERS warranty, call us AT 1 800 LEMON LAW and we will be able to file a claim on your behalf, free of charge, for monetary damages.
August 1st, 2013 at 4:01 pm
In 2011 I purchased a 2012 Ford Escape with Sync Services. At first all worked well with the car. I was happy and proud to show off the features and hands free capability. Sometime through 2012 I tried to download directions and it just stopped. The Vehicle Health Report will not download either. Strangely enough it worked once on July 27th while I was in Michigan. I used it to find a best Buy. But the next day it was not working again. My fiancée bought a 2013 Escape in October of 2012. She has the exact same issues. We called the help line and they say that Sync is dialing the wrong number. The dealer has looked at the vehicle twice for the problem and now says she must leave the vehicle AND her phone at the dealership until they figure it out. Both of our Escapes do not receive directions and will not submit a Vehicle Health Report. We live in Fort Wayne, IN. Ford will not help. But then they did use a windows based system and it works as well as any other windows product.
August 2nd, 2013 at 8:24 am
My Ford dealership admitted that the problem is mainly the iPhone not playing nice with Microsoft. Some other phones have the problem also. They did a master reset (and showed me how to do it) and it started working fine again. They said the problem would probably build up again and that another reset may have to be done in the future, or until they have a patch to fix the problem.
August 5th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Wow, wish I had read this website before buying my 2012 Explorer one year ago. My In Sync system, has shut down twice. I have no phone, no navigation, no audio, and no rear camera. The rear camera is a huge thing for me. I feel this large car has definite blind spots. I would never had bought this car without the camera, just for safety reasons. The dealer has had the car all day and they have informed us that they don’t know how to fix the problem. What!!! Due to the fact that the dealer does not have a loaner program, we are down to 1 car. My husband could not work today and looks like he wont be able to tomorrow either, because of the kids doctor appointments. Talk about buyers remorse!!!!!!
August 6th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
I bought my 2013 Fusion the end of January this year. My Sync/Navi has never worked properly. Sometime GPS will not load for 45-50 min other times 6-10 min. The clock on the screen is always behind the actual time (on the screen on the dash) until the system loads. Calls cannot be made through the Sync system until everything is loaded and then sometimes it gets cut off. This morning the GPS didn’t work at all. A hour and 10 min ride to work. Then it finally started working and the while system shut down for a maintenance reset (happened twice). I am extremely unhappy with Ford (love the look of the Fusion) but everything inside has created problems. My wife drives a Kia Sportage and there is no problem with her Navi and phone connections. Soon as you get in everything loads right up
August 6th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
I purchased my 2013 Fusion in January of this year. The Sync/Navi never worked properly. My GPS sometimes takes 35-45 min to load, but normally (everyday) it takes 6-10 min to load. I cannot make phone calls through the Sync because it is not loaded. My clock on the GPS is always behind the correct time (on the dashboard) until the Sync/Navi catches up and loads. Then it goes back in time until when the car was started and catches up to the current time. Yesterday my Navi didn’t work at all ( 1:15 drive). The system shut off twice for a maintenance update which did nothing. All in all I love the look of the vehicle, but am extremely unhappy with the Sync problems. My wife drives a Kia Sportage and never had a problem with her Navi or phone in the vehicle. As soon as you get in everything works and is synced up
August 6th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
Oh I am in Chicago, IL
August 9th, 2013 at 11:34 am
@Joe: It’s time to look into your rights. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a lemon law lawyer in your state.
August 11th, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Has anyone else run into this issue?
I have a 2013 Ford Edge that has Sync w/ MyFord Touch.
The information display (left of the speedometer) went out.
When that happens, it completely wipes out your ability to know how much gas you have left in the tank.
I ran out of gas yesterday and had to have AAA come by with gas so I could get to the next gas station.
Question for Ford is:
How come you provide 3 or 4 ways to control climate and know what the temperature is, control what radio station you listen to, control what number you dial, what services you use, etc…but there is only ONE WAY to find out HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK, which is JUST BARELY SOMEWHAT MORE IMPORTANT than any of the infotainment stuff.
Ford needs to rectify this by having more than one audible beep (which I somehow managed to miss) at 50 miles to go, preferably a voice that tells you how many miles to go before empty.
I sent my car to a Ford collision center to have hail dents pulled out and when I got the car back I thought I still had over half a tank of gas (come to find out they drove it offsite to a location far away to get some of the work done). When I got the car back, the information display didn’t work, so I had absolutely no clue about how much gas I had in it.
Ford can do much better on its Sync system…besides the bells and whistles which are nice, you need to incorporate a backup of some kind for the fuel gauge. Very upsetting when that goes out.
August 12th, 2013 at 8:52 am
@Steve: It’s time to look into your rights. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html for a lawyer in your State who may be able to help.
August 16th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
Will do…now they’re telling me the part is on backorder…we’re talking about a 2013 model vehicle…I find myself hard pressed not to believe a lot of these are going out…I’m driving around a car that can run out of gas a lot easier because I have no way to know how much is left in it…nice having to keep your tank filled all the time…why do you need to know how much gas is in your tank?…heck, you have 4 ways to change stations on your SiriusXM free trial…be happy until the tow truck comes.
If this goes for weeks, I’m going to find myself wanting the car replaced. This is just freaking ridiculous and far too much to tolerate.
August 16th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
I have a 2013 Ford Escape and the Navigation, phone and even the radio freeze up on me. I have had it in once and received the car back from dealer not even fully synced, I am so upset that I will never buy a Ford again after these problems. I rely on a navigation in my business and the nav freezes up and takes 5 minutes to locate where I am or to even calculate the directions. I took into the dealer for second time and this time he asked If I have and Iphone 5. He said that the navigation works thru the phone and microsoft and apple phones are in conflict. I have apt next week, but I am sure they wont fix with their updates. He stated to keep it extra ay in case they need to order parts. I have been putting up with this since April when I got my new Iphone, but prior to that there were problems with the droid LG Revolution phone and Navigation also, I think Sony system they are using is junk and I am very dissatisfied with this. I want a refund from Ford or for them to give me full price so I can get Nissan. My friend has a brand new Nissan and his Navigation woks perfect and he even can talk and text thru his Navigation system. Ford made a huge mistake going with this system UPSET & dissatisfied !!!
August 19th, 2013 at 3:56 pm
@Paula: Keep this number handy, 1 800 LEMON LAW, and reach out once you have three repair invoices for the problem. If we cannot help you, we will try to find someone who can.
August 23rd, 2013 at 12:57 pm
my cmax is 6 months old and the sync system has not worked properly since day one. have had back to the dealer for days at a time several times now. last week got it back and now it is worse than before. As soon as I left the dealer the sync system froze and has not unfrozen. I am very frustrated other than that I love car and get great gas milage.
August 28th, 2013 at 11:46 am
@Marie: Fill out our Get Rid of Your Lemon form at https://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html and let’s see if we can help you.
September 7th, 2013 at 11:37 pm
I bought my new 2013 Ford Fiesta on June 10, 2013. Since day 6 the audio/clock display fades out intermittently. Ford says they do not have a fix because they can’t replicate it and can’t find anything wrong after running diagnostics. I have been told that they are not aware of anyone else experiencing this problem but that it might be heat related. In addition they have already had to replace my back passenger window due to bubbles and now the paint is coming off at the edge of the bumper where it meets the fender. In general, the dealer has been decent to me but no one seems too concerned. Am I supposed to live with this? The car is paid for and only has around 700 miles on it, 150 of which came with the car. It’s sad because I like the car but it looks like I got a bad one.
September 23rd, 2013 at 8:56 pm
I’m from Illinois I have a 2013 Escape. My sync 8/10 doesn’t connect with my iPhone 5 unless I unplug re plug twice. Then the music starts indexing….never stops indexing. When I push the sync button and say USB it will say “no USB device” but shows indexing on screen. Dealership updated twice….told me if I had an android phone it would help. So irritating, should have bought a Chevy I guess. Tired of being told it’s on my end.
September 30th, 2013 at 5:39 pm
I actually started recording my daily issues with my Lincoln Sync system in my 2011 Lincoln. I have built up a nice library of videos documenting my issues and frustration. It hasn’t worked properly since day one. It’s been in the shop 5 times. Granted I NEVER get a loaner and I’m without a car for great lengths of time. Problems never fixed. I think each time they just do a master reset. My Sirius radio can’t ever keep a signal. It’s always “acquiring” signal and cuts out. I haven’t been able to listen to 1 song in the 3 years that I’ve had this car. Sirius blames the Lincoln and Lincoln blames Sirius. Even my 7 year old daughter points out that my “cars computer is broken”. For the sync system my screen always freezes, buttons don’t work, buttons on steering wheel won’t work, commands don’t work, volume turns up by itself, etc. Such a shame for a “luxury” brand. I’ve advised everyone NOT to get a ford/lincoln or the sync system until they can fix it. Thank you for your website! Glad to know I’m not the only one going through this!
Best,
Tishy Bryant
October 1st, 2013 at 11:20 am
@Tishy: We have helped numerous Ford and Lincoln drivers with defective sync systems. Normal remedy is significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of your vehicle as a result of your problem. I suggest you reach out to a lemon law lawyer. You can find one in your state by visiting https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html .
October 28th, 2013 at 1:07 pm
I have a 2012 ford escape I’ve had for over a year. I’ve never been able to use the sync. not on my old iphone 4s or now with my galaxy note 2.
I spent some time on the phone with a sync customer service guy and he walked me through the steps but all min does is tell me there is no phone and thats just on the screen. I have never even heard my sync system.
I had a rental a while back and was able to sync my phone with very much ease ib it.
im in texas
October 28th, 2013 at 7:21 pm
October 28th, 2013.
Did you see NBC News this eve? Ford got itself a well deserved black eye for the P.O.S. electronics they shove in their vehicles. Namely their so called SYNC, GPS etc, which should be re-named from SYNC to P.O.S. ststem.
Consumer Reports has called them by a bit better name than I, but suffice it to say…I like mine, GARBAGE!
Due to the thousands of complaints, they are topping the national crap charts. Well, I had thought it was just a few folks who had these problems but I should have known better, it is widespread. Rich Ford in ABQ so far have still not extended my warranty adorning the roof of the dealership for close to 6 weeks… not including how many times it sat there for days while they made excuses for the SINC not working. I suppose this is a step in the right direction and I hope enough complaints arise from this that Ford is brought to task.
October 30th, 2013 at 12:15 am
What about Canada? I have a 2012 Ford F-150 XLT and the SYNC just doesn’t work for music via USB. It starts indexing and never stops, a common problem. I suspect Ford will not fix this, not ever, since they can blame in on Microsoft rather than spend the money to fix it.
Any suggestions or help for Canadian Ford owners?
November 5th, 2013 at 5:21 pm
@Richard: At this time no, but google Canadian Lemon Law.
