NHTSA Complaint #11700719 — 2024 FORD F-250 SD

What Happened: My 2024 Ford F-250 developed a coolant leak. The coolant lines run along the frame, and when I brought it to the dealership, they said the bent lines and leak were caused by “road debris” and refused warranty coverage. They claimed mud on the undercarriage meant I was off-roading. I only drive on normal gravel roads, and the truck had been parked for around three weeks before the leak appeared after a short drive around town. I did not hit anything. The placement of the coolant lines may make them vulnerable to minor debris in normal driving conditions. Dealer Experience: I also experienced dismissive treatment by the service advisor. When I arrived and said my pickup was leaking antifreeze, the advisor said, “Are you sure it’s not water?” The tone felt dismissive and made me feel like I wasn’t being taken seriously. Safety Concern: A coolant line damaged under normal driving conditions could lead to overheating and engine failure without warning. If these lines are routed in a location easily struck by road debris, this could be a design vulnerability. Outcome: I left the dealer due to lack of confidence in their diagnosis and had the repair done elsewhere. The other shop documented the bent line and leak. I want this recorded in case other owners report similar issues.