Car advice- update post 35

[Kellydelly]

So what have you done in the last 12 days since you posted about this problem? Did you contact the dealer to complain? Did you find out if the lemon law covers this situation?

 

[dakcp2001]

They have had my car twice in the last week, and the problem was "fixed". The keyless entry can't be fixed until they get the part. And it does not qualify for the lemon law for 2 reasons, the repair has to be the same repair attempt 3x, and it needs to be under a certain mileage. I called the owner of the dealership he had the sales guy call me back and all he did was blow hot air. Sorry sorry sorry. Well sorry doesn't cut it. I can't even trade the stupid thing in unless all the service lights go off.

 

[disneymarie]

I would contact the local news station consumer reporter and tell them about the problem. When they show up with cameras at the dealership airing for the 6pm news it will catch attention of viewers and potential customers looking for good vehicle and customer service.

 

[scrapquitler]

The code says "emissions leak, minor" but the shop was closed today and will be closed tomorrow. I am working Tues & Wed so It wont get looked at until Thursday. My car does not have a gas cap, it is a 2011 Dodge. I had autozone read the code.

No gas cap? You don't screw a cap on over the hole you put the gas into??

THat is the most common reason for the code you are getting (it happens to me a lot when I don't screw the cap on tight enough). If that's the reason for the check engine light it will go off after a few times running the car for 20 minutes or longer once you've tightened the gas cap.

 

[sam_gordon]

My .02... I don't think this qualifies as a lemon. I also don't understand the following...

They have had my car twice in the last week, and the problem was "fixed". The keyless entry can't be fixed until they get the part.

So the problem was fixed or it wasn't fixed? Assuming they aren't charging you, the dealership is doing its part. Just because something is "new" doesn't mean it won't have problems.

I also don't understand how a problem with the keyless entry or the check engine light = leaving you stranded at 4am in the morning.

Sorry, I think you're going to have to suck it up. I suggest contacting the dealership and telling them you need a loaner car when your car is in the shop.

 

[HeatherC]

I am with you OP. I say get rid of it. Next to houses, cars can be a person's biggest expense and headache.

I would look around for another car and then see what they will give you on a trade. We just went through this. I had a Toyota Sienna where the airbag light wouldn't go off. Toyota wanted $5,000 to fix it. There were 68,000 miles on the car and they warranty the problem till 60000. It failed imspection of course and HAD to be fixed in order to drive legally and pass inspection.

We went and traded it in for a new Nissa Quest with the light still flashing and the inspection sticker saying rejected. They gave us enough on a trade to make the payments liveable.

Since they can look up your car, I would just be upfront about it and see what you can do on making a trade.

Best of luck to you! I know it is such an expensive headache.

 

[nilseks]

Sorry to all who have a Dodge, but I'm gonna be blunt here...get rid of it. I just got rid of my Caravan (or as I called it, Crapavan) in May because I had the same problem...issues from day one, over and over and over. It was the worst car I have EVER owned, by far, it was a money trap and I was afraid to drive my kids around in it. I'll spare you all the gory details but my husband also has a Dodge and the minute it's paid off, it's gone--nothing but problems there either. I know some people have had good experiences with Dodge, but I know a lot more that have had nothing but problems. After what we went through, you could not pay me to drive my kids around in a Dodge (it died while I was driving down a busy road with my kids in back and a semi right behind me).

I'm sorry you are going through this. Been there, done that...and sure didn't like it!

 

[CowboyCO]

I'd look into the lemon law for your state and see what can be done.

Here's a link summarizing how many repairs within what time frame to be considered.

http://www.carlemon.com/lemons.html

Lemon Law only applies to new cars and must be the same problem in for repair three times or out of service for more than 30 days in the same calendar year.

Your check engine light is likely due to the missing gas cap. The fuel system is lightly pressurized, so the missing gas cap is likely messing with that.

Replace it and go to Autozone or pther parts store for a free diagnosis of the light and have them turn it off after the cap is replaced.

 

[Thumper_Man]

A lot of people on here are mentioning to get a new gas cap. OP's car does not have a gas cap. Many cars today are going to capless fuel tanks. I discovered this when we rented a car in CA over the summer. They are starting to become standard in all newer vehicles. Here's an example of what they look like. This one is from the new Fords. As you can see, it states NO CAP

Here's a link to an article where I found the picture. Explains a little bit how the new easy fuel works: http://fullerisford.wordpress.com/tag/capless-fuel-filler/


OP at this point, I would contact your state's Attorney Generals Office or see who handles consumer issues in your state and file a complaint with them. I hope your problem gets resolved soon.