November 19th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
I wish there was good reason to post a positive on here.. Alas..no.. and it is worse!
For a start…I still open my phone and dial to connect with the SINC. It will disconnect when it wants to…and I’ve been told how to reconnect. BUT… I’d mentioned my promised warranty extention in previous blogs? I now have another problem with the paint on the roof of my F-150. It has a very dull and rough finish in the center. I have consulted two body shops here in Albuquerque. They have tested paint depth and examined the roof. That done I went to Rich Ford who told me a ‘engineer’ from Ford would look at it. (Keep in mind my vehicle is under waranty.) I was refused a fix! And worse, I have been accused of using a buffer and doing the damage myself! After that didn’t fly, I was accused of ‘spilling’ a chemical on the roof!!! Beware if you are even dreaming of buying a Ford, it is not just the Sinc. As the body shop tested the paint on my vehicle and explicitly told me what the real story is, (how Ford blows their consumers off….and the paint job on their vehicles..) they also tested the paint around the vehicle. The paint thickness on the box and rear lid is so minimal that it is barely showable on the meter used to test paint thickness!! My roofs dull area is within tolerances which shows it has never EVER been buffed nor a chemical spilled….and that the vehicle was probably repainted at some time due to damage. (Disclosure law?)
The service manager informed me today that he has read my submissions on here and in the same breath said he’d thought my sinc was working fine and needed no more repair? If he is reading these, then he would know it is not working. He was also present along with the assistant manager when they had my vehicle for over six weeks and had promised to extend the warraty. Today, he told me he could not remember! The lies and go on and on and as in the SINC problem, they will direct you to FORD whom they are well aware will blow you off regardless of your warranty!
So now they are accusing me of damaging my own vehicles paint! Accused so… because I keep my vehicle clean! That is the managers statement to me. He even said a car wash could have done it!!! Are they joking???????? I’ve never EVER used a car wash! And Fords paint will come off or dull due to a car wash? SHAME on them!
I am still of the hope that a class action suit will ensue. Sign me up!
November 20th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Hi, I wanted to update my status. I think my radio display issue is fixed. After finding this site, I contacted a lemon lawyer and also called Ford again. I took the car back in to the dealer at the request of Ford. I believe they either found a short in the unit or replaced it. I’m not sure why I had to go through what I did starting with the first week I purchased the car, and I am not sure if either the lemon lawyer contacted the dealer or if Ford did, or if nobody did, but my dealer worked on my car and the problem with the radio appears to be corrected. I was able to synch my phone but since I really don’t use synch I don’t know if it works or not. All I asked for was a radio display and clock that worked and I think I have it now!
December 16th, 2013 at 3:57 am
Hi, I’m from Europe, I have a 2011 Ford Explorer purchased in May 2011 (built in Mexico) now with about 48.000 km, bought from a german Dealer in Muenchen (Geigercars). At first the Sinc worked, but after some time it shut down the display and remain so for months, then one day it started again alone and worked again for some months. But now the display is black again.
I went with the car to Germany to the Dealer Geigercars, they found it is the APIM Module that has to be replaced. But after 4 months of waiting they told me, it is a general problem with the Sync – upgrade and it is nothing they can do anymore.
Any suggestion or help for European Ford Explorer owners with this kind of Sync problem ?
December 26th, 2013 at 10:48 am
Bought Brand New 2011 Ford F150 Crew with Sync. Bought it early Summer ’12 in Texas. Worked well Satrted having trouble with voice recongition & sync dialing the wrong phone #’s after I was back in Colorado late Fall & Winter. My work takes me around the country, so I was off to Southern CA mid-winter that year. Everything worked “better” again.in CA and on thru the summer deployed in Maryland. This past late Winter/ Early Sprin I was deployed to PA for a while and drove my pickup there. Started having trouble with voice recongnition , music would not play even if USB connected, never mind via Bluetooth, etc. Did a reset & battery disconnect. Semed to work OK for about a month. Contacted MY sinc online and downloaded patch onto a Flash drive from My Ford. Could not upload it as it only works if you have a Navigation screen, which I do not have. Drove back to Colorado in Springtime and did another reset. All seemed to work. So early this month (December) the weather dropped below 32 degrees regualry and my sync started weird things like mentioned above + more. I sat in my driveway tryng to do a reset and it would not accept it. Would not reconginze my brand new Iphone 5S ( previously had iPhone 3S). Temperture outside was 12 degrees according to the dash therometer. Frustrated I left for my deployent to Florida the next morning. Temperture was minus 10 degrees. everything on my sync went to crap,same as all previous mentioned but now I could not even charge my phone or play music with my USB cable connected. When I plugged the USB in my sync would connect to the music & showed it playing on the screen but no audible. I had to shut down the “radio”, disingage the blue tooth setting on my phone and drive the 1900 miles with the phone playing music using my ear buds( till the phone battery died) or just listen to the local radio stations. Stopped for the nite in Alabama and by chance was a Ford dealer across from hotel but they would not take my truck in without a long wait and possibly having to keep it for “a few days for parts”. So I drove on southeast. Here’s the kicker and something I shoul have realized for the past few driving seasons with my F150, when I got out of the ice & snow and everthing turned green and warm the my sync came back to life perfectly. Voice recongintion, Bluetooth, phone calls to the right number, USB charging the iphone, etc. My discovery: The damn my sync does not work when its cold outside. Tempertures below freezing shut it down!!!
Just an FYI & new slant on the continuing problems with this Electronic crap box. Gotta assume the ECM (computer) is somwhere under the hood/ by firewall and the cold screws it up?
December 27th, 2013 at 10:28 am
My 2013 Explorer Sync system will shut down and reboot every 18-20 minutes. Multiple calls/trips to dealer have not resulted in repairs. Ford refuses to acknowledge issue and will not authorize repair. Does anyone have a solution?
December 27th, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Makes me wonder.
A month or so back. ABC News or CBS did a report on how bad this sinc thing is. Why has the media and those suffering from this obvious defect dropped the ball?
I would have thought if Ford was honest, they would have by now reimbursed, replaced or discontinued selling their bum product at all. They are obviously aware that it crap.
I had discovered that on the box and and rear lid of the F-150 there is so minimal paint, it is so thin it barely registers? ANY bodyshop, automotive paint shop will tell you and prove this. Apparently doing this saves Ford a lot of money but it bodes badly for the future as the paint ages to Ford truck consumers. So what else are we missing that they are not mentioning?
Can you imagine how many vehicles would be sold if the salesman sat down with the buyer and honestly stated, “look, the sinc looks really nice, it is supposed to do this and that… but, just to let you know, you’re paying quite a bit for Sinc. To tell you the truth….only fair you should know, it’s a crap shoot as to whether it will or won’t work. Plus, I should also tell you because Ford mandates we do, that if it doesn’t, we will abandon you, stall you, lie to you and most likely blame you… Err… Oh and by the way, don’t get a scratch on the thing coz there aint no paint on the back… (hence no warranty or guarantee on any of the paint on this vehicle.)..so sign here…that you were informed.
I was told in every way by a manager at the dealership that I was a liar. I had damaged the paint on my own vehicle. (Calling the customer a liar and a fraud is a new experience to me. But Ford’s so called representative did the same. (This has since has been resolved.)Three bodyshops looked at the paint. I was told me the same thing. Transit damage, but Ford and the manager of the service dept thought to accuse me and walk away, saving them the responsibility .
Same with this sinc I was told by that same manager whilst arguing over my vehicles paint, it has been repaired. NOSIR!!! The sinc is crap! I just got tired of being bullshitted and blamed by you and Ford for the malfunction.
But the fact remains, it is not just SINC. Considering what the public is now spending to drive a vehicle these days, better service and help to honestly resolve these matters is deserved by both Ford and your dealer, or in the very least reimbursement.
Until that time, you are suffering Fords complete disrespect to you and their finger in your face.
I remain, still hoping a class action suit will appear at some point.
April 2nd, 2014 at 5:24 pm
I purchased a 2013 Ford Edge in May of last year. Within the first week I had problems, did some research, and rebooted my system. Basically the system reads text messages to me when it feels like it, and when it doesn’t there’s an error that shows up on the screen saying the connected phone doesn’t support the feature via bluetooth… but it’s not suppored when it’s plugged in via USB either. The first time I took in my car the dealer kept it overnight and when I went to pick it up the following day I wasn’t even off the lot and my backup camera wasn’t working already and I pointed that out to the service advisor. I ignore the fact that I paid for something that at best works 70% of the time, and then the system sporadically decides to read texts to me. I have removed the phone, rebooted the system, re-paired the phone, and usually it takes about 3 pairings for the system to recognize my phone. I also cannot listen to music via a flashdrive, because my backup camera doens’t work and the entire system goes black and remains black for 5 minutes and then reboots saying there are updates needing to be installed. I paid extra to be able to push a button and for the system to play whatever I want to hear, but that feature isn’t supported via Bluetooth and when 8/10 times when I plug my phone via USB the system indexes everything on my phone and says voice commands are not available. So I have to use bluetooth audio, which limits my voice commands.
I’m at a loss with this vehicle. It’s been in the shop a couple of times, and I’d take it in more often if it wasn’t for the fact that I can’t afford to take off of work on a weekly basis. One of my requirements was for a vehicle to have emergency notification if airbags were deployed, which I can setup 2 emergency contacts to be notified after 911 is called, but after rebooting the system and syncing contacts, it’s time consuming to have to continue to set up my In Case of Emergency contacts time and time again. I really dislike this car and would take it back in a heart beat if I could.
May 10th, 2014 at 8:09 pm
I purchased my 2014 Fiesta on April 5th of this year. I loved way it drove and happily signed my papers. I had no clue re: the nightmare that is MyFordSync. I can sync the my iPhone 5 without problem, but those I try to speak with complain of static and noise distortion. I have taken it to the dealership, the service person honestly instructed me on how to talk. As if I have never used a bluetooth before. LOL I have a Mazda CX9 never had trouble using their sync product. I have called the MyFord Sync 800 service which walked me through resetting and resyncing. No change. I hate this car and wish I had never bought it…
June 17th, 2014 at 12:10 am
I currently live in Ohio. I have a 2012 Ford Escape. The sync has been an issue since purchase. I have been given the run around since then until today. The service person told me that if you think of it in computer terms, the system installed is an MS DOS compared to the current technology. It is a version one, the service people joke and call it the tin can. Basically two cans connected by a string technology. He has been dealing with the issues forever and is frustrated as well. He synced his phone to my vehicle and had the same issue. we are replacing the microphone before my warranty expires here soon but not sure that will work either. He and another service person said that only safety issues are recalls. I had other issues with my SUV, including the seal on the back window and the air conditioner plug being clogged and leaking into the passenger foot area. They told me that they are not reported to the owner but are free of charge to fix if they receive the notification of the problem/issue.
June 20th, 2014 at 2:45 pm
@Renee: If you have been in repeatedly for this sync claim. You are looking at potential compensation. We have settled hundreds of them. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html if you would like us to review your case for free.
