Purchasing a vehicle is not a problem as Sales Department will provide you all their attention to complete that sale. For the Service Department, that is a whole different story. One out of my many experience that's been an issue and still an on-going issue, is the engine light that continues to light-up, before and after receiving a new engine. That new engine with no charge, is due to a recall on my 2020 Ford EcoSport. I had to reach out to Ford on Facebook, called the Ford Corporate office and the Ford Recall Department for the Service Department at Orchid Isle Ford in Hilo to actually do something about it. This was back in the summertime of 2025, that I communicated with their on/off Service Department Manager M.E and only then, did she really pay attention to my issue. Prior to that, the engine light and wrench light kept popping up. Anyone would think that when a diagnosis is completed and you are told what the problem is, along with the charged amount, your car would be fixed right away.
In my case, I had Ford fix the so-called issue, paid a high price for that, only to have the engine light show-up again a few days later. Called Ford, explained what happened and took my car back in. Same service received and was informed they don't know what the issue is but bring it back when the light pops up again. So, I took it back again, this time they explained after the diagnosis, they found what was wrong with it. This is all within 2 weeks, yet they wanted me to pay a ridiculous, high amount out-of-pocket to have it fixed...and guess what? After Ford so-called fixed it, I paid and picked up the car, the engine light is back on again.
Throughout all the contacts with Ford during this time, I kept mentioning and asking if this issue was related to the 2020 EcoSport recall, same reply-no. However, they finally said after the fourth or time in a row that my car was taken in, diagnosed, so-called fixed, and my research of reaching out to others at Ford for help (listed above: Ford Recall Dept, Ford Facebook Page & Ford Corporate) to bring it in due to the recall. How disturbing and unprofessional is that? The car was in the shop from June through December 2025. We had to find someone to tow it there ourselves because they did not hear back from their tow company or service. Again, Orchid Isle Ford Service Manager Mary, acted quickly due to my email with the help from others. The issue did not stop there, no it didn't. When the new engine was replaced and we had the vehicle back, a few days later, the engine light is back again!
This is unbelievable! Of course, I emailed Mary to inform her of this and that there was also a leak! I took photos and emailed her. At first, I thought it was just the rain, but when the concrete in the garage dried up, there was still the stains from the leak. The last email reply I received from here was in January 2026. Yet, I find it strange when she asked me which social media did, I reach out to, regarding the car issues. I told her Facebook & Ford Corporate site; she thought it was the Orchid Isle Ford as nothing was coming through to her. Strange because my emails are sent directly to her. I was also informed by one of the workers there, that Mary is busy and has a lot to deal with.
So, I gave them some time as a loyal customer and trusted that she will do her part as a professional worker to look into that matter. It's been 3 months since, that's been a long enough time to look into it and take care of some other things in her busy schedule. There is still the engine light and leak issue. Throughout the whole waiting period, I received many feedback and advice from friends, family and other technicians from different Auto Service Shops and Dealerships. One said the leak is from the transmission and to have Ford look into it as they should. I emailed Mary, addressing the 3 months of waiting for her reply and still, the engine light issue. I also emailed Orchid Isle Ford directly and an email was sent to the CEO of the Steve Marshall Group, requesting help. Thankfully, Reyn, the Service Technician Manager called back and scheduled for a drop of today, April 30, 2026. He was genuine over the phone, very caring and professional. When I dropped off the car this morning at Orchid Isle Service Department, the advisor took the information I provided on my conversation with Reyn, then said, I will not charge you for the diagnosis, but there will be a charge for the transmission service. Wow! In my mind, the question was, Ford will charge me for the transmission service, which that issue only appeared after your service department installed the new engine? I replied, Reyn said he will look at it and go from there. So...I am praying that I will receive honesty, professionalism and care with today's service. Wish us luck! read more