 

[MaggieBailey]

I don't know why a car would need to be in the shop that often, why on earth they couldn't be taking care of these things for you - its so new! I hate our local Dodge dealer... 3 months ago I had to have the PCM replaced in my car in order to pass the state inspection and shut off the engine light (the PCM is the computer thingy, I was told - the light was only not for a "real" reason, just because the computer had an issue) that cost $1100 -- including labor. I had SO many issues with the dealer... Then, 3 weeks ago, the light came on again!! Went back to the dealer, the PCM was dead - again. (Did I mention I have had this car for 6 years? And have had it serviced often and take very good care of it? Its an 02) so they ordered the part and told me to come back in 3 days - it would get fixed and it was under warrenty so no additional cost to me. Dropped it off on a Friday AM, was told it would be ready by 4 - got a call at 4:15 telling me the part was bad. And they had taken the car apart and it was undrivable. I was without a car for 13 days. No one would help me with anything, not getting it sooner or a rental. I pleaded, begged, cried, reasoned and was super sweet. Nothing. Never again will I buy a Dodge and use a dealer.... Grrr... Sorry for the rant, lol. Hoping that your stress gets settled soon and you no longer have to deal with your car issues!

 

[scrapquitler]

A lot of people on here are mentioning to get a new gas cap. OP's car does not have a gas cap. Many cars today are going to capless fuel tanks. I discovered this when we rented a car in CA over the summer. They are starting to become standard in all newer vehicles. Here's an example of what they look like. This one is from the new Fords. As you can see, it states NO CAP

Here's a link to an article where I found the picture. Explains a little bit how the new easy fuel works: http://fullerisford.wordpress.com/tag/capless-fuel-filler/


OP at this point, I would contact your state's Attorney Generals Office or see who handles consumer issues in your state and file a complaint with them. I hope your problem gets resolved soon.

Very interesting... This is the first I've heard of this new no cap thing.

 

[undertheradar]

Since there is no gas cap, is the gas door closing and fitting snug? Any loss of pressure involving that door could cause the warning light.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

We have had nothing but problems with our car. However our state law is 30 days in the shop 4 repairs and under 18 month and 18,000 miles. In Indiana it did NOT have to be all the same problem and yes all the times in the shop the shop did fix the problems however i was out of a car for over 30 days (a whole months payment!) We contacted a lawyer and they went to the manufactuer. We settled with them. We still have our full warrenty but being stuck on the side of the road with 2 children and 32 weeks pregnant after being told numerous times that the car was all fixed was just to much. We bought a brand new car in order to have a reliable vehicle. Anyways I would look into getting a lawyer (ours charged the manufactuer for lawyer fees and if they did not win would charge nothing). Also the lawyer mentioned that there is state lemon law and a federal lemon law. Good luck!

 

[dakcp2001]

My .02... I don't think this qualifies as a lemon. I also don't understand the following...

So the problem was fixed or it wasn't fixed? Assuming they aren't charging you, the dealership is doing its part. Just because something is "new" doesn't mean it won't have problems.

I also don't understand how a problem with the keyless entry or the check engine light = leaving you stranded at 4am in the morning.

Sorry, I think you're going to have to suck it up. I suggest contacting the dealership and telling them you need a loaner car when your car is in the shop.

They keep giving it back to me saying it is fixed, then the check engine light comes back on. They finally admitted there is an emissions leak, and I quote "it must be small because we can't find it". So they can't fix it. So it is still got an issue.

When the car won't unlock and I CANT GET IN IT, I am stranded. I have no way to get to work. Also when the ignition button would not work I COULD NOT GET TO WORK. Which part is confusing to you? I also feel like I must point out that they have put over 400 miles on it trying to get the check engine light to go back on.

They did give me a loaner car for the last 2 days, it was a Chevy Malibu 2007. It smells of feet and cigarette smoke, so I drove with the windows open and got an air freshener. I left the windows open over night to air it out that helped a little bit. It shakes when you hit 70mph and it takes at least two tries to get it to start, again leaving me nervous in the am that it won't and I might not get to work. I drive an hour and 15 minutes each way to work. I asked for a different loaner and they said thay is the "nicest" one they had. They said if I get stuck to call them. They aren't open at 4am when I drive to work.

 

[dakcp2001]

Here is an update

After fighting with the owner all day yesterday, he kept saying there is nothing wrong with the car and the check engine light is no big deal. He kept telling me to calm down, just bring it in if the light goes back on again. This was not the right thing to say it made me very angry.

I ended up calling another Dodge dealership and asking them for help. They got me in touch with another member of the family that owns this dealership. Apparently the "owner" I had been dealing with all this time is the 25 year old son of the family that owns it, and runs this particular location. After speaking with his father these are the options I have been given:

I can take a replacement car, same year and model Dodge Charger 2011 but all they have left is Toxic Orange. It will cost me about 1500 in tax title registration and fees, but the car is new with no miles, mine has almost 13K. I can't live with orange. I realize this is a petty complaint, but I can't do orange. It makes me want to vomit. If they had pretty much any other color, I feel that this would be a fair deal.

