When it rains...it pours...literally

[Italiahaircolor]

Today I got in my LR3--which is still nearly new--after parking it outside overnight in heavy rain. I was welcomed by an interior waterfall. I mean, water coming in at all angles...from the pinlight above the shift knob, leaking in around the map lights, pouring down in between the windshield and interior lining. I got drenched...but the car got the worst of it.

I am so upset right now, in tears actually. I called LR to ask them to please look at it--and although this car is new and well under warranty...LR doesn''t cover anything "rubber or plastic" on the vehicle at any point in time after purchase--including the rubber sunroof filtration hoses...so I am stuck holding the bag for this repair...whatever the cost may be. Currently, they charge $120.00 per hour to just assess what needs to be fixed...that doesn''t include labor or parts!!!

I am beyond frusterated. I can''t even look at my car without wanting to kick it. The interior roof lining is wet, the floors are wet, every single surface in the front of the car is wet. I cannot believe this is happening...the car is literally just over a month old! But, as the service tech pointed out, this has nothing to do with miles, age of vehicle, its just the part thats failing to work probably--sadly, thats on me now.

Has anyone heard of this happening before? Do I need to replace the interior roof lining now?

 

[Loves Vintage]

Maybe try here for ideas/help: http://forums.landroverworld.org/forumdisplay.php?f=35

I would be beyond livid. I would not pay a dime for that repair. Can you call corporate? I don''t know why they are even bringing up mileage, etc. They just sold you the car, which has an obvious defect. I don''t see why they think that is your problem, and not theirs!!!

 

[jcrow]

that''s unacceptable. and frustrating!

 

[lyra]

You know, my BIL has successfully returned a Jag that had problems, and ended up with a better deal somehow. I''d look hard at options and complain loudly to someone who counts. That''s beyond ridiculous in a new car--any new car.

 

[geckodani]

Oh no!

I''m so sorry Italiah!

 

[Maria D]

Does your warranty explicitly state that rubber/plastic parts are not covered or are you going by the service tech''s interpretation of it? I pulled this off the internet:


2009 LR3 Warranties
Basic 4 year / 50,000 miles Contact a dealer about warranties & pricing
Free Maintenance N/A Contact a dealer about maintenance & pricing
Drivetrain 4 year / 50,000 miles
Roadside 4 year / 50,000 miles
Rust 6 year / Unlimited miles
Basic Warranty: The basic warranty covers everything except items that are subject to wear and tear or replacement in the ordinary course of vehicle ownership, such as oil and air filters, wiper blades and brake pads. Tires and batteries are often excluded, but usually have their own warranty provided by the manufacturers of those items. Emissions equipment is required by Federal law to be covered for five years or 50,000 miles.

Seems to me a brand new car shouldn''t have any wear and tear!

 

[oneandahalfrock]

I agree- there is NO reason you should have to pay for a manufacturer''s defect!
Your car is less than a month old, so until it actually rained, you had NO way of discovering this flaw.
They need to own up on this, immediately. Go down there, and don''t take no for an answer hun.

 

[jmtomaui]

Italia,

Not that this may help but does your auto insurance cover any of this? I understand that you would not want to have a claim on such a new vehicle but there could be some longer term issues with this that you are not going to want to pay for.

I would worry about the carpets getting moldy or smelly between the carpets and the body, electrical concerns, etc. Water and cars generally do not mix...

I''m sorry you are dealing with this after such a wonderful surprise from your DH.

 

[decodelighted]

Blerg. You can''t make *me* hate Land Rover more than I already do. This is exactly the same type of ** they tried to pull with my car while it was still brand new too. Yup, it was a lemon. Why are they ALWAYS ranked lowest in "Customer Service" polls? Yup, they ****.

Sorry. I''d get out now.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I just got off the phone with the dealership...I can''t even bring my car in today because they are "booked" which sucks because its going rain off and on today and tomorrow!!

I told them that I am so upset...that I have had the car for little more than a month and that this is unacceptable. They told me, again, that rubber and plastic parts aren''t covered under the warranty because they cannot accurately guarantee the life of them...some never have a problem, others go quickly. I guess Mark picked the short straw when he gravitated towards this particular truck. They were "understanding" but understanding doesn''t cover the bill of all that needs to be fixed. I asked them what about the interior liner...which is damp...will they replace that at no charge? They said it is something they will have to look at before committing to anything...WTF does that mean????

.