June 22nd, 2014 at 12:27 am
I just picked my car up today from the dealership for my third sync repair. and now the back up camera isn’t working right. This is my fourth issue. I am afraid to take it back to get it fixed. Everytime I get it back my sync issues are worse! I will never buy a Ford again! I wish I could get my money back for this heap of crap!
July 2nd, 2014 at 3:29 pm
@Traci: It’s time to look into your Lemon law rights. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html to find a firm in your state to help you.
August 21st, 2014 at 11:00 pm
I got my 2011 MKX in July 2011 and from Day One the Sirius signal would drop consistently at several places in the DC metro area, sometimes for entire minutes! The selling Lincoln dealership tried three times over the years to fix it but couldn’t nail the problem. Lincoln Customer Support then authorized me to go to a major Ford dealer nearby. At first they said they couldn’t reproduce the problem but I insisted they bring the vehicle to a particularly bad spot where the signal drops ALL the time in the open air on clear days. Within two days they nailed the problem as a defective audio control module (ACM)! Yes! This also remedied a related problem of its losing signal while briefly (seconds) travelling under overpasses. That should never happen because the radio is supposed to buffer transmissions for 9-seconds. So that’s fixed too, very happy I found a knowledgeable and skilled Ford tech to resolve this while still under Basic warranty (4yrs/50k miles).
August 29th, 2014 at 10:36 am
I have a 2012 ford fiesta which for the past two months no radio no sound no sync no nothing i requested the fuse be taken out of speaker system because as i would drive the speakers would just come on full volume static even when car was off i am going on my 5th time dropping vehicle to ford and keep getting it back broken…first it was said to be radio control module then said to be sync communication module now said to be wiring harness…this is obviously a defective product as i didn’t crawl behind my dash and cause these issues yet i am paying for endless rental cars and luckily i bought an extended warranty but yet i am still paying a deductible for all the inconvenience .. i believe there should have been a recall!!! i purchased mine in PA.
September 9th, 2014 at 12:50 pm
@Teresa: Call 1 800 LEMON LAW asap to discuss.
November 30th, 2014 at 10:08 pm
My 2011 f150 is having a problem with the stereo not working the sync or nothing the only thing that works is the clock and it flashes all the time. Have not taken it to dealer yet since it is out of warranty. Could the be a recall issue that they need to check out under the lemon law.
December 10th, 2014 at 9:17 pm
I have SYNC issues dating back to 2011 when I bought the vehicle with 13000 kms on it. Started with a completely black screen, then radio not locking into any signals, then constant roaming. Then my CD player started playing songs 1-3 just fine and then song 4 it would play backwards. Would display artist and title sometimes but not always. I was too scared to even attempt to link my phone to this spooky system. Needless to say I have had it in numerous times to some of the most incompetent dealerships ever….two in Oakville Ontario (home of the Ford plant) with no fix. For those Canadians out there….CAMVAP is out equivalent of the “lemon law”…..I have an arbitration hearing in 2 weeks. Ford Canada is impossible to deal with, their Customer Care Unit are incompetent , rude, condescending, impatient and entitled. There dealerships are no better. Can’t wait to ditch this beastly Ford Edge and reclaim my life. Should have bought that Sportage…..I have a KIA Soul and its amazing. Let this be a warning to all….if you are looking for resolution….good luck.
December 17th, 2014 at 10:19 am
I have a 2012 Focus that I purchased in Nov of 2013 with only 20,000 miles on it. My Sync has been acting up although not as bad as some I have read on here! The Rear parking aid sometimes stays on after I put it into drive. When I talk on the phone, it will change the radio station to some weird one if I talk very long without turning it off. I have also had the issue where I will tell it to make a call and it will dial the number but not switch over to the phone and the person on the other end listens to the music instead of hearing me. There have been several times where the whole system just ignores me and doesn’t hang up a call or allow me to make any changes on the screen whatsoever. I have had the vehicle in for replacing a wheel bearing and carrier bearing and mentioned it to the repair shop several times but they have just blown it off each time. I had a “fight” with the system over commands the other day and my niece thought it was hilarious that the computer was ignoring me. There have also been several times where the clock just locks up and doesn’t reset to the correct time until I go into the clock function. Again, these aren’t as major as some of the things I’ve read on here but it concerns me that it may get worse each year. I did buy an extended warranty since I travel about 140 miles a day round trip to work but if they aren’t going to cover the repairs, what good is that going to do me????
January 3rd, 2015 at 1:40 pm
I have a 2010 Ford Flex that has had many issues with the horrid Sync system. I have had the touch screen break on me as well which was blamed on the cold, even though it was in a garage. The bluetooth connecting to an iPhone you are lucky if it works, and Ford will tell you that they don’t see any issues even when you reproduce the issue right in front of them, they come up with lame excuses. They replaced the navigation system at least once, and the last time they replaced it, I lost a key function “Vehicle Health Report” not that it matters as it does not tell you anything regardless. Now my car is useless because the volume, heat controls, media, and nav won’t work. I get a “Navigation Fault – A system fault has been detected that may cause the navigation to perform abnormally. Please contact your dealership” The only fault is that I bought Ford with SUCK
February 20th, 2015 at 5:29 am
I have a 2009 Ford Focus that I have owned for almost 5 years now. It’s been out of warranty for quite some time and I have had several issues with my sync but was completely unaware that this was a lemon law issue since Microsoft is notorious for problems anyway. I had regularly preformed the master resets and have always been able to solve most issues but now it has not only completely quit working but I have a suspicion the radio unit all together is now shorting out and draing my battery after less than 48 hours. The part of the electrical and charging system I havent checked. My concern and question is whether this is an issue you can help with or am I SOL for waiting so long and letting the issue survive the warranty
February 20th, 2015 at 7:10 pm
2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid with Sync. Voice recognition of the contact list is terrible. I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and it works perfectly with the same phone. Ford unit doesn’t come close to recognizing who I am asking to call. Just do it manually to avoid frustration. Sucks is the correct description. Car is only two weeks old.
May 11th, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Thanks, I’m not ready for the Lemon Law YET, but I intend to take my Titanium 2014 Focus in tomorrow so I can have documentation of these problems. I already called Ford in Dearborn Mi. as I know that is where the car was made, only to have them walk me through a “reset”. My problems showed up on a long trip. Sync told me to turn around & head back west. 3 miles into it had us go back east…..then west again. A call to my son-in-law got us gong west again & then the sync jumped in & was correct. We left the car parked for a week & had a totally dead battery! (Have since learned the radio does not always shut off when you turn the car off.) If I plug in a USB cable it says it is not charging & then we watch the radio searching channels! only had this car 3 months. Had a focus before this for 3 months that got totaled……….that one I had No problems with, but the Sync had less bells & whistles.
May 29th, 2015 at 5:12 pm
I have a Ford Taurus 2013 and right after the warranty ended, the sync system started to act weird. Sometimes I have to turn on the phone speaker to hear what it says and sometimes work properly. The rear camera sometimes stop working and shows a message that says “your rear camera stopped working, please contact your dealership”. Today the screen clock stopped working and I got late to my job… It’s so annoying!!
June 10th, 2015 at 7:52 am
I have a 2013 Ford Escape SEL the sync system doesn’t recognize my wife’s I-phone it is connected but the volume doesn’t work, the screen has locked up multiple timesI HAVE RECIEVED AN .EXE FILE ERROR ( with pics) FROM THE CODING ION THE SYSTEM AND FORD SAYS IT IS A DISPLAY RELAY,, I can walk away from my vehicle with my key in the ignition and the radio still plays for at least 2 minutes. only recognizes the FM entertainment function CD, AM, Bluetooth, don’t even recognize that they have been pressed on the screen, I can input a CD and it plays but if you press any button it goes back to FM. Tallahassee Florida
June 17th, 2015 at 12:37 pm
How about the ford f150 2009 to 2014 crewcab 6.5 bed and how it shakes. Some do it some don’t what is this shit I paid 50 thousand dollars for a truck that shakes and it gets called normal but yet my feiends trucks don’t shake !!!
June 23rd, 2015 at 12:48 am
I own a 2013 Ford Taurus, just got it 8 months ago and the sync system is completely dead. It locks up freezing my iPhone (5s), and all screens in the car. Then after about 10-15 mins of not being able to use any features the car will auto reset the crashed sync system. Then the cycle starts all over again, until I shut the car off. I am doing everything in my power to trade this crap in for something else. I live in California, I’ve also been over to both my “local” dealers (Being I drove over 2 hours into another county trying to get this issue resolved.) I live for the day I drive home in a different car. I WANT MY 2005 EXPLORER BACK! 🙁
July 20th, 2015 at 4:02 pm
I have 2015 f-350 diesel, on hot days my center console with nav does not work the truck blows hot air . No ac, radio, nave or hands free! The truck has been in three times for weeks at a time to have this fixed 95 degrees today and the truck is doing it again!!!!!! Have called ford Aldo what a joke I paid too much money to have all these problems!
July 30th, 2015 at 10:36 am
I have a 2014 Ford Mustang. The sync system works in an out and it is beyond annoying. I have been taking the car in and out the dealer for over a month. Every time the dealer says it does not do it to them while there. I have a case with Ford that they gladly closed based on what the dealer told them. They blame my phone. My phone is on the list of compatible phones and I drove a 2015 F150 for a week and did not have any problems whatsoever. The thing is that when the system is not working it does not matter if the phone is paired or connected. I have ruled that out. I unpaired and turned off the bluetooth on my phone and the voice command does not work so the phone is not the issue. When this happens the USB, line in and voice command does not work. At times works with a lag. Sometimes you see on the screen “voice active” but there is no voice asking me for a command. Other situations like the next step occurs. When you hit the command button it shows “listening” but there is no voice asking to say a command. I am tired of this situation and the dealer bailing out by saying it does not do it while there. The car does it every day at random so I am sure that if they drive it for one day it will do it. I do not care if they use the car as long as they fix the issue. I have called Ford and have two cases for close to a month since the first trip to the dealer and have not been able to get this fixed. Also called the compensation department and the response was to keep working with the dealer. I want some compensation not just because all my wasted time, money and effort but because the only way you get these morons to listen is by reaching on their pockets. I need help or be pointed in the right direction!
July 31st, 2015 at 2:59 pm
@Mr. Soto: Please visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/state-lemon-laws/ to find out more about your rights in your state.
August 1st, 2015 at 10:23 am
I have a 2013 Ford Edge SEL I purchased brand new in June 2013.
I am absolutely on fire angry and I am demanding a new car AND I want to pursue a class-action lawsuit and force a recall.
Here’s why:
BESIDES THE KNOWN ISSUES that have been discussed with MyFord Touch is one very glaring SAFETY oversight I never see mentioned anywhere since I have been reading about this subject!