I can take a Dodge Challenger, same year 2011, new no miles but all they have is dark gray. And this car is 2 doors and really has no backseat. It will also cost me about 1500 for tax title fees and registration. My husband thinks I should take this deal. I am concerned about getting another Dodge.

I can take a Chevy Cruze, its only a 4cylinder and in my opinion is in no way comparable to a v6 Dodge Charger. It is not even close to being a midsize sedan and is in no way in the same price range I purchased. This would be a downgrade and loss for me and I would pay tax title registration and fees.

They will buy it back outright, for way less than I paid for it I would lose about 6-7K from purchase price. Also their buyback is 2K less than I owe on it.

I can trade it in for something else at any one of their dealerships and they will value it at 3K above the buyback price, meaning I will lose about 3k ish plus tax title registration. So a loss of 3k-5k is total but will have something hopefully more realiable, they sell Chevy, GMC, Buick, Cadiallac, Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge.

Anyone have any input? I am thinking of trading it in for something other than a Dodge Chrysler Jeep. I think it is worth losing money to get something more reliable.

 

[Green Tea]

Thank you! Well I meet the 3 repairs in under 12K. I am at 11k and this will be the 4th time in the shop. Now to go about using the lemon law.....researching...

It's a very specific law. It has to be a defect that has been in for repair at least 3 times and not corrected. You don't get to turn the car and get a replacement just like that. You pay for mileage up to the point it was first in for service. It has to be something that is a real issue with the safety, driveability, etc---no that a speaker isn't quite right or something like that.

Your owners manual will have an address or phone number in the literature that gives you the contact manner. It isn't something you do thru the dealer.

 

[dakcp2001]

It's a very specific law. It has to be a defect that has been in for repair at least 3 times and not corrected. You don't get to turn the car and get a replacement just like that. You pay for mileage up to the point it was first in for service. It has to be something that is a real issue with the safety, driveability, etc---no that a speaker isn't quite right or something like that.

Your owners manual will have an address or phone number in the literature that gives you the contact manner. It isn't something you do thru the dealer.

You must have posted while I was typing my update. I am currently trying to make a decision.

 

[Green Tea]

Here is an update

After fighting with the owner all day yesterday, he kept saying there is nothing wrong with the car and the check engine light is no big deal. He kept telling me to calm down, just bring it in if the light goes back on again. This was not the right thing to say it made me very angry.

I ended up calling another Dodge dealership and asking them for help. They got me in touch with another member of the family that owns this dealership. Apparently the "owner" I had been dealing with all this time is the 25 year old son of the family that owns it, and runs this particular location. After speaking with his father these are the options I have been given:

I can take a replacement car, same year and model Dodge Charger 2011 but all they have left is Toxic Orange. It will cost me about 1500 in tax title registration and fees, but the car is new with no miles, mine has almost 13K. I can't live with orange. I realize this is a petty complaint, but I can't do orange. It makes me want to vomit. If they had pretty much any other color, I feel that this would be a fair deal.

I can take a Dodge Challenger, same year 2011, new no miles but all they have is dark gray. And this car is 2 doors and really has no backseat. It will also cost me about 1500 for tax title fees and registration. My husband thinks I should take this deal. I am concerned about getting another Dodge.

I can take a Chevy Cruze, its only a 4cylinder and in my opinion is in no way comparable to a v6 Dodge Charger. It is not even close to being a midsize sedan and is in no way in the same price range I purchased. This would be a downgrade and loss for me and I would pay tax title registration and fees.

They will buy it back outright, for way less than I paid for it I would lose about 6-7K from purchase price. Also their buyback is 2K less than I owe on it.

I can trade it in for something else at any one of their dealerships and they will value it at 3K above the buyback price, meaning I will lose about 3k ish plus tax title registration. So a loss of 3k-5k is total but will have something hopefully more realiable, they sell Chevy, GMC, Buick, Cadiallac, Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge.

Anyone have any input? I am thinking of trading it in for something other than a Dodge Chrysler Jeep. I think it is worth losing money to get something more reliable.

If they are offering you things then they must agree it qualifies for Lemon status. That is good. The law is in control of the situation. Go to you state's attorney general website and read the law. It will be very specific. The manufacturer is required to follow the law. At least in my state, there was absolutely nothing vague about this.....no tax, tag, license fees. No take the orange, its all we've got. You are responsible for the miles driven up to the time it was first reported to a dealership for repair. The state law will even tell you the formula for miles cost. That's it. Total. You can get a refund for everything other than that. Or agree to a different car at a cost of the same mileage fee. Each state is slightly different, I think. But it will be very clear and exactly written.

 

[undertheradar]

Why not take the orange car and get it painted later? Florida's Lemon Law is vague and recently changed back to the jurisdiction of the AG's office as opposed to the agriculture department. The roughly $1500. looks to be about right when factoring in mileage, which is part of the Lemon Law. I would take the new car and be done.

 

[Irin997]

Sell it back to the dealer and buy a Toyota or Honda. Just my humble opinion.