When a person buys a new car, the clock starts ticking on how long the warranty will last. However, just because the clock has run out does not mean the user has run out of options.
Lynaya is a Russian actress. Graham was ecstatic to purchase a 2016 Chevy Trax, particularly because the factory warranty was still valid for another 9,000 miles.
She says, “I didn’t even test drive the car because I was so nervous.”
However, this may have been a mistake. The “check engine” light kept coming on, so Graham took the car to a GM dealer five times. Her turbocharger was replaced after the dealer kept resetting the light. However, the issue persisted.
“The check engine light was turned off when I got the car back. But it started smoking as soon as I got in the car and drove five miles. The engine was smoking out the back,” Graham says.
Graham’s warranty eventually expired.
Some will believe Graham is out of luck. However, there is a consumer rule that few people are aware of. It’s known as the “Magnuson Moss Warranty Act,” and it specifies that if a car has a persistent issue that isn’t resolved under warranty, the owner might be entitled to compensation. Even after the warranty has expired, the insurance can still be valid.
“Many people believe they are powerless. They have stopped returning because the car dealers say, “Can’t find something, can’t find anything.” But you have a gut feeling that something is wrong,” says attorney Bob Silverman.
Silverman is an expert in the field of automobile law. He advises someone with a warranty problem to keep bringing their car in for service and getting a repair order each time.
And if the service department can’t confirm it, he says to make sure the order contains the date, odometer reading, and the issue that is occurring. He also advises keeping the records in case they are required later.
“When most people head through their first fix, they don’t think about it. They don’t follow through with their first maintenance order because they expect it to be done correctly the first time,” Silverman explains. “But keep those documents, they’re vital.”
With Silverman’s support, Graham was able to reach an agreement. It was enough for her to decide to purchase a new vehicle, which she promises she will test drive this time.