I have a 2013 Ford Edge SEL with Sync/MyFord Touch (the big touchscreen in the center console plus small screens on each side of the speedometer).
There have been some bothersome issues mentioned with the MyFord Touch system, and it deserves the criticism of its poor design. Frankly needs to be scrapped and to start over again.
HERE’S the one unappreciated serious problem with it that I never hear about: The left screen (instrument cluster) contains VITAL information such as HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK, IF TIRES ARE UNDERINFLATED, things like that which may just be important enough to keep you out of serious trouble.
The stuff on the right screen? Basically unnecessary because it’s duplicated and much more on the center touchscreen…SO, that very non-essential information has quite a nice ‘BACKUP’…think you could agree. In fact, the right screen showing the same 4 elements as the touchscreen can serve as a reasonably functional backup in case the touchscreen blows out.
The main complaint about MyFord Touch from a safety standpoint SHOULD BE that the critical info on the left display is unique and not duplicated. If the left panel goes out, you’re screwed. There is no backup. You run out of gas, your tires blow out and all because you could not reasonably see it coming. It would be too easy to happen without that essential input, hell some people still run out of gas when they do have a fuel gauge. Except you do have a lot better excuse (and can’t be considered a fool) when you don’t even have one to look at!
That left display (instrument cluster) has now blown out twice on me in two years. I’m not accepting this gracefully this time. This I feel is a critical safety issue. When this goes out of warranty, I don’t want to be buying a “glorified gas gauge” every two years, and I say that not to disparage its utility because it’s far too useful…and the fact that all that info is confined to one point of failure is its awful weakness.
I want a new car or I may be able to work with getting this replaced AGAIN under warranty if Ford fixes MyFord Touch so that it can be made to duplicate the essential information on the left side as well as the non-essential information on the right, which I would venture to say is a hell of a lot more important than entertainment, compass/GPS, phone or climate, wouldn’t you say?
Man am I pissed I have to deal with a blown left cluster again.
I’m not big on class-action lawsuits this seems like a well-justified one, if only to force Ford to fix a very obvious safety issue. I would settle for them fixing THAT big issue with MyFord Touch instead of being forced to give me a new car, but I seriously doubt they will do that. Giving me a new car may be cheaper for them.
I cannot be the only person who has had the left cluster blow out since it happened to me twice.
First time being only 6 WEEKS after I got the car. Second time yesterday.
August 1st, 2015 at 10:31 am
Sorry…that was more like 8 WEEKS after I bought it new…I saw my last comment from August 11th, 2013 on this same exact issue. The first time it happened was right after I picked up from the body shop who fixed hail dents. I ran out of gas because of that issue!!!
August 1st, 2015 at 10:54 am
People…please chip in if you have ever had the LEFT DISPLAY go out on your Sync w/ MyFord Touch enabled vehicle! That is the PERFECT SAFETY REASON for a class-action to force Ford to recall and completely overhaul/replace the entire Sync w/ MyFord Touch system in all the vehicles that have it.
Will cost them many millions…not my problem.
I cannot be the only person in the U.S. who has ever had this go out being it happened to me twice. That is impossible. This is a LEMON design and now a LEMON performing vehicle.
October 12th, 2015 at 4:27 pm
Had my car down at the dealer more then 5 times for the same issue! Sync System My Ford Touch Ford Escape 2013 Sel, It stops playing cant use the blue tooth, put the cd in doesnt play but then the cd comes out very hot.Ive had it for 2 years now. I took videos!!!! They contacted me today and want me to bring it back in to replace the module to the sync system. They have reboot the system …before. Not sure what to do???? Bringing back to Ford tomorrow. Also i posted it on facebook!
October 20th, 2015 at 2:20 pm
@Wendy: What state do you reside? You can find a lemon law attorney in your state by visiting https://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html
December 29th, 2015 at 11:41 pm
I bought an r title 2012 Ford Fiesta about a month ago now. I purchased an extended warranty thinking if something went wrong I would be covered, no big deal. With that said I had the loud static noises when radio was on/off, so I brought it to the ford dealership. There they diagnosed my vehicle and told me I needed a wiring harness with two audio modules. My warranty didn’t cover this and the cost was well over $2,000. I didn’t give them the go ahead and I’m very disappointed with my first ever ford vehicle. Even though this is an r titled vehicle whoever had it before didn’t give a shit about the problem and now I’m stuck and don’t have a clue on how I’m getting this fixed. Please save yourself the hassle and go to Chevy!!! I own a Chevy and they’re worry free automobiles
February 7th, 2016 at 11:05 pm
I have a 2011 F150 and I am currently on the 4th factory ACM and it just went bad, again. I now need a 5th replacement and don’t even know if that one will hold up. It makes a loud pop through the speakers and then quits working. It may work for a month or a couple days then it is junk!!!
March 18th, 2016 at 9:56 am
Bought a 2013 Ford Taurus in October 2014. Had several times where my touch screen was freezing up but fixed itself. My husband contacted Ford Customer Service through the car and he was told it need an upgrade then the problem would be fixed. Last month I took it to the dealership to have the upgrade done and it was done but also they changed the APIM module. After two weeks and having to have a rental car it was finally fixed. Here we are a month later and I am back dealing with the same problem. If I hit my history button to call someone it looks like I am just hitting the * button, touching the phonebook button looks like I am touching the 7 button. I can’t use my radio unless I use the controls on the steering wheel, I can’t use certain settings in the air/heat settings like my defrost/floor button when I touch that it shows like I am touching the high low button. I called the same dealership to let them know and of course well that’s odd it shouldn’t be doing any of that. So I am scheduled to take it back next week. Having this car really makes me wish I never had traded my Fusion in for it and really want to sell this one.
April 5th, 2016 at 6:32 pm
I have had my 2011 Ford Edge into the dealers 3 times #4 this Thursday. When you hit a bump or turn the steering wheel the radio changes channels and the heat either turns on by itself or turns off. Yet they can not find anything wrong. There is less than 6,000 miles left on the warrenty and I,m sure right after that it will be a mircle and the will figure it out!
May 2nd, 2016 at 11:14 am
I have a 2014 Ford Focus. I have synced by LG VN251 phone to my car and every 3 weeks, the phone disconnects from the car. I have had my car into the dealership twice now for them to perform a master reset of the system and then to reset the APIM (not sure what that is). The phone is STILL dropping!
June 20th, 2016 at 2:51 pm
I have a 2016 Ford Explorer XLT with Navaigation and it had been to the dealer about 4 times for an error message with the navigation system. The car was at the dealer 2 weeks ago and i was told that it was fixed and a week later the same probelm started happening. I have to take back the car July 8th since its the only appointment they have with a loaner car.
June 30th, 2016 at 12:05 pm
I recently bought a used 2015 Ford F-350 Lariat with navigation and with 36,660 mile (out of warranty). A few days later and after creating a syncmyride account which requires the vehicle’s vin#, I updated my sync MFT software update as recommended for my vehicle. After the successful update, I no longer have navigation. The navigation SD card is present, but no navigation available on screen even though the navigation software license is present with no expiration date. The Ford dealership is claiming that Ford will not pay for reinstalling the navigation software. It is very disturbing that a company will not fix a problem caused by their own software update. The dealership also alluded to the fact that the vehicle is out of warranty. Out of warranty should have nothing to do with fixing the problem since Ford software caused the problem.
July 21st, 2016 at 8:02 pm
I bought a used 2013 Escape in March 2016. The SYNC software cannot be updated. Found this out after buying a new USB drive because I thought the 3 month old one that I had was defective. Called Ford and the tech tells me yeah the sync won’t update on that car, the engineers are working on it but there’s no timeframe for when the fix will be available!?!. You’ve had 3 years!
August 11th, 2016 at 11:24 am
How ’bout when SYNC updates wipes out your 4-month old Sirius XM subscription good to April 2016? 2014 Escape AND Edge. Best a refresh of SiriusXM gave was the music subscript as “subscribed” while all other features are “unsubscribed”.
August 24th, 2016 at 3:29 pm
I have a 2016 Taurus with Sync 3. Sync 3 is a complete piece of crapola! The home screen got messed up (offset so you could only see part of the icons) and fixed itself, when your listening to Pandora and call comes in, you cant go back to Pandora. I have to close and reopen the program and unplug and plug USB back in. My contacts on my Iphone disappeared even though it said the Iphone was connected! Every time I use it it has some issue. One time I had the black screen of death which cured itself. The system is a complete joke. I guess you can only use 4 Iphone programs. 3 of which I would NEVER use like Glympse and IHeart radio…. Ford, are you serious??? A 2 year old could have designed the display graphics better. Big grey squares? LOL
September 30th, 2016 at 10:06 am
The navigation system can’t find even the simplest places. I have a few screen images where it reports local businesses to be over 100,000 miles away.
One example, a store that has been there for 15 years and is about 11 miles from where I was at the time is reported to be 100,405 miles away.
I am sure it is not the maps. They are the same maps that all the GPS companies use. It is the Sync faulty search software.
Ford could hire an experienced GPS software company and fix this for a few hundred K dollars.
Can’t Ford be embarrassed into fixing this?
March 9th, 2017 at 7:35 pm
I have Sync on my 2013 Escape, which I bought used with 16K miles on it. For the first month, worked fine. Now, it’s totally unreliable — the clock, the radio, the nav system, and the phone connection via Bluetooth is less than sporadic.
Compounding this are the frequent (at least once a day) reboots, with the deceitful message, “Performing scheduled system maintenance.” Which, translated, means, “I’m broken, wait a few minutes.”
As I said, COMPLETELY unreliable.
March 25th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
I am in GA. I purchased a 2011 Lincoln MKX in 2015. I had purchased an extended warranty at the time. I had other issues with the vehicle within the first year so I took it to the dealership for repairs. Also during this time my sync touch radio would go out from time to time. So when I took my vehicle in for other issues I included this issue as well. Well I was told that since it was actually working on the day I took it in they couldn’t see what the problem was and to bring it back once it goes off again. Well it’s not like the place is around the corner so even if and when it went back off in which it did several times by the time I would head that way it would come back on. So now the warranty has expired and now it’s gone off for good and I find out there was a recall on a (APIM)? I took it to the Lincoln dealership and was told the recall expired December 2016 and they would not repair it. So I am truly upset because I tried to get it looked at before December.
May 2nd, 2017 at 3:52 pm
I bought a 2016 Ford Transit and insisted it had BlueTooth because I felt my state was going to make hands free a law eventually. The sync is an absolute joke and makes driving more dangerous. It only allows phone calls to be received or made from your phonebook. Once Bluetooth is connected all the features of Siri are lost.
