Sometimes a manufacturer makes a design or production mistake on a motor vehicle.
If dealers report a number of complaints about a certain part or vehicle, the
manufacturer may allow dealers to repair the problem at no cost to you even if the
warranty has expired. A service bulletin notifies the dealer of the problem and how
to resolve it. Because these free repairs are not publicized, they are
called "secret warranties." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database of
service bulletins filed by manufacturers.
If you have a problem with a vehicle that is a safety hazard, check whether the
manufacturer has recalled your vehicle. Hazards that aren't listed should be reported
to your dealer, the manufacturer of the vehicle, and NHTSA. If a safety-related
defect exists, the maker must fix it at no cost to you-even if your warranty has
expired.
If you have a vehicle with a unique problem that just never seems to get fixed,
you may have a lemon. Some states have laws concerning lemons that require a refund
or replacement if a problem is not fixed within a reasonable number of tries or if
you haven't been able to use your vehicle for a certain number of days. Contact your local consumer protection office to learn whether you have such protections
and what steps you must take to solve your problem. If you believe your car is a lemon:
- Give the dealer a list of the problems every time you bring it in for
repairs.
- Get and keep copies of the repair orders listing the problems, the work
done, and the dates the car was in the shop.
- Contact the manufacturer, as well as the dealer, to report the problem.
Check your owner's manual or the directory for the auto manufacturers.
- Help other consumers avoid purchasing your lemon by registering it
at www.safetyforum.com.
The Center for Auto Safety gathers information and complaints concerning safety defects, recalls, service bulletins
and state lemon laws.
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