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.