May 21st, 2017 at 9:58 am
I bought a 2015 Ford Focus…nothing but problems. Bad transmission, it’s had 2 clutch replacements in under 35,000 miles. The clutch was replaced for the 2nd time in Feb 2017, here we are in May and it’s already slipping and shuttering. Been at the dealership at least 12 times in a year and a half. Dealership told me it’s a no fix and they can’t fix the issues because of the faulty design of the transmission. My sync doesn’t work and all the dealership will do is software updates which don’t work anyways. Dealership told me it was my phone causing the problem. I have tried at least 7 different phones and they all have the same problem. I have had molding blow off the car while I was driving and the car has a musty odor after it rains. All in all this vehicle is a nightmare and I wish I never bought it. Contacted Ford Executive offices and ended up with a total run around…they are useless. The contact there just reminded me on the phone that my warranty is about to expire so I needed to deal with the issues on my own now. I just hired a lemon law attorney to sue Ford.
June 28th, 2017 at 11:19 am
I purchased a 2011 Lincoln Navigator L in December 2016. It only has 41,000 miles on it. All was well with SYNC until a few weeks ago when all of a sudden I could not answer calls or make my iphone connect with sync. Thinking it was my phone, I did what I was told – reset my phone. Well it isn’t the phone. The SYNC says No Service on the screen. When I push the hard Phone button and go to Advance I do not even get any options for SYNC. I cannot even perform a Master Reset. Upon “chatting” with Ford/Lincoln SYNC via computer, I was told I would need to take it to a dealer. This is crazy. My navigation seems to work. The radio seems to work fine. The media seems to work fine. Any suggestions. I really don’t want to deal with a dealer at this point unless necessary. My local dealer does not have a great reputation from what I have read online. I have not personally dealt with them as I purchased my vehicle out of state.
July 20th, 2017 at 4:29 pm
I bought my 2009 Mercury Mariner a month ago and the Sync has never come on. Tried all the usual fixes; disconnect the battery, pull the fuse, replace the fuse and got no where. Found a bunch of paperwork in the glove box with the previous owners name on it and got in contact with her. She said the Sync never worked for her and she took it to the Ford dealership who told her they couldn’t fix it and she would have to take it to Microsoft (they went out of business shortly after so who knows if they were lying). What are my options on getting this working again? I’m in upstate New York
July 25th, 2017 at 7:30 pm
Just tried to renew my sync and was told that is no longer an option. So I asked what it was being replaced with and was told they weren’t replacing it with anything. I have a navigation system I can no longer use. Ford said I could trade my care in, buy my own separate navigation system, or use my phone. I paid extra for a navigation system and now don’t have one!!! Not to mention trying to sell it someday and having to explain that there is a screen in my car for a navigation system but it will never work. Ford told me I could not speak to a supervisor and that was all they could offer. Unbelievable!!! What happened to customer service!!!
August 9th, 2017 at 8:53 am
My 2014 F150 42K Ford that is still under the original warranty SYNC GPS puts me in lakes when on the hwy. Also, it wants to send me down small and dead end roads when on the HWY in the wrong directions..The System doesn’t know where it is at times and has me making the wrong u turns every 15 feet at times. I have a screen shot. Ford tells me that I should pay 125.00 for a new A8 SD card map however, the Ford Truck sites say that this may not correct the problems. The dealer resets the system but that doesn’t help. I read in the Detroit News that Bill Ford pulled over to side of the road and said F- this! SYNC GPS malfunctions. I found this out about this when in Detroit on a hwy and it had me in the lake. Just happened to read the Detroit News story. Imagine what would happen if the first respounders tried to find you in a major accident when your Sync GPS sends them elsewhere Some dealers are now selling the latest Sync Blackberry bases hardware and software for 3 grand plus instillation. That means we now have diminished value that exceeds the 900.00 option cost for the defective and discontinued Sync 2 Mytouch system we purchased. We need a (Florida) Class Action suit that mirrors the one filed in the 9 western states.
December 11th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
Purchased a new Ford F350 King Ranch in 2013 – $ 68,500 warranty is about over the radio that was a high ticket option stop working took it to Ford – APIM need to be replaced so I was told covering it under extended warranty.
Not the problem another part needed which is 500.00 dollars they want to charge me no radio no choice.
I was going to purchase a ford – but with the new aluminum body a lot issues showing on the internet with 6.7 I only have 60.000 miles I think as much as I don’t want a Dodge they do have a good diesel engine and GMC – I thinking about that.
Ford has gone done hill – owned a lot of Fords – a lot of 7.3 greatest truck ever – was going to buy a 6.0 missed the bullet on that one I waited and purchased a 6.4 was told to get rid of it before 100,000 miles traded it in at 99,965 – was sold by the dealer very quick because of the condition new buyer I was told had a lot of issues.
Ford is of no help very disappointed.
March 19th, 2018 at 6:58 pm
I live in Illinois and purchased a 2017 F-250 about a year ago. Last December I had a Sirius radio antenna extender put on the front of the hood so I could listen to the radio when I have a truck camper on the truck. The radio works great now but on or about the same time I installed the antenna, the GPS started locking up. In the last 2 months we drove 9,600 miles camping and the GPS only worked about 10% of the time. It just locks up for hundreds and thousands of miles and then out of the clear blue starts working again for a few hundred miles then locks up again. I have taken it to the Ford dealer and he has no idea what to do to fix it. I am wondering if it is the APIM module that I have read about elsewhere. Thoughts?
June 2nd, 2018 at 8:14 pm
I just purchased a 2012 Ford Explorer 2 months ago. It’s been in the shop already for the sync system not working. It freezes all the time and then does “scheduled Maintenance” when he comes back online 15 mins later. The screen will go black and not come back online even when the car is turned off and back on. The navigation system constantly tells me to insert a card when there’s one already in it. It disconnects my phone and will bounce from different sources. How do we get this corrected!?!? I’m a single mom and my extended warranty is refusing to fix it and the dealership couldn’t get it to replicate the problem to they refuse to even look.
June 16th, 2018 at 7:15 pm
Just bought a used 2017 Ford Taurus Limited and my apple x would connect but no one could hear me but I could hear them so one of the employees tried to connect their android . No luck . Then my sync went haywire screen kept changing from screen to screen to screen like it was possessed. I took lots of videos. Went back to the dealership and they told me well maybe you. Need to upgrade the system. Then the windshield wipers came on by themselves when it wasn’t even raining. Carfax shows car wasn’t in a accident. But the hoods been repainted. Door jam has been painted poorly. Said someone’s legs must have scratched it and that’s why it’s been painted. really their leg. Well why didn’t they fix all the other scrathes. Back passenger door looks awful. Like it was painted and not color matched. The man at the dealership says it looks like maybe a it was buffed and Burnt the paint. Well it’s a 2017 why would it need to be buffed. Just traded on my 2015 Ford Fusion for a 2017 Taurus Limited on Tuesday night and I have been back to the dealership 3 times with in 96 hours ! I told them I wanted my car back I traded in and they told me they couldn’t do that. I’m sick at my stomach. Clueless any suggestions
July 5th, 2018 at 3:23 pm
I have a 2013 Taurus I purchased in June of 2017. Sync worked ok for about a year. Then the radio speakers developed a loud static noise and then no sound at all. I have been to the dealer twice. They put in a new AIPM $800. and still no sound from the speakers. They worked at this for several hours and cannot get the AIPM to connect with the rest of the car. The dealer is working hard for me but how does the dealer fix Fords screw up. Also the last time I used the GPS the direction arrow showed me going through farmers fields. I enjoy my radio but no sound is not acceptable. How do you trade a vehicle with this problem
July 7th, 2018 at 9:37 pm
I bought a 2013 Taurus SEL AWD in the spring of 2017. About one year and the SYNC system acted up killing the radio sound. Radio appears to be working but no sound. The dealer is working for me. They put in a new AIPM and still no radio sound. They could not get the new AIPM to make the radio work. Ford has a white elephant hear. Don`t blame the dealers they are just trying to fix Ford`s screw up. Barry from Canada
August 2nd, 2018 at 11:05 am
Hi!
My name is Paige and I have an 18 month old 2016 Mustang GT with 7,000 miles on it. So far, the Sync went out in April 2018, the AC unit went out this month, and now the dealership said I need a 3rd AIPM. It wouldn’t even go into gear this morning. Are these enough problems to be a lemon? I’m very sad because I had a 2005 Mustang for 11 years that never gave me any trouble.
August 2nd, 2018 at 8:13 pm
I bought 2016 Transit Connect with moon roof with electronic curtain during winter of 2016, Summer of 2016 I opened the curtain and tried to close it, it got tucked and will not close. Called the dealer in Hagerstown MD, to take it in they told me that they are booked for the next two wks. I was going on vacation with my family and when I came back I took the car to the dealer they told me that I was 1500 miles over my warranty, that it cost $2k + to fix it. That I have to call ford comp. ford co. told me that I had to take it back to the dealer.
Last two months the Sync stopped connecting could not even found the Bluetooth or do reset with ford tech support on the phone, the software is outdated. went to dealer they will charge $115 + tax to do update, tried doing update myself it will not work. the phone button will not work and it is missing some stuff on the menu too. Now can’t use the sync. Shame to Ford Motors!!!
October 10th, 2018 at 6:48 pm
My 2016 ford fusion media button to switch to Bluetooth so phone so I can play my music from my iCloud or my Pandora wouldn’t work my phone wouldn’t charge when I plugged it in I took it to the dealer they had my car for almost a week and a half then they tell me it’s one of the pins on the radio and it needs To be replaced and it’s $800 and it’s not covered by the warranty if they were going to change my radio I ask them for the 8 inch or 6 inch screen and they said no what’s the point of updating my radio if I’m going to put the same old little screen in there
October 31st, 2018 at 9:53 pm
Nothing I’ve read so far about Sync is encouraging.
I’ve had this gently used F-350 6.7 diesel two days. POS Sync won’t work with any USB. Ford Sync chat is worthless. FAT32 format. WTH ever. This is complete bullshit to spend this much on a vehicle and have this not work. Luckily, I need a work pickup for ranch work more than I need a music player. But I’d really like to know why I can’t have both. I’m pissed. Ford and Microsoft have really pissed me off with their faulty products.
I also have the Fated Ford 6.0 POS diesel sitting in the weeds.
Can no one make a decent product anymore FFS?! Even my 2014 Honda CR-V I wrote a 35k check for has problems with it’s Hands Free link and I’m getting issues with my iPod nano, 7th gen.
I want a damned vehicle with manual everything. All this tech is bullshit.
November 9th, 2018 at 10:27 am
Be very careful using voice commands in any Ford or any car for that matter as your voice and snips of conversations are being recorded to be played back at their will.
I recently took my car in for it’s first oil change (in which they also damaged the car in the process) and when the mechanic was returning the work order to the desk he looked right at me strangely. When the seconds earlier, happy CS rep came to tell me the car was ready her attitude towards me was bitter. Now I swear like a trooper when something like a SYNC voice recognition, with an absurdly limited vocabulary, screws up and I mean swear and I know that the quickly changing negative attitude towards me at this dealer was due to them listening to snippets of my voice commands that were recorded without my permission.