Lovesvintage, thank you for the link to the forum. I read up a little and I guess this is a pretty "common" problem with my make/model. This makes me feel slightly better.

I guess, all things considered, I am happy that I found this out now...better than the dead of the Chicago winter when it would be water then ice in our below zero temps. Could you imagine what a mess that would be?! I guess I am stuck covering the bill since there is no other option at this point--I will do my best arguing my point once I''m face to face with the service manager, but policy is policy, you know? I actually broke down on the phone out of sheer frusteration. I started off angry, so I had no where to go from there...and my point got lost in translation.

Mark is pissed...so he can''t logic any better than I can. I think we''re just resigning ourselves to pay for it.

Now, one of two things will happen....

1. The lines will need to be cleaned. This will run me $200.00 plus labor. This is the best case senario. In would only take a couple of manhours to fix.

2. The lines will need to be replaced. This could be because the line is "punctured" or clapped and damaged. This will run me labor plus parts. This is the worst case senario. Labor could take multiple hours at $120.00 each.

Either way, I will probably have to replace the lining of the roof--unless its salvageable (I am keeping my fingers crossed). I need to find out if that is part of what is covered by my warranty, or if it falls under wear and tear (which it very well may due to the wear and tear being the f****** flood caused by a rubber part).

All in all, I have learned a lesson. Warranties are b***s****. They look good on paper, but the things that really go wrong are rarely ever covered...and if they are covered, the dealership always tries to find away to make it "wear and tear" and not an actual default.

Now, I must go kick my car really hard to release some of this mounting frusteration. Thanks again everyone, I appreciate the replies and will keep you posted as this unfolds.

 

[tlh]

If it is a common problem, that makes me think manufacturer''s defect, and a possible recall for those parts. This is RIDICULOUS you are left holding the bag on this one. I would call it a MANUFACTURER''S DEFECT, and not a plastic rubber part. I don''t really have any real advice, but I am sorry that you are going through this.

 

[cammy85]

Italia - I am SO sorry to hear about what a headache your brand new car is being. I can''t believe they are calling that something not covered under warranty. I don''t think i''d be able to see straight I''d be so angry.

I hope you can get something to work out because that is seriously rediculous.

 

[princesss]

Honey, go over that warranty with a fine tooth comb. Make sure you are going by the warranty and not some guy''s understanding of it. And then take this up the ladder. The tech can''t help you? Fine, talk to his boss. The supervisor can''t help you? Fine, talk to *his* boss. There will be somebody along the way with the power to make this problem disappear. Be polite but firm, and just keep asking, "How are you going to resolve this issue?" Point out that it is too early for normal wear and tear, and that this was the first real rain the car has been subjected to (hell, print out the weather report from the last month!). This is the first time this has been tested, which makes it a MANUFACTURER''S DEFECT. Not wear and tear. They sold it to you with defective parts.

Write letters. Real, honest-to-God letters in the mail. Send copies to anybody who might have the power to fix it. Heck, send it to the CEO if you really want to. Be persistant. You''d be amazed how much policy can change if you stick to your guns.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 8/27/2009 12:57:23 PM
Author: princesss
Honey, go over that warranty with a fine tooth comb. Make sure you are going by the warranty and not some guy''s understanding of it. And then take this up the ladder. The tech can''t help you? Fine, talk to his boss. The supervisor can''t help you? Fine, talk to *his* boss. There will be somebody along the way with the power to make this problem disappear. Be polite but firm, and just keep asking, ''How are you going to resolve this issue?'' Point out that it is too early for normal wear and tear, and that this was the first real rain the car has been subjected to (hell, print out the weather report from the last month!). This is the first time this has been tested, which makes it a MANUFACTURER''S DEFECT. Not wear and tear. They sold it to you with defective parts.

Write letters. Real, honest-to-God letters in the mail. Send copies to anybody who might have the power to fix it. Heck, send it to the CEO if you really want to. Be persistant. You''d be amazed how much policy can change if you stick to your guns.

Haha! It may come to that. I am so mad.

 

[Madam Bijoux]

If your state has a lemon law, you might be able to force the dealer to fix the problems based on what the law says. Good luck.

 

[lulu]

Unbelievable! I have an LR2 and the service has been great. I''d be very persistent about this. It should not have happened.

 

[Maria D]

Date: 8/27/2009 11:46:14 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor


All in all, I have learned a lesson. Warranties are b***s****. They look good on paper, but the things that really go wrong are rarely ever covered...and if they are covered, the dealership always tries to find away to make it ''wear and tear'' and not an actual default.

