Ask the Best and Brightest: Are You Having Trouble Getting Warranty Work?

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Times are tough. Margins are tight. Carmakers are looking for savings anywhere they can. As mechanical work performed by a dealer under a manufacturer’s warranty comes straight off the automaker’s bottom line, it’s not all that surprisingly that we’re getting reports that certain manufacturers (cough Chrysler cough) are dragging their heels on paying for warranty work. In specific, we’re hearing that owners of Cummins diesel-powered Rams are having to stump-up for the cost of engine repairs, as the mothership blames “issues” on driver negligence, poor operating conditions and the knock-out punch “contaminated fuel.” Are you having any trouble getting warranty work on your vehicle(s)?

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Newcarscostalot Newcarscostalot on Nov 13, 2009

    I had a KIA that had lifter noise and I went to two dealers to try and get it fixed. I even called KIA and they still were unable/unwilling to fix it so I traded it in. So much for the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, lol!

  • Changsta Changsta on Nov 13, 2009

    The Mazda stealerships in the Toronto area have continually given me the "they all do that, it's normal!" line time and time again. It is especially insulting because I paid for "premium" Mazda Added Protection. Worst $1600 + tax I've ever spent! I have documented all of the problems with my 2006 Mazda5 GT here: www.mymazda5lemon.blogspot.com Please comment!

  • Don1967 Don1967 on Nov 13, 2009

    My Hyundai Santa Fe required its first warranty repair this summer, to replace a noisy stabilizer link. The dealer had me in and out in 30 minutes, no charge. My 2004 Nissan Quest was not so reliable, however the warranty service was excellent. The dealer never balked at any of my numerous problems, and Nissan extended the factory warranty as a goodwill gesture. I would buy from either manufacturer again. @newcarscostalot: Many cars, including Hyundai/Kia, make a ticking sound at idle which is often mistaken for lifter noise but is actually normal fuel injector operation. Just throwing that out there.

  • Radimus Radimus on Nov 13, 2009

    When I buy a car it's usually depreciated to about 10-20% of what it cost when new. What is this warranty thing you speak of? Sounds like it's more trouble than it's worth.

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