Be careful folks, it may be better to not use such a primitive voice recognition system that is being used to violate your privacy and pass judgement on you than it is to wish it worked better.
December 29th, 2018 at 8:32 pm
Is there any help for a 2012 F250 with Basic SYNC that will not play volume I can barely hear the voice and when I try to bluetooth media it is the same thing. The first time I connected my Android with a USB it was playing audio files for several hours. However I could hardly hear it with both the phone and SYNC volume all the way at full volume. I have tried everything such as pulling the fuse fresh installs r and r half a dozen times. NOW it is worse it will not platy audio at all. I have tried help at owner ford dot com and cannot get an account started although I had one before. Ford electronics has always been the worst I did auto tech work all my life usually in my shop[ or other independent shops and always I mean always Ford had the worst electronics in existence all the way down to the connectors. Wish I had never bought this truck a even though it is 6 years old it should still work!
January 2nd, 2019 at 11:35 pm
What? Did I say something wrong why is my remarks up here I was as nice as can be about this junk ford put in the 60,000 dolar automobiles
January 10th, 2019 at 3:02 pm
@Larry: Perhaps your last comment did not go through. Please feel free to submit it again.
January 10th, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Just came across this web page. I also have and have had sync problems for the last few years. 2012 F-250 Lariet, basic sync system. No touch screen, no navigation. 85,000 miles. A few years back sync quit reading my text messages, then suddenly SIRI couldnt hear me when bluetooth was connected,then voice command button quit responding, next the phone button and the “OK” button quit working. I have tried the ‘master reset’ and reboot functions on the display head. (I have to use the menu and OK button on the dash). I have pulled fuses and disconnected the battery. Nothing has helped, not even once ! I have been a loyal Ford owner all my life (quick count would be probably 16 vehicles in all). I had this truck at the dealership last year for a transmission service and i asked about the SYNC problem and was told that they (the dealership) had never heard of any problems with SYNC. I also asked if they could look at it to see what the problem might be but i declined after i was informed that there would be an additional charge of $125.00 just to check it with no guarantee that they could find or fix the problem because all they could do was to perform a master reset ??? I can do that myself for less than $2 including including a cold beer.I think Ford would build a much better lasting vehicle especially when they sell for over $50000 new and then the warranty runs out before its paid off. If Ford has offered any option for repairing this problem i haven’t heard of it. Seriously reconsidering where to shop for my next truck.
January 31st, 2019 at 12:12 am
bought a 2013 escape with the sync system. 48k miles and the sync system randomly WILL NOT disconnect from the wife’s iphone. has left her stranded with a dead battery on numerous occasions. Now it left her stranded at work with a -10 temp with -40 wind chill. anybody have a fix for this mess? have been a die hard Ford owner family for 45 years.
January 31st, 2019 at 3:33 pm
I bought a new 2018 Ford lariat. I have 1756 miles on the vehicle and my radio doesn’t work. Took it to the ford dealership and they said apim need to be replaced. He also said that part is on back order. So I’m suppose to ride around in a brand new vehicle with no radio.
February 14th, 2019 at 10:55 am
I have a 2011 F-150 and last week, all of a sudden my Sync stopped working. No USB, no radio, only temp and direction on the display. Anybody else?
March 8th, 2019 at 11:39 am
I have a 2016 Ford Focus Titanium with Sync. I am a salesperson so I drive a lot of miles. The car was over the warranty mileage in about 7 months. I took the car to the dealer a little over a year after I bought it because of intermittent issues with “sync”. Issues like no GPS, can’t connect to phone or other bluetooth, sometimes backup camera sticks on, won’t connect to media through USB cable, compass is incorrect, radio occasionally comes on by itself or cannot be turned off without trying 3 or 4 times and on and on. Dealer says entire unit has to be replaced for nearly $ 1,600, more than 10% of the value of the car. I submitted the issue to Ford through its website, no response. I guess I should have known better than to buy a Ford.
March 10th, 2019 at 3:39 pm
2018 f-150 4×4 off road package, nav says I am where I am not. if I was running from the law with this truck I would be safe. good thing my phone has a map. I did a navigational 360 on my screen while I was driving straight north, this is all after the upgrade by the ford dealership. I am wondering is the radio on a different computer than the engine? does anybody know? thanks
March 14th, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Bought my 2017 Ford, F150 new in April of 2017. I have had nothing but problems with the Sync 3 system. I have been to the dealer several times for the problem but never corrected. I have called The Ford Sync 3 Center several times and they have suggested different things to try like downloading my contacts again and a master reset. The Sync 3 System still did not work. No recognition of contacts using the hands free calling system and no name with incoming calls that are listed in my Samsung Galaxy 8 Plus. So, today, I went to the dealership where I purchased the truck for an update of the Sync 3 System from the 2.0 to the 3.0 which the Sync 3 Center advised would correct the problem. WRONG! As a result of the Sync 3 latest update 3.0., my radio would not turn off, the screen background switched to night mode, and the original problem of not recognizing my contacts still existed. In other words, the update made the Sync 3 System even worse. Since the radio would not turn off, they disabled the whole system. Now I have no radio etc. Also on my way home, the low tire pressure warning came on. I check the tire pressure and all were fine. The mechanic who worked on the problem told me he hasn’t seen a Sync 3 System as messed-up as mine. So, now I am waiting on an APIM Module that is supposed to fix the problem. I’m also waiting to hear from Ford and the dealership about my “open case”; and since I’m off warranty at 45,000 miles, whether or not Ford is going to cover the expense to hopefully fix my problem with the new APIM Module? I should hope it is covered considering it is a continuing problem never fixed under warranty. Should have stuck with Toyota! Prior to this Ford truck, I owned a Tacoma and two Tundras and never even had to change a light bulb!
March 15th, 2019 at 10:02 am
@Howard: Please contact us at 800 536 6652 to discuss your rights.
April 25th, 2019 at 10:44 am
Before I purchased my 2013 Ford Explorer Limited with every available option possible including sun roof, I asked the dealer about issues Id heard about the Sync system. He told me then the problem was fixed . Its 6 years later and not only is the Sync not in Sync, I swear the truck has dementia. It forgets everything. Seat position, led colors, etc. It even makes irratic phone calls! On top of this my hood has bubbled and ford refuses to fix it claiming mileage. I only have 24000 miles now in 2019! So come on. Beware the Sync and the paint is rapidly becoming an even bigger problem. Come On Ford! WTF
May 14th, 2019 at 8:49 pm
I bought a Ford Fusion 2015 from Indianapolis Dealership in used condition with 17000 miles on it and after a month i started having problems with sync. I tried calling Ford several times but they keep telling take it to dealership. The dealership just keeps the car and charge you money for nothing without correcting the problem now it is so bad that i cant even get to to master reset of sync as there is no option when ever i click media it pops and disappear and radio turns on.
May 16th, 2019 at 5:56 pm
Well add my name to the Sync3 Lemon, my 2017 Ford Explorer started having slow responses in October 2018 but since I worked from home I ignored the problem. The response time got worse every time I drove the truck. So I check to see if there was an upgrade, it took me a good month of trying to get the software upgraded. I thought I was home free, but nope the Sync got even slower. I took the vehicle to the Ford dealer for service they charged me 100.00 for the service just to say I need a new APIM module that would cost me 1200.00. No way since I just paid this piece of junk off. I took it home and did a master reset, it seem to have decent responses again so I downloaded the V3 of the software again. Buttons seem to have good response times while sitting in my driveway. I thought I had fixed it. When I got on the road I could see responses was back slow again but not quite as bad as before. Georgia has a hands free law, I can see myself getting a few tickets now. We really need to get a lawsuit going here. This is awful.
June 3rd, 2019 at 4:14 pm
We bought a 2016 Ford Expedition for roughly $80,000. We expected everything to be great in a vehicle this expensive. And all was great until one day our whole Sync system just went blank. After about 20 seconds it came back on. A few months later, same thing and has happened several times thereafter. Now the backup camera rarely comes on, it doesn’t always sync up to the phone, even after turning the Bluetooth off and back on, restarting the phone, and trying to manually connect. And guess what, it gets worse!! Now the whole system is running so very slow that when the navigation system works, she is constantly interrupting herself with the next command as she hadn’t yet finished telling the prior one! She’ll say, “turn right……..now”, 20 seconds after you were supposed to turn. That’s IF the navigation system decides to work at all!!! Now it mostly has a GPS icon with a diagonal line through it, saying no GPS. We’ve done 3 factory resets, none made any difference except to delete all of our favorites, the phones, etc.
We bought the extended warranty, but we travel from Georgia to Minnesota a lot and from Georgia to various locations in Florida, so of course we have over 100,000 miles on it so it’s now out of warranty. Even though we did try to bring it in while still under warranty, it never had problems while we were there so they couldn’t fix anything. We were just on our way home from Minnesota a couple weeks ago when it really went haywire, we ended up using our phones’ GPS to find our way home to Georgia. Oh and occasionally the radio doesn’t work either, but so far that hasn’t been to much of a problem. Someone, please help, we cannot afford to replace this whole system or even a module if that’s what it needs???
June 13th, 2019 at 8:22 am
My husband has a 2017 Escape and I have a 2017 Explorer. Both were purchased new. Both have Sync systems that stop working after each vehicle was our of warranty.
June 15th, 2019 at 8:02 am
2015 Ford F250 Super duty with same problem. Ford SYNC tells me to pay the dealership to repair it, but to keep receipt for services. I predict that they suspect a “CLASS ACTION” coming soon!!! This is nothing more than a BIG money scheme. Especially since the repair is upward to $1500.00. I’ve already paid $200.00 just to be told that my APIM was bad. Talk about “Services Un-rendered.” I only have 65,000 miles on a $50,000 Truck and this should not be happening.
June 19th, 2019 at 5:00 pm
We have a 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium Hybrid that we bought new in August of 2016 in Missouri. We loved the sync system and navigation in the beginning and then about a year ago it started having connection issues which then progressed to black out screens, factory reset, system maintenance, and restarts over and over. We have had it looked at twice by the Ford dealership in Manhattan, KS who thought they had fixed it and then the next time wanted to charge us $1700 to fix it and other independent car repair facilities that could not figure out how to fix it. And of course this problem happened when we were 1000 miles over warranty. (We drive a lot because our son is needing a kidney transplant and his doctors are still in Missouri so we travel at least 800 miles once or twice a month.) Last week the whole sync system started working and it lasted for a couple of days and then we hit a big bump on a gravel road and it won’t come back on. There must be some wiring issues that can be fixed for a lot less than $1700. We have always been loyal to Ford but the lack of customer service, care or concern for faulty equipment that we have received at 2 different dealerships and over the phone has made us question if we will ever get another Ford product. And just like the others we can’t sell or trade this in without taking a huge loss due to the entire sync system not working. Have any of the other people found any solutions or help? We would appreciate any help or guidance in getting this fixed. Thank you.