I''m sorry that you''re going through this but I disagree with what you say about warranties. Over the years I''ve had many things fixed on cars under warranty. The makes were Ford, Subaru & Honda. If the warranty "looks good on paper" then it should be good. What is the exact wording in your warranty that excludes rubber and plastic parts? If this is, as you say, a common problem for the vehicle AND dealerships are not fixing it under warranty, then there would have been a class action suit by now. I simply would not believe that it wasn''t covered unless it is specifically excluded in writing in your warranty. Don''t go by the dealership''s interpretation, go by what''s actually written down and keep escalating your complaint!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 8/27/2009 12:57:23 PM
Author: princesss
Honey, go over that warranty with a fine tooth comb. Make sure you are going by the warranty and not some guy''s understanding of it. And then take this up the ladder. The tech can''t help you? Fine, talk to his boss. The supervisor can''t help you? Fine, talk to *his* boss. There will be somebody along the way with the power to make this problem disappear. Be polite but firm, and just keep asking, ''How are you going to resolve this issue?'' Point out that it is too early for normal wear and tear, and that this was the first real rain the car has been subjected to (hell, print out the weather report from the last month!). This is the first time this has been tested, which makes it a MANUFACTURER''S DEFECT. Not wear and tear. They sold it to you with defective parts.

Write letters. Real, honest-to-God letters in the mail. Send copies to anybody who might have the power to fix it. Heck, send it to the CEO if you really want to. Be persistant. You''d be amazed how much policy can change if you stick to your guns.

Thats another thing...

It has rained. A lot actually. We had a pretty sucky summer here in Chicago. This was the first time I''ve noticed the flooding so I am operating under the assumption this is the first time it''s happened. I''m crossing my fingers that being parked under my balcony, a leaf or something fell from my potter, and worked its way into the drain clogging it. I mean, essentially the entire roof of the car is a giant sunroof...so it could happen. If this is the case, then I guess it would be considered wear and tear since it happened while the car was in my care, so I can eat the cost of repairs.

If it''s a screw or clamp...well, thats different. I think then I will be forced into going to bat for myself...because I didn''t essemble the car, I didn''t mess up--why do I have to pay for it?

But we''ll see. I am bringing it in on Saturday.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 8/27/2009 1:15:13 PM
Author: lulu
Unbelievable! I have an LR2 and the service has been great. I''d be very persistent about this. It should not have happened.

Maybe it''s my dealership. I don''t know. I feel like they were understanding, they knew exactly what I was talking about when I called and explained my situation. But they were like "rubber isn''t covered but it''s an easy fix".

 

[Maisie]

What a pain! I hope it gets sorted out soon Italia. I would do as the others suggest and keep on at them till you get a satisfactory outcome. I would go to the dealership and get louder and louder in front of potential buyers till they made me happy! Would they rather pay to fix your car or lose a sale?

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 8/27/2009 1:16:45 PM
Author: Maria D

Date: 8/27/2009 11:46:14 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor


All in all, I have learned a lesson. Warranties are b***s****. They look good on paper, but the things that really go wrong are rarely ever covered...and if they are covered, the dealership always tries to find away to make it ''wear and tear'' and not an actual default.

I''m sorry that you''re going through this but I disagree with what you say about warranties. Over the years I''ve had many things fixed on cars under warranty. The makes were Ford, Subaru & Honda. If the warranty ''looks good on paper'' then it should be good. What is the exact wording in your warranty that excludes rubber and plastic parts? If this is, as you say, a common problem for the vehicle AND dealerships are not fixing it under warranty, then there would have been a class action suit by now. I simply would not believe that it wasn''t covered unless it is specifically excluded in writing in your warranty. Don''t go by the dealership''s interpretation, go by what''s actually written down and keep escalating your complaint!

LR used to be owned by Ford, but now it''s owned by Tata and this is my experience with this company and their rules regarding their cars and warranties. I guess every incident is different. I am sure if it were my transmission they would gladly fix it no problem. I think my feelings are tainted by the fact of what I''m going up against.

The only other time I''ve ever made a warranty claim was with my Mazda CX-9 when it was starting to rust on the rear gate. That wasn''t smooth either, since the dealership closed their doors one day and never reopened.

