Rust in territory

EARLIER this year I told my dealer my Ford Territory was showing signs of rust in the engine compartment and at the fuel filler door, but I was told it would not be covered by warranty as it was deemed to be caused by salt water. I'm not sure how anyone could determine that, and in any case my car doesn't get driven in salt water. When there were signs it was going to reappear, I again reported it to the dealer. This time they had a Ford rep inspect the car. He also told me it was caused by salt water and that my warranty would not be honoured because it had not been maintained as per the Ford warranty handbook. I checked another Territory the dealer had and found it had the same rust in the same spots. I was told this car was used and it was implied the previous owner had neglected it. Another of the dealer's cars was showing the same rust signs. When I asked the Ford rep if he had knew of a rust problem with the Territory, he clammed up. Later Ford Customer Relations also told me my car would not be covered by warranty. I have since looked at a number of Territorys at various Ford dealers and most of them have the problem. I want Ford to address this before I take it up with Consumer Affairs.