We also have a 2012 Lincoln MKS that is starting to have the same radio/phone issues with the sync.
June 21st, 2019 at 2:08 pm
In December, I bought a 2012 Ford Explorer. Carfax report looked very clean. Car in nice shape. In March 2019, my radio stopped working. Then it started again, then stopped, then started, etc. I searched the internet and found that Ford Explorer, notoriously, have an APIM problem and Ford did a recall (of a sort). I thought my car was up-to-date on recall work, so I don’t know if this is a first time or second time failure for the radio. I’ve updated the software (a horrible experience in itself since the radio stopped working during the update), but the new software did not cure the problem (some people think this is a software problem). I am sickened by having to deal with this…
June 25th, 2019 at 10:23 am
I have a 2011 Ford edge I bought used. In 2015 may. The radio worked great for app 6 months my Ford touch, it now goes blank doesn’t work for sometimes a few days sometimes two months then comes back on whenever . It always says preforming system maintenance. I talked to the dealer about the problem only to be told they have no idea what’s wrong nor how much it would cost to fix I would have to pay app $100 to find out. Is there anything that can be done about this. I want my radio and back up camera to work, I have no warranty and I did read online this is an on going problem for people all over the United States for several years. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated
July 1st, 2019 at 11:50 am
Sadly I traded my 2003 Chev Duramax 4×4 for a 2011 Ford F-150
Eco boost with Sync. Had the Chev for 16 years without a problem. I was aware that the nav system needed an upgrade so was willing to take that on, never realizing what I was in for. So disappointing that a large company like Ford who knew about all the problems do not stand behind their product and leave you out in the cold.
Ford Products…….never again!
July 2nd, 2019 at 5:26 pm
I have a 2013 Ford C-Max SEL. The Sync has always been terrible, and I’ve had to completely reset it and lose all my data at least once a month. Now it has gotten to a point where the volume will not work, and no matter how many times I reset it, it’s not coming back. The system itself seems to function ok otherwise, but no sound comes out for anything, and I can’t adjust the volume by any means. It’s completely useless and I have no idea what to do. I usually listen to music whenever I’m in my car, and it’s been silence for weeks now. Plus, I can’t hear text notifications or navigation instructions. Nothing.
July 4th, 2019 at 10:49 am
I have a Ford Edge Limited 2013 with the same issues I have been reading regarding the Synch Issues. I have had my Edge in 4 times now and the battery, weird screen changes, master reset over 20 times which does NOTHING and now the Folsom California Ford Dealership has suggested replacing the AIPM to fix all the problems. They want 510.00 just for the part…total will be 1140.00 Is there a way to get help with this rip off type of repairs?
Thank you for anything you can help me do.
Chery
July 4th, 2019 at 10:05 pm
@Cheryl: Do you have any previous warranty repairs on this car? Have you asked the manufacturer or dealer for any goodwill discounts in light of previous problems?
July 5th, 2019 at 10:09 pm
Yes I had it in last year to be factory reset – same problems but never got charged because the Sacramento Ford Dealership could not figure out how to fix the Synch issues. They just gave it back after 3 days of a rental car with no results. Now they will replace the AiPM if I want them to which they say is the brains of the computer board. Do you know if replacement of this module will reset the ip address and all the basic computer information?
Thank you for your help and experience.
Cheryl
July 10th, 2019 at 10:12 am
2016 Taurus, have had the car at the dealer 5 times for sync issues. Blank screen, slow response if any at all. Constantly says no GPS. Causes the buttons for the climate control, radio etc not to work.
July 12th, 2019 at 2:02 pm
My 2012 Explorer Limited (bought new for $52K) now has a blank dead screen, no backup camera, no climate control, no radio, no bluetooth , NOTHING. It had been going in and out for several months with “System Update’ randomly showing up, it might work for a few days or weeks and then go blank again. This time it has been DEAD for at least two months.
Always loved my Fords but this may be my last.
July 16th, 2019 at 3:16 pm
This is rather disgusting. We have two Fords. Also known as the last two Fords we will ever buy. My 2015 Ford Fiesta, 5 speed eco boost engine has the exact same ridiculous problem with the Ford Audio as everyone else has had well before the manufacture of this vehicle. I really loved my car. Bought brand new in Ontario Canada. Didn’t know about this until the nonsense started. The screeching, popping, cackling until finally, ultimate failure. Yes, it is a safety issue. You have no sync. You have no radio. Random shocking sounds whether the car is on or off. I too feel like I am breaking up with Ford because of this. Same story as all of you. Call a dealership? They say money for a diagnostic. Then we say you know about this and the (always rude) dealership says “well, we didn’t build the car”. Really? Then whoever does build the car keeps building the car with the same problem in it and we have to pay. I could go on but what’s the point? Shame on them. So, when we all stop buying Ford because of the obvious contempt they show their customers, they will do what? Hand out to both US and Canadian government for our dollars to bail them out. Pathetic. Own your crap Ford. Recall and fix and stop manufacturing this known issue into later models. What was that? Sounds like common sense? Sounds like the right thing to do? Well then, we know that won’t happen. Sorry for all of us suckers. I really am upset because stupid me, I really did like my car a lot.
July 22nd, 2019 at 2:37 am
I recently took my 2011 Ford Fusion Sedan to a Ford dealership here in Alhambra Ca. My vehicle apparently had 3 recalls on it. One of them was an airbag fix. The following day i picked up my car and i notice my sync doesnt work. Nor i cant change my time or Evelyn my lights thats change colors underneather my seat or cupholder works. Why might that be. The dealership is trying to charge me money for an inspection after they messed up my car.
July 23rd, 2019 at 12:13 pm
I can’t believe the Sync3 has not been recalled, it is a distraction on the road and can cause accidents just like any other defective part on my 2017 Ford Explorer. This is my third Ford and really hate leaving ford. At this point even if I trade in the vehicle I’ll loose money because I can’t lie and say the sybc3 works when it don’t.
July 25th, 2019 at 11:00 am
2016 Ford Escape Sync 3 APIM Failure after automatic WI-FI update.
In late June 2019 Ford Automatically installed a Sync 3 update through WI-FI as recommended. I got in the car, and a message read “Software update installed”. It was installed automatically through WI-FI by Ford. After that, the voice recognition stopped working and for the last month, I keep getting a “VOICE REGOGNITION NOT READY” error.
I took it to Griffin Ford in Waukesha, WI on 7/24/19 and the attempted to re-install the software. I had already been on the phone with Ford Sync service, and had done all the master re-sets etc….
The dealer said the software will not load, and that I need a new APIM for the cost of around $800.00 installed. I realize fully that the vehicle is past the 3-year bumper to bumper warranty, but it only has 20,000 miles on it. Everything is still the same. The system works manually, but the “VOICE RECOGNITION NOT READY” error continues.
1) The system worked perfectly before the automatic update was sent through WI-FI.
2) How would an automatic software update basically damage and expensive APIM.
3) I would have been better off never hooking the Sync 3 to WI-FI and not receive the update. Everything would still be working.
I have searched the internet, and this is a COMMON problem with the Sync 3 system and updates; specifically the “VOICE RECOGNITION NOT READY” error after updates. I believe Ford is aware of these common errors, and the voice recognition is really a safety feature.
July 30th, 2019 at 4:23 pm
I purchased a used 2015 Ford fusion in March 2018. Now I learned that Sync is no longer working or being activated through Microsoft, leaving me with out GPS capability, one of the main reasons a person buys a car with this technology. What does Ford or whoever is capable of doing something about this plan on doing? Or will there be no fix and the people who own these cars model years through 2016, be left holding the bag?
July 31st, 2019 at 11:37 pm
I bought a 2016 Ford C Dash max. I had a weird glitch where one day I couldn’t start it and I couldn’t get it to start for several hours. I finally thought to tell Krug to take it into the dealership. Magically it started up but I still have the Toyota truck guy take it into the dealership and they checked it and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it. A few weeks later it happened again I took it to the dealership when it finally started up again and by that time they had a recall notice on it and were able to take some of the wire that was loose. Now months later my Sync 3 ls not working. I took it to the dealership today and they said there was a required update which they did for Ninety dollars. I got in my car and discovered the Sync 3 still was not working. Voice commands garbled and slow response, gps not working. Radio on/off button not working. So Im going back in the morning to see what else they can do. After reading this forum Im not very hopeful.
August 5th, 2019 at 6:18 pm
I have a 2014 escape titanium, when I purchased it the navigation worked along with the whole system and it had like 22,000 miles on it and still under warranty, I tried to change the address this but the navigation system didn’t seem to cooperate. Then everything disappeared and I didn’t have one so I called the one 800 Ford to learn that they pulled the system they said and they were creating a replacement. By the summer of 2018 the update was available but my USB in the consul will not recognize anything. I telephoned only to be told that for $90 an hour they will look at it. I telephoned only to be told that for $90 an hour they will look at it. How is this legal that you pay extra for a package that they change and then The only way to install replacement is through the USB that doesn’t work and it’s going to cost you even more to get them to look at it let alone fix it. Has anyone else come across this problem if so is there a solution that does not increase the revenue? Seems to me when you purchase something at the bells in the whistles but it should be guaranteed specially if they change it .
August 15th, 2019 at 4:31 pm
after abour 40,000 miles mft/sync lost almost everything only thing left is gps.it can hear me but cant answer. ford says for $1000.00 they can fix it . im beginning to wonder. ford guarantee ran out jan. 2020. tough luck
August 27th, 2019 at 6:57 pm
My SYNC system doesn’t work on anything, but the radio, my aux outlet doesn’t work, my USB doesn’t work. I’ve contacted Ford support twice and haven’t received any help. I went to the dealership, and they don’t sound like they will help much, and only wanted to talk about money, and not really what could be done. I don’t know what to do at this point, but to replace everything I can myself, with help of YouTube.
September 17th, 2019 at 10:26 pm
I have a 2011 Ford Edge with sync system.I reset this several time after black screen.It would work for awhile then go black again. I took it to a ford dealer they supposed to have updated it. It worked for awhile the went black again.i went back to ford and was told that the apin was gone out and so was the screen also told that I had waited to long for ford replace it . And that I would have pay for all repairs.Several hundred dollars. I purchased vehicle used.