I am hopeful that once this is dealt with, I''ll rethink my stance...but for right now, I''m annoyed.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 8/27/2009 1:12:17 PM
Author: Madam Bijoux
If your state has a lemon law, you might be able to force the dealer to fix the problems based on what the law says. Good luck.

Thanks! Never thought of lemon laws...I only thought that pretained to cars needing repair multiple times over for the same problem. But now that you''ve brought that you my attention, I''m looking into it! Thank you!!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 8/27/2009 1:30:02 PM
Author: Maisie
What a pain! I hope it gets sorted out soon Italia. I would do as the others suggest and keep on at them till you get a satisfactory outcome. I would go to the dealership and get louder and louder in front of potential buyers till they made me happy! Would they rather pay to fix your car or lose a sale?

God, can''t you just see it...me screaming and people starring horrified at me and completely embarrassed for me? LMAO.

I would totally do it. But both of our cars are from the same dealership...and God forbid something else goes wrong during our ownership I''d be forced to show my face there again. Thats my idea of hell.

I''m hoping to either find a loop hole...or I''ll just pay.

 

[tigian]

Unacceptable! I would demand that they fix the problem and refuse to spend a dime. You are a convincing and strong woman, Italia. I''m sure that you will be able to find a way to have them take responsibility.

 

[LGK]

I''ve had the car month from hell so I feel your pain. (So far this month for my RX8: Two tows, one new door due to Random Tire o'' Doom hitting car , three new tires, one new tire sensor. Bah!)

I would probably be ticked enough to start pestering the higher-ups at LR if I were you. Of course, with a fabulous warranty clause like that, you may not get much, but I''d damn well try. That sucks to be footing a bill on a brand new car like that.

Just wanted to offer my sympathies for your car trauma. Sucky!

 

[sap483]

I would call Land Rover''s customer service/warranty line directly and ask them rather than just relying on the word of your dealer.

I was in a similar situation when I bought my car. Within four weeks of my buying my A4, my differential fluid starting leaking. The dealer said it was a problem with the gasket and it wasn''t covered by the warranty, plus since it was so difficult to get to, the labor charge would be significant. I thought that was outrageous, and called Audi directly who confirmed my suspicions that yes in fact the repair was covered under my warranty. It was a hassle, but it saved me thousands of dollars, so it was worth it.

So definitely call them, and don''t take the dealer''s word for it.

 

[jmtomaui]

Date: 8/27/2009 1:05:33 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor

Date: 8/27/2009 12:57:23 PM
Author: princesss
Honey, go over that warranty with a fine tooth comb. Make sure you are going by the warranty and not some guy''s understanding of it. And then take this up the ladder. The tech can''t help you? Fine, talk to his boss. The supervisor can''t help you? Fine, talk to *his* boss. There will be somebody along the way with the power to make this problem disappear. Be polite but firm, and just keep asking, ''How are you going to resolve this issue?'' Point out that it is too early for normal wear and tear, and that this was the first real rain the car has been subjected to (hell, print out the weather report from the last month!). This is the first time this has been tested, which makes it a MANUFACTURER''S DEFECT. Not wear and tear. They sold it to you with defective parts.

Write letters. Real, honest-to-God letters in the mail. Send copies to anybody who might have the power to fix it. Heck, send it to the CEO if you really want to. Be persistant. You''d be amazed how much policy can change if you stick to your guns.

Haha! It may come to that. I am so mad.

I don''t know if you have any friends who are attorneys but I would also cc them on the letter. You would not actually have to send it to them. Your dealer would not have to know they are divorce attorneys (or whatever field they mght practice in - hahaha). The idea is just to catch the dealer''s attention... No threats. No histeria, just a little cc:

 

[LamborghiniGirl]

This is awful! I would be so upset right now too

Can you talk with the manager or call Land Rover Corporate? Maybe you could explain that you have only had the car for a month and were hoping this would be a good experience and you would become a repeat customer... and that you hope this incident won''t hurt future dealings? Maybe a friendly threat you will take business elsewhere or that you will be forced to share this experience with friends/family/online... maybe they will reconsider and cover it.

*hugs*

 

[HollyS]

For the kind of money you paid? And no satisfaction from the dealer?

Wow.

 

[Barcelona]

There is no way in hell I would pay a single cent if this happened to my car especially since it''s just over a month old. If your dealership gives you a fight, ask to have a regional rep from LR come in and inspect the car. If they refuse, bring it to another dealership.

In the mean time I would suggest taking the car and getting it cleaned/dried. You need to start airing it out before mildew sets in.