October 1st, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Wow! Wish I had found this earlier. I bought a 2011 Ford Taurus Limited brand new with Sync nav system. The system worked pretty well but I was never able to use the text function with my iPhone. Dealership tried but then chalked it up to my phone and/or service provider. I didn’t have the gumption to challenge them on it so just accepted it. Nav worked ok but sometimes had me uturning in weird places. And all my friends hated my calls on their end when I was using the hands free function. They said I was in a tunnel sound. And now they turned off the vehicle health report function entirely. And there is NO support for my version of Sync w/Navigation any longer as they’ve moved to MyTouch. Cars been out of warranty for years but luckily I have 90 percent use of Sync. My backup cam stopped working this year and dealer wanted $800 to fix. Ummmm nope. I bought a cam on enay and installed it myself. Way easier than I thought and I am not mechanically minded. I feel for the folks who have been bamboozled by Ford and it’s dealers. I do hope they get awarded some damages from Lemon law. – Best
November 16th, 2019 at 8:38 pm
I have a 2013 Explorer, nice vehicle but the Sync 2 absolutely sucks. This is the most unfriendly user experience I have ever used. My iPhone is more user friendly than this Sync 2. Found and update thinking this will bring better functionality and ease of use. Nothing really any better with this update. Ford should offer an upgrade to the Sync 3 for a reasonable price. I doubt this will happen. Just like their 5.4 V8 that always spits out the spark plugs on a regular basis. A known problem they didn’t address which they all happened a few miles out of warranty.
The Nav is horrible and frustrating to use. I’ll tell it to take me to a specific city like Google maps “Which works flawless”. Then it wants an address or intersection. haha, that sucks as well. I wish I could use my Google maps instead of the garbage they installed and forced to use.
I love my Explorer and wish Ford would hook us up instead of spending 2 grand or more to upgrade with an aftermarket unit.
November 20th, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Have a 2013 Cmax bought new. The radio says on even after car is off. battery runs down car will not start. cant use any hands free functions. dealer said that ford would eventually update software. I don’t want buy back really just want it fixed. its been going on 6 years
Guess I should have known that Microsoft would never work right. I am worried my wife is going to reck the car because of the distractions and lack of hands free features that we paid for. also she is loosing time at work and worried she cant pick up our 4 year old on time the car is unreliable turning out to be a big problem. Just don’t understand why ford whould not want to just fix the bug???
November 28th, 2019 at 11:42 am
Bought a transit 250 in June 2019 the sync and hands free phone haven’t worked right ever.
This is my work truck and my phone is my livelihood, have had it in the shop 3 times in 5k miles they replaced the radio/ sync unit because it couldnt be updated.
The radio stays on without the key in the ignition, and dumps memory intermittently the blue tooth hands free works to make calls if I dial it from my phone but wont read the phone contacts or call history.
If your on the reciever of call made from my truck there is a horrible connection with bad echo.
After reading the post above I guess I’m screwed trying to make this system work,but they will own it for the next 3years believe me!
December 21st, 2019 at 1:10 pm
I bought a 2012 Ford Edge in 2014 with a Sync 2/MFT it began failing electrically periodically; working for a few weeks, then going out for a couple of days then a week then on 2 weeks off 2 weeks on. This track continued until it eventually completely failed. I have now been without all the infotainment, features for a couple of years. When you need a car who has time to go without it while the dealer has it and like many of the posts it sounds like they cannot fix it, Heated seats can’ t be controlled; back up camera useless, none of the USB ports work, and the 120 VAC socket is dead.
What an expense to replace it, and who would do it, only to get another one that might fail?
February 21st, 2020 at 5:08 pm
I would have never bought a new 2017 Ford F350 Platinum if I knew of all the synch issues, come on Ford this is BS ripping your customers off like this when we pay big money for our vehicles!!! You claim these are certified with no issues what a bunch of lies hope you all go out of business at this point bunch of crooks.
February 21st, 2020 at 11:21 pm
Wow! Like some of the previous comments, I wish I had known about Fords SYNC problems. I purchased a used 2016 Mustang GT in November 2019. I had checked the car facts report and all was good. However, on December 30th (two months later) the sync system stopped working. With it went climate controls, stereo, USB ports, back-up camera, blue tooth and the steering wheel controls for both radio and hands free voice control. I brought it to Jannel Ford dealership in Massachusetts and they said the APIM needed a replacement. Order and paid for the part and scheduled a visit to have work done. They called later that day that Ford had sent the wrong part. ????
Second visit was scheduled one the correct part came in. Then later that day they called and said that part was faulty and had to order another. ????
Third part ordered, third scheduled visit and later that day they said it would not program. They said they were waiting for the IT people at Ford to respond to there request as to what to do next. They gave me a rental so they could keep the car and get it repaired. Seven days later my car is still there and they said that IT was having them run a four stage test to see if they have another bad APIM. ?????
Now they called and said that Ford has stopped the upload process and they can’t program the newest installed APIM until Ford makes the program available. That its installed in my car but they can’t finish without that necessary data. ????
If anyone has any idea what to do next, besides opting to get rid of the vehicle (which is financed and is no longer covered by warranty) I would appreciate it. How is there not another class action suit against ford since the sync system is obviously not fixed, or a recall being issued to protect us who have had to pay out of pocket for these costly repairs.
Would love to hear from anyone with advice.
March 3rd, 2020 at 3:28 pm
Sean – I was going to cut and paste exactly what you just said because this is my issue as well. However – I have a 2019 F150 and its still under warranty so they are working on it. my problem began with XM radio in December. It just stopped working. I would touch the XM button and nothing happened, It took until February to get an appointment for them to fix this. They have had the truck for two weeks. They confirmed that XM was not working and said I had a faulty APIM. It took them over a week to get a new one (and the tech kept saying “I don’t know why its not here yet”) Finally called today to say the new APIM is in and the XM is working but there is a programming issue with this. He went on to say that at this time there is no fix from Ford Tech support for this and that this is a national problem. The last time it took about a week to get it back on line. They said I can come and get the vehicle and they will call me when a fix is ready. I am about to call and say HELL NO!! I have a loner vehicle right now so they are gonna keep my truck until the fix is in. Unfortunately I feel like “the fix IS in” and we are all just being played. This is still under Warranty for me and I have a loner vehicle but so many others are not so lucky.
March 17th, 2020 at 9:52 am
I have a 2018 Ford Fusion with 23250 miles on it and after the dealership did an program update on a recall the sync system when to hell and has not worked correctly since. I had it in the shop last week and they said it was fixed and once I got home I realized it was worse than before. It freezes up, gets lost, goes blank, and acts completely lost most of the time. Phone calls get dropped or won’t stay connected. The car we love is becoming a pain in the butt and we are not happy? Now Ford Customer Service has assigned a case number and the dealer wants us to bring it back in. What a joke!
March 20th, 2020 at 9:00 am
***UPDATE TO MARCH 3, 2020 POST***Ford still has my truck – its been a month now. The new APIM finally came in and the XM radio works but now the connectivity, SYNC, Bluetooth, charging, voice command, navigation do not work. They have chalked this up to a faulty APIM. (yes the NEW one that just arrived) I am now waiting for another one that has been ordered but they are now on back order so it will be Mid April before I get one. (Unless the coronavirus causes more delays with factory shut downs) They wanted me to come and get my truck while I wait for the part and return the loaner. I told them I was not happy about having to take my truck back in worse shape than it was when I brought it in. The dealership has agreed to let me keep the loaner. They have actually been pretty good through all this but my level of frustration with FORD is over the top. This is a brand new 2019 vehicle that we have owned for 6 months and it has been parked for 1 month now.
June 12th, 2020 at 6:54 pm
Hi I bought my 2012 ford edge limited used 2 years ago and the navigation started freezing up and it would show navigation fault no navigation card please insert card. I brought in to ford and they quoted me over a thousand dollars to replace it. Well I ordered a new APMI from which is the part ford told me I needed. Then when I called to have them install it. They told me that it would effect my warranty because I bought it over the counter. I paid not exactly sure of the total price but I have my Receipts. I’m guessing it was like 5 hundred dollars just for the part Plus their labor to put it in which was almost $1000.00 when all said and done. This was about 2 weeks ago. Well today the navigation on the dash board Started showing me that there was a navigation fault please see touchscreen well there was no notifications or faults on the touch screen. The touch screen was working just fine. After the money I paid to fix this things it should not be doing this.
July 29th, 2020 at 8:46 pm
2013 Ford mustang Rauch RS the sync has loud popping followed by flashing time clock. No stereo, no phone, nada. Dealership took the car for a week did some kind of a software update supposedly give me the car back and as soon as I got it back the same thing happened again. It’s now happened about 10 times. After a few hours of the car turned off it’ll work again for a while. I got the dealership to give me my money back and even pay for a week of rental car, but I still have the problem and I have no idea where to take it to get it fixed.
December 16th, 2020 at 11:32 am
Purchased new 2016 Edge. Summer 2020, Sync began with front camera sensors going off when not near anything and rear sensor did not go off when a bicyclist was directly behind me. Thank God I seen him before moving!!! The following issues followed: no gps, phone briefly connects if at all, touch screen delays when moving from one screen to next, radio controls on steering wheel and climate control on dash also delayed when selecting. This is very distracting while driving. I took to Ford dealership, they could find nothing wrong with it when ran tests and sent me on my way. As things continued to occur, I contacted them again, they said I would probably need a new APIM but would not be covered and would cost me approx $500-$1000 to repair. After reading the above comments, I am glad I did not do this and will just let it go. I also agree with above comments that I cannot believe there has not been a follow up lawsuit against Ford for this very expensive, unsafe and frustrating issue. I have lost confidence in Ford. My friend also has the same issues starting on their Ford Taurus Sho.
July 5th, 2021 at 2:29 pm
My radio in my 2012 f350 states “A system fault has been detected that will result in limited functionality. Please contact your dealership”. At the top of the screen it says in all caps FAIL SAFE MODE. None of the buttons work. But I can still control radio volume and scan stations from my steering wheel buttons. I have pulled the fuse disconnected the batteries still stuck in fail safe mode. Any other option to try and make all functions work?
July 12th, 2021 at 7:24 am
We purchased a 2015 Ford Taurus new back in 2014. It has been problematic to say the least. Now we have an intermittent popping issue coming through the speakers. After a while all radio controls become inoperative. If you let the car sit it will come back on and sound fine or still have the popping which increases gradually overtime. I was told it was a blown speaker but blown speakers don’t get “unblown” and then blow again. Also speakers have no control over the button inputs themselves. Called Ford Corp Service and they say they haven’t heard of any issues like this and could only recommend that i take it to the dealer. Obviously since I am not the only reporting issue, Ford is being misleading about the problem. There are other issues with the SYNC unit too. Issues that we have had ever since we purchased the car. For example the car never remembers what your climate control settings are and you constantly have to change The NAV is worthless. I’d gladly pay for a fix if it made sense to fix it but the run-around they give makes it almost not worth the trouble.
September 26th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
mY 2018 FORD FOCUS SEL HAS SYNC IN IT AND WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION OFF FOR THE NIGHT THE RADIO SCREEN STAYS ON A BLANK DARK SCREEN AND WONT GO OFF. iTS KILLING MY BATTERY AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO FORD TO NO AVAIL. THEY SAID ITS PROBABLY MY BATTERY HAS NO CELLS LEFT IN IT. i HAD THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND THEY ARE BOTH FINE ECEPT THE RADIO IS KILLING MY BATTERY SLOWLY CAUSE IT WONT GO OFF.